Completing a rehab program is a massive step in the right direction of a sober life. However, many people will wonder what they should do now in their post-rehab life. Taking some of these first steps can help you ensure you get your new life started properly…
Post-Rehab Life: What To Do
Make new friends
One good way to start your post-rehab life is by making new friends. It’s possible that many of your old friends were only your friends because of you both had a similar addiction. Or, it could be that they aren’t a positive influence. Instead of supporting you, they may try and tempt you to relapse and go back to the “old you.”
As you’d expect, these are the last type of people what you want in your life. Instead, it’s good to start looking for some new, sober friends. Being around those who know exactly what you’ve gone through is great for helping you stick to your sobriety while also knowing you have people who will support you along the way.
Keep attending meetings
It’s also important that you keep up with any additional treatment you’re receiving as part of your post-rehab life. As you adjust to your new life, you may find it isn’t all that easy to adapt. This is where the continuing treatment will come in handy.
What’s important is that you don’t skip out on these meetings. As you spend more and more time sober, you may think that you don’t need this sort of support anymore. However, until you can really be sure you’re back on your feet, it’s best to keep using it. Don’t be afraid to come back to it either if you find yourself really struggling down the line!
Focus on mental health
Addiction isn’t just a physical matter. In fact, a large part of it is also a mental matter. Returning to an old routine can be stressful, and this stress can cause cravings to develop. Therefore, it’s key to focus on your mental health in your post-rehab life.
Try to take some time each day to relax and unwind. Having these moments can really help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. You can also try exercising. Science has shown that exercise helps to improve our moods and make us feel more optimistic, which is very important for someone coming off of an addiction.