Do all the stars have to line up for recovery from addiction to succeed? Maybe not, but it helps to make small steps to better oneself during their treatment because it will prepare them for the shock of taking on real life once again. Treatment programs have never been better, but what people forget is that after that particular finish line a whole new marathon begins. Life is messy and unpredictable, and treatment offers a certain serenity that protects those being nurtured back to health for a very small period of time. Once treatment is over, the process of rebuilding ones life can be a long and challenging process that can last for years.
Many addicts lose their jobs, lose friends and burn bridges while they are unwell and being held back by their addiction to drugs and alcohol. These relationships and opportunities are things that recovering addicts suddenly need to re-think when they’ve completed the first part of their recovery, and it isn’t easy, but is a necessary component in personal wellness. It’s one thing to say “I’m clean, I’m healthy”, but it is another thing entirely to re-build a shattered life that was plagued by the destruction of addiction and mental health problems.
Realistic expectations and short-term goals are probably the best ways to return to the real world. Perhaps after someone’s treatment is complete they could take some personal time before returning to work or beginning an entirely new job hunt or career. If you have a supportive family or close network of friends, perhaps asking for their help while you sort out your affairs would be a good idea before setting out alone. Finding a job is never easy, but starting small and finding part-time work that doesn’t involve a lot of stress could facilitate things and encourage a former addict to be more responsible and could offer motivation to make it through the day. Joining an on-going support group is a no-brainer as many people there are in the same position, or have been, and often know what works. Exercising and taking care of the human body is not only for addicts, but has been shown to strengthen not only our physical health but has numerous neurological and psychological benefits that a recovering addict could benefit from.
There is no one trick or plan that will cover all a recovering addict’s needs, but combining things that make sense and help someone cope during that crucial part of their recovery can have excellent results on overall health as well as someone’s well-being.