Finishing a treatment program and returning to our former lives can present some unique challenges that we want to address ahead of time. We want to minimize how surprising, confusing, and overwhelming the reintegration process can be for us. Addressing how we will reintegrate into our homes, communities, jobs, and lifestyles is an important part of the recovery process and can help us prepare for the relapse prevention work we’ll want to continue doing.
Our Living Environments and Relationships
Our living environments and the relationships therein can be triggering for us, especially when we aren’t mindful of the challenges they might present for us. Will we be living in homes where substance use is accepted? Will we be living with other addicts? Will we be sharing a home with people that don’t understand the importance of sobriety in our lives? Will we be pressured or coerced to use again? Whenever possible, we want to find a living environment that is supportive of our recovery. This might mean we’re unable to live with our families, partners, or roommates. We might need to live in a sober living house, which our treatment program can help us to locate until we can find permanent housing of our own. We learn through the relapse prevention process as well as the reintegration process that prioritizing our sobriety has to be our primary concern. We can’t risk jeopardizing our recovery because our homes and relationships aren’t conducive to our sobriety.
Ongoing Unresolved Issues
Another thing to consider is all the unresolved issues we left behind when we went into treatment. Are there relationship or family conflicts you have yet to deal with? Are there financial difficulties or workplace concerns you’ll have to handle when you get home? Enlist the support of a therapist to help you navigate these challenges. Be honest with your work supervisors if you need support. Consider going to family counseling. Work with a recovery coach to stay on track with your relapse prevention goals. Try not to leave it until the last minute, when you’re already out of treatment and returning home, to think about the ongoing issues you’ll need to address when reintegrating into your regular life.
The Guest House is a welcoming and supportive recovery home where you will be met with open arms, wherever you are on your journey, without judgment or expectation.
Call 855-823-5463 today for more information.