There is no doubt that, for many addicts, facing their addictions head-on at a rehabilitation facility can be a difficult process. But what loved ones often do not plan for -- are the even more difficult days following an addict's time at a recovery center. The truth is, the first few weeks after rehab can be even worse worse for the struggling addict. They leave the facility facing shattered relationships, uncertain futures, and many times unemployment or even no place to call home. What’s worse -- they face these terrifying issues with less support than they had at the facility.

The first few weeks after treatment are critical to preventing a relapse-- and there are several things an addict can do to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

It’s a long road back from addiction. While recovery is different for every individual, one thing remains the same: all persons in recovery need the support of others. And these others need to be intimately familiar with what it means to be an addict. Recovering addicts can experience agonizing doubt, fear, cravings and rocky instability that frequently tag along in addiction recovery. This is especially true in early recovery, but the insecurity, sense of loss and being drawn back into the addiction can also drag on for much longer – even years. Peer recovery support services are critical in both helping to conquer addiction, and greatly reducing the chance of relapse.

Substance Abuse Disorder and Recovery.

Peer recovery support services are designed and delivered by people who have experienced both substance abuse disorder and recovery. They know what it’s like to be an addict, to struggle with the daily pressures and stress, to overcome the guilt, sadness, confusion, to try to find a job, rebuild careers, relationships, and self-esteem.

Addiction recovery is a complex journey that requires a conscious daily commitment to long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, learning to manage your triggers can greatly increase your chances for long-term recovery.

What is a trigger?

A trigger is an activity, event, place, person or emotional state that triggers one’s desire to enact in a particular behavior. We all have triggers in life that can lead to self-destructive behavior. But for an addict in recovery, triggers can signal a dangerous road to relapse. Triggers encourage the desire to use drugs and/or alcohol and decrease the individual’s ability to exercise willpower in certain situations. Identifying these triggers and re-associating them with healthy replacement behaviors is essential for long-term recovery.

Okay, so you are considering entering a rehab treatment program. Have you considered what life after rehab is like? What happens when you leave the facility? Where and how does one begin a clean and sober life? What are the steps you can take now to start planning for long-term recovery?

Life after rehab needs to be carefully planned in order to support lasting recovery efforts. At the 12 Palms Recovery Center, we offer Individualized After Rehab Care Planning and work with our clients to develop a tailored plan of action that supports life after rehab. After Rehab Care Planning equips clients with the tools necessary to confidently re-enter society and gain a greater chance at long-term recovery.