experience, and as an addict, you may feel lost and unsure what next step to take after leaving rehab. While getting clean and sober is difficult, staying that way can be the real challenge. There are a few things you can do to readjust to everyday life and find some sense of normalcy on your continued path to sobriety.Find out who your (real) friends are
In rehab, you were told there are some people you can no longer have contact with, and the importance of this cannot be stressed enough. Socializing with your old drug buddies will only increase your chances of relapse as they most likely will not respect your decision to get clean, and may pressure you into using again. Cut off contact and reach out to friends and family who will encourage sobriety in your new life.
Stay occupied
This includes physically and mentally. Boredom is the recovering addict's enemy, because when you have too much time to think, you are more likely to let your mind wander into thoughts of old habits. Take up a new hobby or do volunteer work in the community; consider going back to school to pursue that degree; or start thinking about seeking permanent employment. When you keep your mind and body busy, you won't have time to use.
Catch up with the world
Depending on how long you were an active addict, chances are a lot of things happened that you missed out on. Refamiliarize yourself with the events in your city and on national and world levels; being informed about what's going on around you can make you feel once again like a member of society.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
No one expects you to conquer addiction alone; having cravings and feeling withdrawal symptoms are normal in the recovery process. Find someone to sponsor you who you can lean on when you are not feeling strong, and this can be someone from a 12-step program or just a close friend or family member with whom you feel comfortable sharing personal information. If they care, they will be more than happy to give you a shoulder to lean on.
Everyday life can be a struggle for a recovering addict, so take it step by step, and you'll learn to enjoy your second chance in no time.
About the Author
Melisa Cammack is a mother of three, wife, and freelance writer. She loves to write parenting, self-help, health, and travel articles.