Imagine yourself going through one of our treatment programs. You have a new lease on life and are ready to re-enter society. While exciting, the transition is just that. It’s going to take time to readjust to the “new normal.” However, understanding the challenges that you might face once you leave treatment can help prepare you for what’s ahead and increase the chances of success. That said, here are some of the common issues we see our clients face during this time:

Temptation
This one probably doesn’t come as a huge shock. For instance, maybe you had a social circle who abused drugs and alcohol. Hanging around them is a bad idea as it significantly increases your chances of a relapse.

Plain and simple — you can’t expect to go back to the same environment that you were in before, surrounded by the same people and atmosphere that caused you to fall into the cycle of addiction — and end up unscathed.

However, that doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself either. Why? Because boredom can cause you to downward spiral and use again. Support systems are critical, so be sure to take advantage of resources like group therapy.

Strained relationships
When you were caught up in your trauma and addiction, it’s likely you hurt friends and family with your behavior. Coming to terms with this truth can be extremely difficult.

The best thing you can do is make space for healing and put in the time and energy to win back their trust. Ultimately, they might be willing to forgive you if they’re convinced that you’re making an effort to stay the course.

Tension at home
You may encounter some static at home when you try to be consistent in implementing the skills you learned while in rehab. For instance, you might insist on not having any alcohol at home, but a family member might want to keep beer in the fridge.

If you find this is a recurring issue, it’s often best to try and find another accommodation that works for your new lifestyle. Sober living homes might be an option for some looking to get back on their feet after treatment.

In short, remember nothing worth doing is easy. Treatment is hard but the rewards are great. You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma or addiction alone. We’re here for you when you’re ready to make a change.