From Drug Rehab To Real Life
Coming Home From Drug Rehab
Getting sober may be something you know you need to do, but how in the world does that even happen? The amount of change, the emotions, the shame – it’s a lot to soak up. And then there’s coming home. This can be kind of a good and stressful thing all at once. That’s totally normal! Going from drug rehab to normal life can be quite a trip.
It’s OK for things to feel messy, incomplete, or even foreign when you come home. Going through drug rehab amounts to a huge change of thinking, physical sensations, health, habits, and many other things. Baby steps here, you can’t expect every loose end to be tied up all at once. Just like someone recovering from a surgery, much of the progress happens in small steps over time.
Things Can Change When You Come Home From Drug Rehab
The following is a collection of things you might think about or experience during your transition from drug rehab to home. Of course, this list does not represent every possible thing that could happen or cross your mind. However, I hope it can get your thoughts moving and maybe even relieve some concerns.
1- Family relationships will be different.
2- Your eating habits are likely to change
3- The discomfort with so much change might make you question your decision to get sober.
4- Your sleeping habits may or may not be in good shape when you come home.
5- You may need to stay in transitional living situation before home.
6- You may find the experience of going home not quite what you expected.
7- You may be overwhelmed at the idea of going home.
8- You may not be sure what to do with yourself.
9 -After the initial excitement is over, you may wonder how you are going to keep all the new habits you made.
Normal To Feel Uncertain After Drug Rehab
Again, let me assure you that thoughts or experiences like these are very normal. Drug addiction doesn’t usually happen overnight, so designing a sober lifestyle won’t be fast either. Drug rehab is just one of the first steps toward a healthy lifestyle.
You aren’t alone in this journey of sobriety. If you remember one thing from this post, remember that! You likely have some people who love you and want only the best for you. Ask them for help or just talk with them for a while.
AA Groups Helpful After Finishing Drug Rehab
If you haven’t already done so, start attending a support group such as AA or NA. Go every day for a while and get a sponsor. Get yourself immersed in the sober way of thinking with others who are also out in the real world like you.
You can get through the transition between drug rehab and living in the real world. It may not be terrific all the time, but with support you can have some really positive experiences as well. Of course, anyone maintaining a sober lifestyle needs to stay on their toes at all times. This can be a daunting task at first, but with practice and time it will feel less overwhelming. Keep going forward even if you feel uncomfortable. Reach out to those around you, and stay committed to your sober lifestyle in the real world.