Stepping out into the world, away from the bubble of protection that treatment offers, is a big deal. Treatment removes the temptation, the bad influences, and the situations that spell trouble for addicts and alcoholics. When it’s time to discharge, you will have the tools you learned in treatment, and the real world is where you get to use them. The most important part about leaving treatment, is making sure you keep your sobriety first and foremost in your life. The following are a few tips to stay sober:
- Remember That You Are Not Alone – Support is there when you need it, but you must reach out. Find a meeting the first day you leave treatment. Find a home group and keep going. These people will become your tribe, stick tight with them.
- Be Accountable – If you’re going into a sober living, great! If you’re going home, it’s again with finding a home group. Take people’s phone numbers, and give them yours. As you become a regular, people will notice when you’re gone. It could be these people who will save you from making the biggest mistake of your life. If you’re accountable to them, they will feel accountable to you. It’s a beautiful thing.
- Have Structure – Idle hands are the devil’s playground. Make sure you have a routine and schedule, with sobriety being the focal point. Pencil in workouts and any hobbies you may have, or that you’re curious about. Sobriety is supposed to be fun, so make sure you are taking some time to play.
- Take Care of Yourself – Avoid letting yourself get to any of the HALT acronyms (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). Make sure you’re eating well, sleeping, socializing, and doing something to help relieve daily stress.
- Don’t Return to Your Old Playground – Stay away from your old stomping grounds (bars, crack houses, shooting galleries, dealer’s home, etc.). Also stay away from old using friends. These aren’t the people who want the best for you, and they won’t miss you when you’re gone. Find new, sober friends.
If you haven’t been to treatment yet, but want to, call the Lakehouse Recovery Center. The real world isn’t an easy place to live for an addict or alcoholic in active addiction, but we have a solution. We will give you the tools you need to live a long, happy, and healthy life in recovery. Give us a call, we are available toll-free at (877) 762-3707). It is possible for you, too, to leave treatment and become a new member of recovery. Call us today.