Once an individual has committed his or herself to the California alcohol rehab process, a line of obstacles lie in wait. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex addiction, are all real world issues that will likely present themselves in one form or another once the addict has left treatment. In order to avoid relapse, rehab patients must make the most of their rehabilitation experience. In this entry, we will offer up a few tips to help you get the most from your treatment plan.
Step 1 – Make sure to keep in touch with your treatment counselors, while keeping close friends and family members up to date on your progress. Having a strong support system following treatment is vital to the success of any program.
Step 2 – During your stay, you will be provided with a variety of print materials to help you through your recovery. Make a point to digest these resources, write down your thoughts and reflect on your emotions on a daily basis while in treatment.
Step 3 – Education is key. Many addicts may be initially unaware of the battle they’re involved in. In order to combat the addiction disease, it’s important for patients to educate themselves about their individual condition. Discuss your findings in group/individual therapy sessions and with peers to gain an sense of camaraderie and support with in your addiction program.
Step 4 – Relapse, depression and codependency are all real possibilities in any recovery. Make sure you are aware of the potential triggers and warning signs associated with each to keep yourself grounded. If possible, encourage friends and family members to seek help of their own to better aid in your recovery and their own. In this way, your support group will be properly prepared to deal with these types of issues if and when they come to light.
Step 5 – Express yourself with a daily journal during your Los Angeles rehab stay. This will serve as a valuable resource if relapse happens to occur or is under consideration. By reading the emotions and lessons gained during recovery, addicts may be able to postpone and avoid the potential of relapse.
Step 6 – Choose a new activity. Boredom is often a trigger for relapse. By keeping occupied and stimulated with healthy and productive hobbies, recovering addicts will lessen the chance of boredom, which may aid in avoiding relapse down the road.