Going to high-quality Ontario drug rehab centres will help to get you back on track when you are faced with addiction issues. However, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done afterward in order to maintain your sobriety and prevent future relapses. While rehab can be a safe place where you can get clean and receive the proper attention and tools you need to overcome your addiction, returning to your current life may expose you to some of the triggers that led you to use in the first place. If you anticipate coming hardships that may pose a threat to your sobriety, here are some valuable tips that will help you to stay sober after receiving addiction treatment!
Make Major Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Mental Health and Wellness
The benefits of cultivating better lifestyle habits are twofold. Depending upon how long your addiction lasted or the type of substance that you chose to use, your health most likely took quite a bit of damage as you continued to use harmful substances. After getting out of rehab, it is best to start looking at lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and making a point to exercise. Although it will be difficult at first, these changes will bring you back to better health and increase your quality of life. In regard to exercise, there are also the mental health benefits that come with activities such as running. Exercise reduces stress and creates endorphins, which will help you to stave off cravings. It is important to remember, however, that too much exercise can be an addiction as well. Make sure that these things do not become an addiction of their own!
Create a Post-Treatment Support Plan
When you first get out of rehab, it is important to have a strong network of people who will be able to help you maintain your sobriety and support you through the difficult times. At the base level, you are most likely going to want to write down the contact information of friends and family who you can connect. However, you need to avoid contact with people who are still using or who may prompt you to use. You can cycle through these individuals and create a plan with them so that you have people to turn to while you are recovering. Beyond your friends and family, you will also want to reach out to mental health counselors who can provide you with professional help as you work through sobriety. If you find yourself having trouble in this area, you can always use a service such as With Therapy to match you with someone perfect for your situation!
Find Activities or Responsibilities That Will Distract You From Urges
Having things to do will make it easier for you to avoid your cravings and focus on staying sober. One great way to ensure your sobriety is to find a job that you enjoy. If you have been addicted to substances for a significant amount of time, a job can teach you important life skills such as money management and communicating with others. Besides this, it will give you little time to entertain the thought of using and may even provide you with an incentive not to use. In addition to employment, you can also pursue hobbies such as making art, learning the guitar, or hiking to keep you busy.
Sobriety is a lifelong commitment, and it is important that you equip yourself with the proper skills to build a strong foundation after going to rehab. If you are leaving rehab soon or have recently left, incorporate the tips above into your current way of living to continue your sober lifestyle.