Once an alcoholic has completed a stint in rehab, it can be
easy to brush aside the idea of seeking out continued alcohol
addiction help. Many feel the need to celebrate, collect the scattered
pieces, and pick back up where they left off. Unfortunately, this plan of
action often results in relapse, ultimately placing the individual in line for
repeat rehabilitation visits and a spot in line at the recovery start point. In
order to avoid this vicious cycle, it’s important for alcoholics to acknowledge
the need for post rehab help to aid in ensuring a fulfilling, happy and
long-lasting sobriety.
12 Steps To Happiness
12 step recovery
programs are often introduced to rehabilitation patients during their
initial recovery period. These meetings help break up the recovery process into
bite-sized, digestible portions, meant to keep the alcoholic focused, driven
and on track with their sobriety goal. As most addicts learn during meetings,
recovery is far from a black and white process. Rarely does an alcoholic wake
up to find themselves completely rid of the desire to drink. Rather, the process
for many involves years… even decades of commitment and perseverance. As such,
it’s largely encouraged for recovering alcoholics to adhere to a strict
schedule in regard to meeting attendance and participation. With support comes
confidence. With confidence comes… well whatever you put your mind to.
Living Sober
Another option for recovering alcoholics post rehab is sober
living. A sober living home refers to a property outside the rehabilitation
community where by recovering addicts are able to make the transition back into
society in a structured and sober environment. Residents of these facilities
must obtain and retain employment and/or education through an accredited
institution. Residents must also adhere to a strict set of rules in regard to appearance,
hygiene, demeanor, sleep schedules and of course, sobriety (random drug testing
is an inevitability). By keeping to the schedule and rules set before them,
residents are able to earn responsibility and privileges. Failure to abide to
house rules can results in various consequences up to and including eviction.
Many addicts choosing to place themselves in a sober living establishment are
able to grasp hold of the challenges before them; ultimately setting themselves
up for the happy, long-lasting sobriety they’ve been searching for.
Considerations
Every case is different. What may work for some, may not
necessarily work for others. Those considering the options outlined above
should be encouraged to speak with their addiction counselors prior to rehab
completion in order to ensure any necessary arrangements are in place. Trust
your gut and shoot for the win. You’re only as good as you truly know you are.