Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach
Substance use and addiction can result in intense consequences such as interpersonal relationship problems, financial instability, career issues and legal problems, among other things. After these consequences become clear, you may find yourself pulling your life together with the help of addiction treatment. However, treatment can also be challenging to navigate as it can create many additional life challenges while fixing harmful habits. As you set yourself up for success in recovery, know that there are helpful ways that you can manage your life during treatment.
Find a Treatment Program That Will Suit Your Needs
There are several different types of substance use and addiction treatment programs. The main two types are classified as inpatient and outpatient programs. While both offer unique benefits, one program may suit your personal needs better than the other.
Inpatient programs are residential programs. They offer a stabilized, 24/7 monitored facility that helps residents secure lifelong recovery. Programs can last a minimum of 30 days up to two years. Inpatient programs are typically recommended for individuals with severe substance use problems or those unable to secure sobriety in the past.
Outpatient programs allow patients to receive treatment at a facility while still living independently. Some programs require daily attendance, while others only meet one to three times weekly. Outpatient treatment programs are great for fostering independence and responsibility. Patients utilizing outpatient treatment programs must have a stable living environment, reliable transportation and a supportive group of loved ones outside of treatment.
Create a Schedule and Live By It in Addiction Recovery
No matter what treatment program you choose, it is essential that you create a daily and/or weekly schedule to help you stay on track with your responsibilities. A schedule will help you to find consistency and rhythm for your recovery and allow you to plan ahead.
List out all of your responsibilities for the week. If you are attending an outpatient therapy program, consider the following:
- Therapy sessions
- Childcare
- Career responsibilities
- Pet care
- Self-care
- Time for social connection
- Healthy hobbies
- Proper sleep hygiene
- Proper nutrition
- Exercise
- Mental health check-ins
Once you have your responsibilities listed, create your weekly schedule and do your best to live by it. Hourly schedules may seem rigid, but they will help you steer clear of any unwanted substance use triggers and allow you to keep your peace. Plans also help you to visualize what to expect out of your days without needing to feel overwhelmed beforehand.
Foster Healthy Relationships in Recovery
Treatment and recovery are time-consuming. As you stay on track with treatment, it is essential to prioritize healthy friendships. Therapy will allow you to evaluate your friendships and relationships to recognize which ones will motivate you during your recovery and which ones may set you back.
Friends, family and other loved ones are the most valuable connections you have as you try to secure lifelong sobriety. Even when you feel burnt out from treatment, do your best to make time for these relationships. Ultimately, a solid support system serves as a vital protective factor against relapse. Always remember quality over quantity, meaning it is better to have a few intimate friendships than several surface-level ones.
Ask For Help When Necessary
The recovery process will highlight the importance of being independent and having self-control. However, it will also emphasize how important it is to ask for help when you need it. Managing life even without treatment involved is a challenging task. With your commitment to sobriety, it is all the more reason to ask for help.
Family and friends who support your recovery will want to do anything to help you as you work to manage your life. Perhaps a grandparent can watch your children a few times a month so you can engage in healthy hobbies with your friends. Maybe you have a friend who loves to organize who is willing to help you get your house in order. It is crucial to take the opportunity to ask for help when you need it.
Similarly, asking for help from your therapist or recovery peers has the same importance. Who will you call if you find yourself on the verge of a relapse? Calling a recovery mentor may seem overwhelming, but they may have the best advice for you. They went through similar situations, making them a valuable resource to utilize whenever necessary.
DiscoveryMD offers several different treatment programs that you can choose from to ensure balance in your recovery. We will help you learn how to navigate life outside of treatment while you prioritize your sobriety. To learn more, contact us today.