If you are being discharged from treatment at places like Hollywood rehabs, or anywhere else for that matter, then starting fresh in the outside world can feel overwhelming to some. It’s the start of a new lease of life, but you still have some foundations left from before that you can build on. To make sure you stay healthy and happy as you move forward, there are some key things to remember as you continue to work on improving yourself and your lifestyle.
Learn New Skills
Coming out of rehab can act almost like a reinvention of yourself. Recovering from substance abuse or any other kind of addiction often leads to a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to learn that skill you’ve always wondered about, or get certified for the job you’ve always dreamed of.
Learning a new skill is also helpful for meeting new people and staying accountable for a new schedule. With your own health on the up, you could think about starting a career in health care, perhaps through a CPR first aid certification. CPR and first aid are highly sought-after for workplace roles, so getting your CPR certification or first aid training could help you get a foot in the door with jobs, or just be an extra skill to add to your resume.
Boost your self-esteem.
You might be feeling nervous or self-conscious about meeting new people and going back to your old life, especially if you have ongoing mental health concerns. Addiction treatment and individual therapy are intense periods for anyone, and so coming out of drug rehab can have its own struggles. Be sure to reaffirm yourself consistently, either verbally or perhaps with visual aids in your living space, that you are strong and healthy enough to return to life just like before. Write down the reasons why you are able to move forward to other treatment options and remind yourself that you deserve the chance for an ordinary life.
Pick up new hobbies.
Just like picking up new skills, this is also a great time to pick up new hobbies. Has there ever been something you’ve wanted to try but never made time for? Why can’t today be that time? Break out of old rhythms and find new things and people to find joy in. The more pleasure you can find in new things, the less likely you’ll be to turn back to old crutches, like alcohol or drug abuse.
Identify past patterns.
At the same time, try and identify what old patterns might have caused substance abuse issues. You’ll likely have already identified some of these in therapy, so think about them in terms of your daily schedule now. Is there anything that needs changing to make sure you don’t relapse? Be vocal with friends and family about what works and what doesn’t, so they can support you in your journey.
Find a new schedule.
Once you’ve identified any problem areas and thought of some new areas to try, put it all together, and create a new schedule. This doesn’t have to be set in stone but can be a reference point for you to turn to in case you ever feel lost or unsure. Build it with your treatment program in mind, with group therapy, family therapy, or individual therapy sessions scheduled in as it applies to you. Having these sessions mixed in with your new activities will help you find a balance between what you’re in control of and the treatment you’re taking. Taking control of your schedule will give you a routine to follow that will make sure you’re on the right path.
Reconnect with old friends.
Reach out to past friends and see if they want to do anything after work or at weekends. Trying to get back into a comfortable social rhythm is very important. These friends can act as a support group as you re-enter post-rehab life.