Addiction is rough, on you and on your family. Once an addict you are always an addict, and always just a moment away from your next fix. Because of this it can be really difficult to get on with life once you’re clean and sober.
Getting back out into the world after rehab can open you right back up to falling into old patterns. You need to make sure that you stay away from temptation. Here are some tips to do just that.
Sober Living
There are homes that you can move into where you can get help beyond rehab, where there is no temptation. Sober living offers a safe place for those that have gotten clean. Once you feel more confident in your own ability to say no you can get back on with your life.
Sometimes you really just need a step added between leaving recovery and going home. That’s what this type of place is all about. It’s there to transition you into normal life again.
Cleaning Your Home
Before you get moved back into your old life, you need to make sure your home is clean. No matter what kind of addict you are, you probably have a stash or two that no one else knows about. Don’t go home alone, but take someone with you that you can trust to help you stay clean and help you get your home clean of any drugs or alcohol.
Don’t be afraid to let friends and family do their own searches in your home. You may feel like they are being accusatory, but they are just trying to help. It’s a slippery slope back to addiction.
Toxic Friends
You also need to rid your life of the enablers you associate with. Toxic friends are the ones that push you to want to use, or enable your ability to use. Get rid of them.
While you can’t expect all of your friends to quit drinking just because you can’t drink, you don’t need to be around the ones that don’t understand that you can’t drink. If they are offering you a sip then they are a bad friend. You don’t need those types of people in your clean and sober life.
Asking For Help
Not all of your friends and family members are enablers, there are people that want to help you. It is useful to ask them for help whenever you need it. However, sometimes family help just isn’t enough. They can’t understand your issues as much as someone who has also been addicted can.
You should be going to regular AA or NA meetings, depending on your affliction. Your sponsor should be the first person you call anytime you are concerned about falling off the wagon.