What to Expect During Your First Year in Recovery

After completing inpatient treatment, you’re ready to begin a new life of sobriety. The roadmap to recovery is different for everyone and depends on a variety of factors, some of them being: commitment level, emotional and psychological state-of-mind, physical condition, support networks, living conditions and employment or educational status. But for all, when you head home, there’s a new set of challenges that await you.

For instance, family dynamics are likely to shift. It’s important to stick to your recovery schedule and focus on yourself, and that may leave your loved ones feeling confused or neglected. Make sure you speak to your family and friends about the importance of sticking to your new routine – and share it with them. The more they know, the more they can help.

The same goes for employers. Make time to sit down with your boss and talk about potential triggers at work – a main stressor for most. Make sure you avoid overwhelming situations and can balance work, your recovery schedule and outpatient therapy.

Relapse is an inextricable aspect of the disease, but it is the most common within the first 90 days following treatment. This is due to the complexities of starting over and changing old relationships and patterns.

Luckily, while in treatment, you learned to identify the physical and mental effects of withdrawal. While in therapy, you learned to identify your own personal triggers and developed techniques to handle them. And, whether you’re enrolled in a medication-assisted treatment program or not, you are now armed with education about cravings and how to get past them without harmful substances.

Like other chronic illnesses, recovering from addiction is a lifelong battle, with good and bad days. Relationships shift, lifestyles change and milestones are met. With patience, perseverance, and support, you are on the right track to living a successful, sober life.

If you or someone you love needs help for an addiction, call the New England Recovery Center at (844) 233-6372.  We are here to help whenever you need it.