You’ve graduated from your program. Now what? Plug into recovery resources.
When you complete residential treatment for an addiction there is a well-deserved sense of accomplishment, but the journey is far from over. You may have graduated from full-time treatment, but instead of throwing a tasseled cap into the air, your focus should be on plugging into an “alumni association.”
Post Recovery Options
Some who are new in recovery opt for a sober living house, a place where they can ease back into the “real” world and try out their new freedoms in a regulated environment. For others with jobs or young children waiting, this isn’t an option, but they can still find community in a variety of ways.
There are 12 Step groups for nearly every type of addiction under the sun. There are also online communities like sobercircle.com that allow you to stay connected. At both, you can find encouragement for every step in the process and practical help for the very real road blocks you encounter everyday. Staying plugged in to the center where you did your treatment is also a great idea. Programs like La Paloma have regular alumni events that offer community as well as ongoing resources. September’s Alumni Picnic is just one example.
Treatment has a beginning and an end, but recovery is a life-long process. Make sure you’re doing all you can to take advantage of the resources and help available to you to live your fullest life.
Tags: 12-step, Addiction, Recovery, Recovery Resources, Residential Treatment, Sober Living, Sobercirlce.com
