The journey to sobriety is unique in that it has no definite ending or destination. An individual being treated for drug or alcohol addiction may reach pivotal goals and milestones during their treatment program, but independently continuing the recovery process after the program ends is just as important.
Crest View’s approach to WHOLEistic addiction aftercare
Addiction aftercare is critical to the success of the ongoing recovery journey, which is why we place such importance on teaching our clients real-life recovery methods at Crest View. The education of our program is part of our WHOLEistic approach to treatment, working toward the recovery of a person’s whole self: mind, body and spirit, but also taking into account the whole of a person’s life: before, during and after addiction treatment.
How to continue to make healthy lifestyle choices after addiction treatment
Take advantage of your resources
Taking advantage of aftercare programs can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing relapse. Once you’ve gone through an addiction treatment program, in most cases you should have access to resources that will continue to support your healthy recovery.
At Crest View, addiction therapy doesn’t end when you finish the rehab program. We continue to help our clients through an alumni program, which provides access to additional therapy and follow-up care, events, meetings and case management. You can even become an alumni speaker at events and work with current patients to support them through their own treatment.
Create a structured daily routine
As we teach at Crest View, developing and sticking to a daily routine with structure and intention is important for staying focused and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your routine can be modeled after the routine of your treatment program or modified to fit the environment around you. When life is unpredictable and challenging, a routine can provide a strong sense of foundation and balance, especially when navigating through tough days.
You are what you eat, so make it healthy
Understanding how to nourish your body with the right foods and how to avoid harmful choices is one of the most important tools for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As part of our unique treatment approach at Crest View, we adhere to a reality-based model, which includes nutritional education. We teach our clients the importance of nutrition, how to make the right decisions for their bodies and tips for healthy grocery shopping and meal prepping.
Work out your body and brain
Aside from filling your time with a productive activity, getting regular exercise provides significant benefits to the recovering body and brain, including:
- Boosted immunity
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress
- Improved focus
Crest View’s WHOLEistic treatment program includes exercises and practices that support intention, focus and peace like yoga, outdoor walks and meditation. We encourage our clients to continue these practices beyond the treatment period as they remain beneficial to ongoing addiction recovery.
Focus on the path forward
Life’s natural ups and downs can challenge the focus of the mind. To establish a firm path for ongoing recovery, it can be helpful to develop attainable goals and check in with them every now and then. Mental exercises like writing in a journal about the successes and trials of the journey can be very therapeutic and reinforce intentions of staying sober.
How to find and surround yourself with the right addiction recovery support
Stick to your therapy schedule
You will get out of addiction aftercare what you put into it. If your program includes ongoing therapy sessions or group support, they’re available to you for a reason. The transition from a treatment program, back into reality, can be challenging, so it’s important to have regular touch points with your treatment providers to ensure you have the right tools and attitude to maintain the ongoing work needed for continued recovery.
Choose positivity in people
While it’s always easier said than done, surrounding yourself with people who will be conducive to your sobriety matters. Spending time with the friends and family in your life who will provide the support needed for maintaining healthy lifestyle choices and encourage your progress can help you feel inspired and more focused.
Ask for help on the bad days
Addiction recovery can be an isolating experience. If you feel like you need extra help during tough days, it’s absolutely okay to ask for help. Turn to the support in your life, whether it’s family, friends, healthcare providers or community groups, when your focus is challenged and you need the extra strength.
Learn more about Crest View’s WHOLEistic treatment program
Our recently renovated recovery center in Asheville, North Carolina, is a home for addiction recovery, during treatment and through a continued life of recovery. After our clients complete their rehab treatment, we recommend our 4-6 week intensive outpatient program for effective addiction aftercare. It’s completely normal and very common for clients to still need time before fully transitioning into an independent lifestyle. The program provides flexibility for combining everyday life with regular therapy sessions that take place a few times per week.
For a better understanding of what our WHOLEistic treatment looks like, check out our recent post featuring a day in the life of a client at Crest View. If you’d like to learn more about Crest View’s WHOLEistic approach to addiction treatment, give us a call today or fill out the form here.
