How can someone stay clean after leaving an inpatient drug rehab?
This is a very important question for someone just leaving treatment. The following suggestions will help make or break someone’s recovery:
1) Take their suggestions
You went to rehab because you could not stop using drugs on your own, right? There are two main functions that the treatment center provides: one, to physically detox you, and two, to show you how to live without putting drugs and alcohol into your body. Obviously, drug rehab centers specialize in helping people to not use drugs, so you might do well to actually take their suggestions and follow through with them.
The first two times I went to treatment, I did not do this. For example, they suggested I go to long term treatment, and I refused. In shunning their advice, I ended up relapsing very quickly after leaving both of those rehabs. The last treatment center I went to, I did take their suggestions, and followed their recommended treatment plan to a “tee.” I have been clean and sober ever since.
2) Do what other people think you should do, not what YOU think you should do
For the longest time, this was a huge stumbling block for me. Why should I let other people decide how I should live my life? I figured that I (me, personally) should be the most qualified person to make decisions about my life. Turns out this was not the case, because I continued to slowly kill myself with drugs and alcohol when left to my own devices. Amazingly enough, when I started taking advice from others, my life started to get a whole lot better–and a whole new world of freedom opened up to me. It still baffles me that this could come from letting other people suggest how I should live my life. This was the form of drug rehab help that I resisted for so long, and finally had to surrender to in order to get better.
3) Participate in any follow-up treatment
Most detox and residential programs that make up drug treatment centers are composed of very short visits these days. Many programs used to be 28 days in length; most of them are half of that or less nowadays. The length of time you will spend in a residential treatment program is a drop in the bucket, and you should not expect to live “happily ever after” without some serious follow up to your stay in drug rehab. Recovery is a life long process. Therefore, any recommended after care that they suggest should be taken seriously and approached with enthusiasm. Many treatment centers follow up with IOP programs (intensive outpatient), and these can be a strong source of support for people who are just leaving a residential program. Bottom line: follow through with your aftercare.
4) Go to a long term treatment program
This is the number one most effective form of aftercare, and I believe it is anyone and everyone’s best shot at maintaining long term sobriety. This should be especially inviting to you if you have been to drug rehab before and failed to stay clean. Ask the therapists at rehab if they know of any long term treatment programs that they can set you up in after you leave. Long term treatment is the only thing that worked for me, and I consistently see the higher success rates that it provides for recovering addicts at my workplace. Long term treatment works.
5) Go to meetings every day in early recovery
This is something that will be emphasized heavily while you are in drug rehab recovery: you need to go to daily meetings during early recovery. It’s a no-brainer, really. Tons of support from other recovering addicts. Twelve step meetings are widespread and are there to help you. Take advantage of the support they offer. “90 meetings in 90 days” is heard like a mantra in treatment centers, and for good reason. Daily meetings will improve your chances of staying sober in the short run. Long term sobriety entails expanding beyond simply making meetings, but this is still a good strategy for early recovery.
6) Get a sponsor and call them every day
After leaving a drug rehab clinic, get a sponsor, fast. Go to a regular outside AA or NA meeting and ask someone with some significant clean time to be your temporary sponsor. Anything to get you in the door with someone. Most sponsors will have you call them every day for the first 30 days. This might seem silly to you. Do it anyway.
Finding and using a sponsor is another no-brainer. If you choose a bad sponsor, let them go and get another one immediately. A sponsor is someone to help guide you through the twelve steps.
7) Consider an holistic drug rehab
If you do not do well with traditional rehab recovery, then consider going to an alternative drug rehab where the emphasis is more holistic rather than simply being 12 step based. Holistic rehab is powerful because it draws from multiple recovery strategies in order to help you to stay clean and sober.
Holistic recovery is all about encouraging long term growth in several different areas of your life. For example, you would be encouraged to grow spiritually, but also seek emotional stability, work on physical fitness and nutrition, and practice meditation, and so on. Expanding growth beyond traditional recovery programs is what holistic treatment is all about.
Recommended Reading
- Overcoming Addiction
- 10 Reasons that Struggling Addicts or Alcoholics should go to Rehab
- Convincing a Friend, Husband, Wife, or Family Member to Go to Drug Rehab or Seek Addiction Treatment
- Drug Rehab Information
- All About Drug Rehab
- Holistic Addiction Treatment Center
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@ Jenny – If they let you back in and you are serious this time about changing then I would suck it up and go back. But if you are honestly not ready to stop using then it might be a waste of your time. It sounds like you learned something though so I would give it another try very soon. A lot of the people there will probably be gone in another 30 days so I would not worry too much about it. Good luck.
The best thing i have ever done was to go to pine lodge recovery center in regina. It gets easier everyday. But i would go back if i felt the need! I still have cravings but they only last a few seconds. I had my first birthday with my family there in 15 years how great was that!
i neeed a sponsor to help fund a heroin detox rehab i really want to get clean but am finding it near impossible to raise suffitient funds i feel trapped and unable to free mylself from this horrible lifestyle if i could get the chance to detox in a clinic it would be a great help to society and myself
Have you checked out Crossroads Treatment Center. I believe it’s a free long term treatment center.
I have been to 3 rehabs but not on my own, today i am truly sick and tired of bn sick and tired, i want so much to be clean unfortunately i have NO income at all. Also when done with the programs i did not have a place to go, so i went back to the old people places and things that i knew. I need to know that i have a place to go to when finished with the program i am tired of stessing on where to live, i want so much to live and to be a productive member of society. i need help, please.
Can I know some facts about drug addicts who go back to the path of drug after rehab?
Mu husband has been an addict for 13 years. We have been married for 5 and have 2 small children a 2 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. Just about 2 weeks ago he got kicked out of Rehab for breaking some “Rules”. He said he has found himself and wants a divorce. He has told me that our 8 year relationship is all a lie and the man he is now is the real him. He doesn’t have anything to do with his TRUE friends or his family, he doesn’t care to see me and rarely sees the kids. He is living at our house alone and spending alot of time with some people from Rehab including a married woman who they say are just friends. I am living with my in laws and raising my babies on my own, he has been kicked out of the Marine Corps but truly believes that he is doing the right thing altogether. WHAT?? he says he is taking responsibilties for his actions yeah right, he just ran away from them all and has started a new life and forgot about everyone that supported him through it. I love him but i am starting to wonder if he will ever find the man that i know he is. He doesn’t attend meetings but has told me he is clean, the bank says differently. I am not sure what the next step is for me Divorce? I am a young woman and would like to get on with my life. I am confused and honestly just pissed off. It sounds like to me that he is just being a Coward.
I have recently admitted my drinking problem and I am interested in the nature of compulsive behaviour, especially what are the reasons that trigger it. I am very interested in psychology because I believe that there is a reason for everything even if is unknown. I am struggling with my problem and I want to wish success to all who are dogged by any self-destructive behaviour, alcohol or whatever other addition. thank you all, and God bless you
@ Clara – The “why” of our compulsive behavior may be interesting, but in early recovery it can be a stumbling block. In my opinion you can worry about the “why” a bit later, when you are working on yourself in trying to maintain long term sobriety.
It is then that you have the time and the bearings to examine the “why” you drank, and figure out how to avoid it in the future. But in early recovery, I think it is more important to ignore this question and simply take positive action in order to stop.
I know that probably sounds funny but I just know that I was stuck on “why” for a long time, and it blocked me from taking action to fix my problem….I had to eventually let go of the question and take a leap of faith….without really knowing all the “whys”…..
my daughter went to detox. then to an iop where she did not work the plan just found ways to use. to homeless
to living in a drug free home for 30 days and really trying excited about working the plan
to a long term -6 month program – where there is very little structure and the women there are using drugs she tried to avoid them and some one tossed some on her bed yesterday and she did it. shame on her shame on them. how do you avoid the drugs when they are where you live
@ Liz – That is not fair that this happened to your daughter and I am sure it is somewhat common out there, but I know for a fact that there are good support systems out there as well that are not corrupt.
For example, I lived in a long term rehab for men that was very tightly controlled….in fact we “were each others eyes and ears” and would not tolerate a peer using among us. We had almost weekly drug tests and breathalyzers and they were all done randomly, and when they occurred every single person living there had to do it. This worked. At least, it kept out the drugs anyway.
This was not a halfway house but instead was a form of long term rehab….slightly different I believe.
Might be worth hunting around to try to find a “higher level of treatment” that is a bit closer to residential rehab and less close to “transitional housing.”
Good luck with your daughter, Liz….
After prior trips to alcohol rehab, and yet another relapse, I told my wife she needed to leave because she was verbally abusive and driving drunk, with our kids in the car. She had to sell things to get to rehab, because I won’t pay for it again. Assuming my wife comes out sober after an extended stay (at least 3 months to go), how do we (or even should we) try to make this marriage work? I am not sure I can ever trust her again.
@ Sam – I have 3 suggestions:
1) Build trust slowly over time, if she stays clean and sober.
2) Get to Al-anon meetings. Share openly.
3) Enlist professional help. (counseling)
My partner came out of rehab 5 months ago. He tells me everyday today is a new day and tomorrow he will not use. He has spent 10000 on crack and now has been on a binge for 5 days. This morning I looked in the bank and another 200 had been taken out. He called me to tell me he lent the money out. This is his 2nd day of missing work and I know if he returns tomorrow he will lose his job. We have a business that he has drained and I told him not to call me till he is serious. Is there anymore that I can do for him. I have held his hand for 5 months now and I am tired. I go to Al-alon and know that only I can change. I am his only friend and for the last year not one good person has been in his life. He was attending AA but would not find a sponsor as he said he could not trust anyone. He is so full of excuses this morning telling me that everyone falls off of the wagon. Yes I agree people do but for 5 month straight after you get out of rehab and not even try and keep telling me tomorrow. I have moved out as I don’t trust his drug friends and what they would do to me. He just does not get it that he has also put my life in danger. Any suggestions on how I can have sanity again. Thanks
It sounds to me Brenda like you might have to put some real distance in between your relationship with him, put some space there, set some hard boundaries, and take a real break from things. Maybe things can change in the future but to me it sounds like you need to put your sanity first by staying away from him for a while, no?
You might consider that by staying with him, you are preventing him from changing. You are enabling him to continue. Not sure if this is true or not but in some relationships it is definitely the case.
Good luck.
Thank you Patrick. I so realize today that I have enabled him. I have taken him to meetings and sat there and everyone thought that I was there for myself. I have let him verbably and mentally abuse me for the last 2 years. I had no self esteem till I started to go to Al-alon. I actually thought my name was you F—in B for those 2 years. I even left for 3 months and started my life over again. Then his mom asked me to go back and see if I could talk him into Rehab as he was going to lose his job. My big mistake as I don’t think at that time he had hit rock bottom. I love life and I do love myself and today, I realized what life have I had for 9 years. That is along story in itself. I found out today that I am sick and need to concentrate on myself or I won’t be here for anyone. So I have not answered the phone today, which I am so proud of. I read my serenity prayer a million times and get it. I can’t change anyone but myself. So I am going to my meeting tonight and thanking my high power for allowing me for today to be sane. Thanks so much Patrick.
@ Brenda – Yes, that sounds so much healthier…your plan to look out for YOU first….go with that. Make it happen. Improve your own life, and he will either get the message or eventually get squeezed out of the picture.
If you start on a path of true personal growth, for yourself, and keep with it….then this relationship problem will resolve itself. That may or may not include him sobering up. But you will enjoy a better life either way, by focusing on your own growth.
This is not a selfish path, either. You owe it to yourself and to your higher power to grow into a better person, the person you are really meant to be.
DON’T SETTLE. (not talking about him. I am talking about you and your own path through life!)
Patrick I am starting to read your stories on this site. I wish I had found this site many months ago. I know it will be along struggle again, but this time I am going to do. I deserve it this time. Thanks again and will keep in touch with my progress. Brenda
I went through an out-patient rehab over 2 years ago. Since that time, I relapsed. It has now been over one year since I left my husband as well as separated from my friends, who were also functional alcohol and drug abusers (they continue their use). I am now residing with my father and step-mom. I have been in a relationship with a wonderful and supportive man. However, the last year has been a mess. I am currently un-employed. I reconnected with an old friend from my pre-rehab days and began using again. I have tried to break away from addiction but each time fall back in to relapse. However, today, I am 9 days clean and sober. I have been COMPLETELY honest with those closest to me. I am considering in-patient rehab again but feel that since I do not require the detox part, could I better benefit from long-term rehab or support as I am not in a financial state to pay independently for treatment. My mind, heart and body are healing daily, I feel this time is very different. However, I have read a lot of research indicating failure and relapse are very possible (and likely) without continued support. Any ideas???
@ Gena – Well you seem to know the answer, that you definitely need continued support. You have to find a way to make it work for you.
For some people, this can be as simple as going to 12 step meetings every single day. Some people go to multiple meetings per day. Others might find support outside of the 12 step programs. That’s great. Whatever works for you.
Some people get involved with a church. Or with volunteering. You might have to explore a bit. Try some new things. See what clicks for you and what helps you to maintain sobriety.
Exercise might be a factor. For me, it is huge. For other people, they might never even consider the idea that exercise can help them to stay sober.
So you need to be seeking. Seek the path. What is the best possible path for you in recovery? It may not be visible when you have 30 days or even 3 years sober. But it is the seeking that makes it all work. You have to seek the path and earnestly try to find the best life for yourself. It is in seeking that you live the best life in recovery….
its been awhile because i slip and when on along run icant what came over me to rage war on my self like that my best freind die that did not help at all but i was close to the end my self i knew it was wrong for to keep doing this to myself and i just kept going until i was in so much pain in my head and body it is unreal how much a person can drink when their in pain and that beast takes hold thank god iam sober again its christmas morning and i feel really good that i am a live iwill stay sober for the rest of my life becuse i made a promise so deep i can never go back on no matter what thats what i need to stay sober what ever it takes because if i didnt make that promise i will die thats no bull///// its the truth/ everybody merrychrismas thanks patrick this site heip alot.
@Brenda…best of luck to you!!
@Patrick, this is a wonderful support page, I wish I would have found it sooner.
I was exemplary during 28-day rehab, and followed all after-care suggestions. Still ended up drinking. Is it possible that this brain disease can be so powerful that abstinence is impossible? (please no “you have to really want it” comments)
@ Annabel – I do not think abstinence is “impossible” for anyone. Just go sit in jail for 90 days and you can prove that one to yourself, seriously!
You say you don’t want people answering with “you have to really want it.” Well, Annabel, what do you think success in recovery is based on? Getting lucky? There is not magic wand out there, no magic cure, no shortcut. You either take massive action in order to overcome your addiction or you do not. One or the other. No in between.
As Yoda would say: Do or do not. There is no try!
Good luck!
Hello everyone. I have been smoking countless amounts of marijuana, snorting hydro’s, and doing triple c’s over the last few months. I am am a period in my life where if I do not feel high, I’m not happy. I steal and lie to get high. Do I need help?
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