You’ve done it. You spent several weeks away from family and work to care for yourself in inpatient drug and alcohol treatment. You’re feeling proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished so far. It’s normal to feel empowered and ready to take on what comes next. So, when your treatment team highly recommends that you continue therapy after residential addiction treatment, you might feel frustrated. You may just want to get out there and start living life. And while you may be able to do that, at least for a while, therapy can strengthen your ability to handle stress, nurture relationships, and resist cravings.
The Benefits of Outpatient Therapy
Many drug rehabs work with clients to set up outpatient therapy after residential treatment ends, either with the same facility or at a place closer to where the client lives. Outpatient therapy typically focuses heavily on group therapy sessions. If you commit to attending and participating in these sessions, you’ll quite likely find that you enjoy them. You’ll see them as a break from everyday routine and a time for you to open up freely with others who are in similar situations.
Often, outpatient therapy changes as your needs change. You may be doing very well and not need as much care. As you meet the goals your therapist and team set for you, you’ll need to come in less often. However, if there are situations where you feel you need immediate help or you find yourself struggling, you can increase the frequency of your visits. Sometimes, if relapse is a big risk for you, you may even want to step back into residential care.
In Addition to Outpatient Therapy
After the outpatient program ends, you may feel adrift. The extra free time is nice, but what can you do to ensure you have professional input as you continue your path of growth? Ideally, people in recovery will work with an individual therapist on their own, either regularly or as needed. The benefits of therapy are many.
- Check-ins help you stay on track. It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed in recovery, especially if another mental health issue is in play or if your work or home environment is stressful. There’s a lot to do and work on. Stress can be a cause for relapse but having someone to talk to helps you stay on the right path.
- Work through difficult situations. It may be difficult for you to work through some of the more complicated aspects of getting back to life, such as returning to work or finding a new job. Your therapy can help you work through those situations to help you create a positive outcome.
- Work on relationships. Relationships suffer when addiction is present, so counseling can help you improve communication and work through past pain or trauma. You’ll be able to work on relationships with your partner, your children, and anyone else important to you.
- Celebrate your wins together. It’s an amazing feeling to see yourself achieving your goals, but sometimes your friends and family members won’t see those small accomplishments in the same light you do. Your therapist can help you to recognize the good things and celebrate your achievements.
- Work on coping skills. One core component of therapy is working to build and maintain coping skills for the stresses of day-to-day life. It’s always going to be important for you to recognize high-stress situations and take appropriate action to minimize their impact on your future.
Continued therapy is also a place for you to keep learning and growing in your strength. What you talk about and work on is very much up to you and your needs. Your therapist is there for you when you have difficult days or when you’re thinking about using drugs or alcohol again as well. A therapist can help you continue to learn more about yourself and what you need to feel happy and fulfilled.
Where Does It All Start?
If you are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, realize that life after treatment can be very promising. There’s no cure for addiction, but there are numerous tools and strategies available to help you live a healthy, happy life. With residential treatment in Mesa, Arizona, you’ll get the tools you need to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then, we’ll be there for you as you continue care on an outpatient basis.
Learn more about Canyon Vista Recovery Center. Give us a call now to find out how we can help you.
