Life after rehab: what comes next

Four parts of a life in recovery

SAMHSA, the federal agency for substance use and mental health, defines recovery as a process of change in which people improve their health, direct their own lives and work toward their full potential. Its working definition names four things that support a life in recovery.

Health. Managing your condition and making choices that support your body and mind. That may include outpatient care, medication and regular medical visits.

Home. A stable, safe place to live. If home is hard, sober living, shared housing with no alcohol or drugs, may help for a while.

Purpose. Meaningful daily activity, such as work, school, volunteering or caring for family.

Community. People who offer support, friendship, love and hope. For many people, that includes peer groups such as 12-Step meetings, or other recovery groups.

Planning for hard moments

Stress, certain people, certain places and even smells can bring on strong cravings, sometimes without warning. Write down what tends to set you off, and what you will do. Keep a short list of people you can call at any hour. Keep your outpatient appointments, including when things feel fine.

Family can help by asking what kind of support is wanted, and by not checking up in ways that feel like a test. A family meeting with a counselor can help everyone agree on what to expect.

If you return to use

Many people have setbacks. Our guide to whether rehab works explains why that does not mean treatment failed. Call your counselor or doctor as soon as you can, and ask about restarting or changing care.

There is one safety point to know. NIDA, the federal institute that studies drug use, explains that people who go back to opioids after a period away are at higher risk of overdose. They lose tolerance without realizing it, so an old dose can be too much. Keep naloxone (Narcan) nearby if opioids are part of your history, and make sure the people around you know where it is.

If someone may be overdosing, call 911. See get help now.

Rebuilding day to day

Work, money and relationships may take time to repair. Take them one at a time. If you left a job for treatment, read about time off work. If you are not sure how to explain where you have been, talking about treatment may help.