Heroin addiction treatment is essential in your quest to stop using this highly addictive drug. But what happens when you complete treatment and return to your everyday routine? As a rule, people affected by addiction disrupt their lives in multiple profound ways. How can you rebuild your life after this kind of disruption? And when should the rebuilding process begin? Timely answers to these questions will help you create a new, healthier normal for daily life following rehab.
When to Start Rebuilding Your Life After Heroin Addiction – Preparatory Steps
One important consideration is when to start building your life after a heroin addiction. As a rule, well-designed rehab programs help you prepare for what’s to come. Modern programs feature an approach called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This approach doesn’t just focus on helping you achieve and maintain a heroin-free state. It also focuses on such things as:
- Improving your ability to get a job when rehab ends
- Helping you stay employed in a new or existing job
- Decreasing your chances of getting involved in criminal activity after rehab
In this way, MAT serves as a holistic recovery and rebuilding method.
Rebuild Your Life After Heroin Addiction with Help from Aftercare
Effective aftercare can also help you rebuild your life after heroin addiction. What is aftercare? It’s the common term for a coordinated effort to maintain your access to resources that support ongoing recovery.
Multiple aftercare options may be available to you. For example, your rehab provider may help you schedule follow-up appointments with a doctor or addiction specialist. You may also receive help through a computer or smartphone app with sobriety maintenance resources.
Another common option is an alum program that allows you to connect with others in long-term heroin recovery. You may find similar support opportunities in a mutual self-help group for opiate addiction. High-quality treatment programs typically help you plan aftercare while still enrolled in rehab. They also help you transition into your plan and keep it active over time.
Other Steps in an Effective Rebuilding Strategy
You can also take additional actions to help rebuild your life when rehab ends. The list of common recommendations from recovery experts includes:
- Taking a slow and steady approach to the rebuilding process
- Setting realistic goals and rebuilding milestones
- Making amends for your past harmful behavior toward others
- Creating a consistent daily routine
- Meeting the core responsibilities of independent adulthood
- Following through on your efforts despite challenges and setbacks
- Eating a generally healthy diet
- Setting aside enough time for restful sleep
- Establishing and following a regular exercise plan
- Abandoning ties with old friends still involved in substance abuse
- Cultivating friendships with people who support your ongoing sobriety
- Finding hobbies and leisure-time activities that enhance your well-being
- Celebrating your milestones and victories along the way
- Setting new milestones when you achieve your previous goals
The effects of these kinds of efforts are cumulative. They work together to help you in the short- and long run. This means it’s essential to use as many of them as possible.
Get More Advice on How to Rebuild Your Life After Heroin Addiction at Northpoint
Have further questions about rebuilding your life after addiction? Talk to the experts at Northpoint Colorado. We’ll provide the answers you need for an effective rebuilding strategy.
At Northpoint, we specialize in all phases of heroin addiction recovery. No matter where you are in the recovery process, our customized services help you reach your goals and stay heroin-free. For more information, call us today at 888.231.1281 or complete our online contact form. We’re standing by to assist you in your recovery journey.