Relapse1 is when you slip back into old habits after working hard to change, and it can feel like taking two steps back after one step forward. But here’s the thing: it’s a normal part of growth, and every stumble teaches you something new about how to keep moving forward.
Relapse can feel like a setback, but it doesn’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and grow even stronger in your recovery journey.
Importance of Holistic Approaches in Managing Setbacks
Holistic approaches2 mean focusing on all parts of you. Your mind, body, and emotions so you can tackle setbacks in a balanced way. It’s not just about fixing one problem; it’s about building a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that makes you feel good inside and out.
By combining things like mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and support from others, you can create a plan that helps you bounce back and stay on track. These strategies don’t just help with recovery, they make you stronger and more prepared for the future.
Recognizing the Signs of an Impending Relapse
Relapse often starts with small warning signs, like feeling more stressed, avoiding responsibilities, or losing interest in the things you love. Paying attention to these changes early can help you take action before things get out of control.
It’s like catching a storm before it hits. You can prepare and protect yourself if you know what to look for. Being aware of your emotions and habits is the first step in staying on track.
Differentiating Between a Lapse and a Full Relapse
A lapse is a one-time slip, like making a mistake or giving in to a moment of weakness, while a full relapse is falling back into old habits completely. A lapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it’s more like a bump in the road that you can overcome.
Think of it as the difference between tripping over a step and falling down an entire flight of stairs. A lapse is a chance to pause, reflect, and refocus before things escalate.
Emotional, Social, and Environmental Factors that can Trigger Relapse
Social triggers, like being around certain people who encourage bad habits, a family member or an old friend may also cause a relapse.
Environmental triggers, like being in places linked to old behaviors, can also pull you off track.
Understanding what triggers you helps you prepare for those moments and create a plan to handle them. The more you know about what challenges you, the stronger you’ll be in overcoming them.
The Role of Mindfulness in Preventing Relapse
How Mindfulness Helps Build Self-Awareness and Emotional Resilience
Mindfulness is like a superpower that helps you notice what you’re thinking and feeling without getting stuck on it. By staying in the moment, you can understand your emotions better and handle tough situations without letting them overwhelm you.
It also makes you stronger emotionally, so when life gets hard, you can bounce back faster and stay in control. Practicing mindfulness4 is like training your brain to be your best teammate!
Meditation, Journaling, and Breathing Exercises
Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, focusing on your breath, and letting your thoughts come and go. It’s a quick way to reset your mind when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Journaling is like having a conversation with yourself. You can write down your thoughts and feelings to make sense of them and go back and review them later if you’re feeling a relapse coming on.
Breathing exercises, like slow, deep breaths, are an easy trick to calm down when stress hits, even in the middle of work, class or at home.
Nutrition and Relapse Prevention
The Connection Between Diet and Emotional Stability
What you eat can have a huge impact on how you feel5. Junk food and sugary snacks might give you a quick boost, but they often leave you feeling tired later.
On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with healthy foods keeps your energy steady and helps you handle stress better. Think of food as fuel for both your body and your brain.
Foods That Boost Mood and Reduce Cravings
Foods like bananas, nuts, and dark chocolate (in moderation) can improve your mood6 because they’re packed with nutrients like magnesium and serotonin7 boosters. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies also help keep your blood sugar stable, which means fewer cravings and mood swings.
Drinking water is super important too. It keeps you hydrated and focused. When you feed your body the right stuff, it’s easier to stay happy and in control.
The Role of Hydration in Maintaining Mental and Physical Balance
Staying hydrated is like giving your brain and body the fuel they need to work properly. When you’re dehydrated, you might feel cranky, or have trouble focusing, which can throw off your whole day.
Drinking enough water helps keep your energy up, your mood steady, and your mind sharp8. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference in feeling your best. The average adult should drink between 2-3 liters of water9 per day. Once you develop the “good habit” of getting your water intake in, you will start to notice a change in how you feel and look!
Building a Supportive Environment
The Importance of Social Connections in Recovery
Having people who support you makes a huge difference when you’re trying to stay on track. Friends, family, or even just one trusted person can encourage you, listen when you’re struggling, and remind you that you’re not alone.
Support groups help connect you with people who’ve been through similar struggles and really get what you’re going through.
An accountability partner, like a friend, family member or mentor, can check in with you, celebrate your wins, and help you stay focused on your goals.
Having someone to talk to makes the journey feel less overwhelming. It’s always easier to stick to your goals when you’re not doing it alone!
Removing Triggers From Your Living Space or Daily Routine
Your environment can make or break your recovery, so it’s important to get rid of things that tempt you to fall back into old habits. Whether it’s clearing out unhealthy snacks, avoiding certain apps, or rearranging your space, little changes can have a huge impact.
Creating a positive, supportive space helps you feel more in control and focused. When your surroundings match your goals, it’s easier to stay on track!
Types of Physical Activities that Support Holistic Recovery
There are so many ways to stay active that can help your overall recovery, like yoga, swimming, or even hiking in nature. These activities not only keep your body healthy but also calm your mind and boost your emotional well-being.
How Consistency in Movement Can Reinforce Staying on Track
Sticking to a regular exercise routine helps build good habits that keep you focused and disciplined. When you make movement a part of your daily life, it becomes easier to stay on track with your goals and handle whatever challenges come your way.
It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Forgiving yourself helps you move forward without guilt, and staying motivated means focusing on your progress rather than perfection.
Setting Realistic Goals and Celebrating Small Victories
Setting small, achievable goals helps you stay focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment along the way. Celebrating those little wins, whether it’s a week of good habits or handling a tough situation, keeps you motivated and reminds you how far you’ve come.
Final Thought
Emphasizing the Journey of Progress Over Perfection
Recovery isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making steady progress and learning from each experience. Even if it’s not perfect, every small step forward gets you closer to your goal.
Encouragement to Seek Help and Use Holistic Strategies
Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way whether it’s from friends, family, or professionals.
Holistic strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and healthy eating can support you in ways that go beyond just the physical, helping you thrive mentally and emotionally, too.
Every Step Forward, No Matter How Small, Is Progress
It’s easy to get caught up in big goals, but remember that every tiny step counts. Even the smallest victories, like sticking to a routine or staying calm in a stressful moment, are proof that you’re moving in the right direction!
What may start as harmless shopping can turn dangerous when it becomes compulsive spending. If your shopping feels out of control and you’re spending excessive amounts on clothes, gadgets, makeup, or other items, shopping addiction can be just as damaging as drug addiction.
By understanding shopping addiction and its treatment you can learn how to manage your purchasing decisions and well-being.
Understanding Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction, also called compulsive buying disorder, involves excessive buying behavior that leads to distress or impairment1. An individual with compulsive buying disorder is unable to control their thoughts and actions around spending, and feels relieved after a purchase.
Shopping addiction often co-occurs with other behavioral health conditions involving impulse control, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Compulsive shopping tends to run in families, especially those with mood and substance use disorders.
When spending becomes compulsive, other life facets suffer because of the energy spent on purchasing. Pre-spending anxiety can govern a person’s entire life, only to be relieved by a purchase. The individual can neglect their personal relationships, health, and employment to shop, and they can also be in serious financial trouble.
Signs and Symptoms of Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction usually has 4 phases: 1) Anticipation; 2) Preparation; 3) Shopping; and 4) Spending1. Phase 1 includes thoughts and urges with a specific item or spending. In the second phase, the person prepares for shopping and spending, including decisions on when and where to go, on how to dress, and which form of payment to use. Phase 3 involves the actual shopping experience, which is intensely exciting and can even lead to sexual arousal2. Finally, the item is purchased, often followed by disappointment with oneself.
As this cycle repeats, loved ones may notice shifts in behavior and mood that make the shopping addiction apparent. Spotting these signs within oneself or another can help prevent further damage.
Behavioral Signs
You may notice a change in someone’s behaviors as compulsive buying disorder takes hold. Signs include
Anticipatory signs of compulsive purchases include
Depression
Anxiety
Boredom
Self-critical thoughts
Anger
Immediate consequential emotions after spending include
Euphoria
Relief from negative feelings
Emotions following the purchase after the initial euphoria fades include
Guilt
Shame
Low self-esteem
Emotional numbness
Financial Consequences
A shopping addiction can cause severe financial consequences that impact both the individual and their loved ones. The person often collects debt from maxed-out credit cards and personal loans, which is accompanied by additional fees, higher interest rates, and a damaged credit score.
As the addiction progresses, they may be unable to pay essential bills, such as rent, utilities, groceries, or medical expenses, leading to unpaid invoices and the potential loss of services or even housing. In extreme cases, compulsive buying disorder can result in personal bankruptcy, as the person is unable to repay their debts and meet financial obligations.
Causes of Shopping Addiction
Compulsive buying disorder is a multi-pronged condition caused by various factors. Understanding the developmental, neurobiological, and cultural influences of shopping addiction can guide treatment efforts.
Impulsive spending acts as a coping mechanism to manage negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem, using shopping to solve the negative feelings temporarily. Shopping addiction can be both a product of and the cause for mental health concerns, necessitating personalized treatment when unraveling these conditions.
Environmental Influences
In a world consumed and fueled by media, people are taught that material possessions equate to happiness, success, and social status. Advertisements are designed to create desire, often exploiting emotional triggers to encourage impulsive purchases. This is especially true nowadays, with social platforms using targeted ads based on internet history.
For example, if you search for winter jackets on Google, you may encounter ads for trench coats on your social media platforms.
Consumerism is deeply ingrained in many cultures, with immense pressure to keep up with fashion, technology, and lifestyle societal norms. Social media amplifies this pressure by showcasing small, curated portions of people’s lives, often filled with luxury items and experiences, leading to anxiety and a desire to conform to these perceived standards4.
The internet also provides easy access to spending with online shopping. The convenience of being able to shop anytime, anywhere, has removed many of the barriers that previously limited impulsive purchases. Individuals may feel less inhibited and guilty for spending money as they have fewer in-person interactions, like handing money to a cashier, creating a false illusion of security behind a screen.
Irregular serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control, are connected with various impulse control disorders, including compulsive shopping. Low levels of serotonin disrupt the ability to manage urges, leading to compulsive shopping behaviors as a way to temporarily alleviate negative emotions.
Strategies to Overcome Shopping Addiction: Professional Treatment Options
Navigating compulsive buying disorder recovery requires a comprehensive approach that often demands outside professional help. Building an extensive toolkit of skills to manage negative feelings and impulses tied to shopping behaviors can empower you to save and spend your money confidently.
Therapy and Counseling
Individual, group, and family therapy each offer a unique approach to help manage compulsive behaviors. Individual counseling, often through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), creates a personalized setting where you and your therapist collaborate to identify the specific emotional and psychological issues driving the addiction. You can learn tailored coping mechanisms and practice using them when in stressful or triggering situations.
Group therapy provides a supportive environment to share experiences and challenges with others facing similar issues. A group setting can help you feel less isolated and gain insight from peers’ experiences. You’ll practice accountability, build connections, and develop healthier social interactions, which can be a crucial part of the recovery process.
Family therapy is another important option, especially when shopping addiction negatively affects relationships and family dynamics. Your family unit can improve communication, address underlying family conflicts, and learn more on how to support you in recovery. Loved ones can learn how to set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling compulsive shopping behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Shopping Addiction
CBT helps individuals recognize the triggers and irrational thoughts that lead to their compulsive shopping behavior, such as stress or low self-esteem, as well as external factors like social pressure. You can learn to critically examine these thoughts and replace them with more rational, balanced perspectives. For example, you might learn to question whether buying an item will improve your mood or help you gain social approval, leading to a more realistic assessment of your needs.
A comprehensive evaluation can guide medication usage for shopping addiction. Your professional care team can help you navigate your needs to find the appropriate medication and dosage.
Financial Counseling
In many cases, financial counseling helps individuals regain control over their monetary struggles, especially if the person is in debt or battling legal issues. The proper counselor or mentor can help you manage finances, develop better money management skills, and repair the financial damage caused by compulsive spending. You may benefit from creating a debt repayment plan, learning budgeting skills, and developing a healthier relationship with money.
Financial counseling skills can serve as a strong foundation for lifelong budgeting methods. You and your counselor may set savings goals for major life events, such as buying a home, funding education, or preparing for retirement. Developing realistic savings plans and making investment decisions can help you align your long-term financial goals.
Support Groups
Joining support groups like Spenders Anonymous provides a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.
Developing Healthy Shopping Habits
Overcoming shopping addiction requires a combination of self-awareness, discipline, and practical strategies. Recovery stories are built on everyday habits that support a sustainable, healthy mindset.
Creating a Budget
Adopt a strict budget that you and your financial counselor create for discretionary spending, limiting the amount of money available for shopping. By tracking your spending and sticking to this budget, you can prevent impulsive purchases and stay within your means. Apps and websites like YNAB and Goodbudget keep users on track with time-tested budgeting methods, as well.
You may motivate yourself to adhere to your budget by giving yourself a small reward, such as going for ice cream if you do not overspend each week. A day of recovery is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.
Mindful Shopping
When shopping for necessities, ask yourself whether you truly need the item, how it aligns with your values, and what the long-term consequences of the purchase will be. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and make more intentional decisions.
Consider using cash instead of credit cards to make purchases, as this can help you directly feel the impact of spending. You could remove saved payment information from online shopping accounts, making it less convenient to make impulsive purchases, too.
You can also practice delayed gratification. By implementing a “cooling-off” period—waiting 24+ hours before making a purchase—you give yourself time to evaluate whether the item is truly necessary, which can help reduce impulsive buying.
Lifestyle Changes
Occasionally deleting social media apps can offer solace from advertisements and convincing influencers who tell you to try the newest product. You can also try unsubscribing from marketing emails or limiting time spent on shopping sites with website controls to reduce the urge to shop.
Real dopamine from healthy activities is the best kind of dopamine. Rediscover and reignite your passions by reading, painting, taking walks, and volunteering to keep you occupied and fulfilled.
Preventing Relapse
Relapse prevention planning aims to recognize and address warning signals before they escalate to the physical stage—compulsive spending. It takes a cognitive behavioral approach to preventing relapse and provides appropriate skills for what to do if a relapse does occur. It blends education, coping strategy development, trigger identification, building support networks, and lifestyle changes.
Identifying Triggers
You and your care team can begin to build your relapse prevention plan by reflecting on 3 key recovery components:
Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around.
Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.
One of the most essential parts of a relapse prevention plan is building skills to navigate uncomfortable feelings and situations. You may practice coping techniques such as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, and saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence.
Ongoing Support
Attending outpatient care or talk therapy sessions can help you navigate foreign situations and continue skill-building. During individual therapy sessions, you’ll likely engage in various therapeutic methods like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
By focusing on delayed gratification and shifting their mindset from impulsive buying to intentional purchasing, they successfully broke free from compulsive shopping. Their experience highlights how small, sustainable changes in daily habits and financial awareness can make a significant impact on their physical, mental, and financial well-being.
Addiction recovery is a journey that extends beyond initial treatment, involving continuous commitment and proactive planning. Relapse prevention planning helps maintain long-term recovery by identifying potential triggers and creating actionable responses. This approach strengthens recovery for substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, mental health concerns, and other conditions.
Our comprehensive guide outlines relapse prevention planning’s key components and practical steps for creating and implementing an effective plan.
Relapse doesn’t always occur overnight. There are complex signs and precursory emotional, mental, and physical phases2. Emotional relapse begins with anxiety, anger, or isolation. Mental relapse involves cravings, minimizing consequences of the past, bargaining, lying, and planning a relapse. Then, the physical relapse happens: drinking again, refusing to eat, lapsing into a severe depressive state, etc.
Relapse prevention planning aims to recognize and address these signals before they escalate to the physical stage. It utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach to prevent a relapse and provide appropriate skills on what to do if a relapse does occur. Relapse prevention is usually a combination of education, coping strategy development, trigger identification, building support networks, and lifestyle changes. Each plan is tailored to meet personal needs.
Identifying triggers: Internal and external cues can be emotional (such as stress or anger), physical (such as fatigue), or environmental (such as certain social situations or locations). Recognizing these helps in strategizing how to manage or avoid them.
Coping skills: Effective coping strategies can help you deal with triggers before they cause a relapse. These strategies could include skills like deep breathing, mindfulness, or other stress management techniques. Additionally, you’ll learn skills to refuse offers of drugs or alcohol and strategies to escape high-risk situations.
Enhancing self-efficacy: Throughout relapse prevention planning, you are encouraged to make choices and contribute ideas to your recovery actively. Your care team may emphasize that recovery is not about willpower but rather skills acquisition. Empowerment from professionals can help you take charge of your future and well-being, fostering sustainable recovery.
Psychoeducation: Understanding the nature of addiction, mental health disorders, and relapse, including its biological, psychological, and social aspects, helps in managing it effectively.
Healthy routine: Maintaining daily healthy routines supports overall well-being and reduces the likelihood of relapse. You’ll find balance in regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and engaging in healthy, sober hobbies.
Support systems: You and your therapist will create a plan to build a support network that includes friends, family, clinical professionals, and support groups. This network provides emotional support, accountability, and a safety net in times of crisis.
Emergency plan: If you feel close to relapsing, your care team can help you create a detailed emergency plan. This plan will outline who to contact, where to go for help, and what steps to follow to stay safe.
Recovery is an ongoing process, so having the right tools can help you manage addiction or mental health conditions. Sustainable healing is built by small, everyday efforts.
Building Your Personal Relapse Prevention Plan
Creating a tailored relapse prevention plan involves a detailed, personalized approach.
Reflect on Your Recovery Goals
You’ll want to begin planning by writing about 3 key recovery components:
Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around.
Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.
Coping Skill Development
There may be times when you experience uncomfortable feelings and situations; however, with the right tools, you can navigate through these moments. You may practice coping techniquessuch as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery, and exercise. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence.
Creating a daily routine that promotes physical and mental health, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep, can bolster sustainable recovery6. A scheduling system, such as time blocking in a calendar, can help you avoid idle time that might lead to thoughts or behaviors associated with relapse.
Support Systems
Creating a support network with strong relationships is a foundational aspect of long-lasting recovery. Social support in recovery can reduce stress, increase self-efficacy, and motivate sobriety or remission7. Your relapse prevention plan can detail how you will connect with loved ones who supported you through the treatment process. You may make new friends through sober activities and groups. Try your best to plan regular get-togethers with friends and family, as avoiding isolation and bolstering these relationships can make recovery easier.
“The opposite of addiction is connection.” – Johann Hari
Emergency Plan and Contacts
In case of emergency, have a clear plan with proactive steps, such as calling a specific person, attending a support group meeting, or going to a safe place. You can keep a list of emergency contacts, including supportive friends, family, and healthcare providers.
Implementing Your Plan
A relapse prevention plan can be broken down into small, manageable steps. You can begin each day with a consistent morning routine that includes healthy, pro-recovery activities such as meditation, reading, exercising, or journaling. This sets a proactive, positive tone for the day and reinforces your commitment to recovery.
You can keep a daily planner and include time slots for activities that support your recovery, such as therapy sessions, support group meetings, or time with friends and family. Planning helps manage stress and avoids the chaos that can lead to relapse. Your planner can also help you track exercise, meals, and sleep.
Stay connected with your support network through regular check-ins via phone calls, texts, or in-person meetings. These connections provide strength and accountability, crucial for everyday recovery maintenance.
At the end of each day, spend time reflecting. Assess what went well and identify any challenges you encountered. Use this reflection to adapt your plan and prepare for the next day.
Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments
All progress should be tracked and celebrated. You can have regular check-ins with yourself and your care team to ensure you’re engaging in activities that suit your current recovery needs. What may have worked in the beginning of your recovery might not serve you years down the road. Try writing answers each month for questions such as:
What were your main goals when you created your relapse prevention plan? How well do you feel these goals are being met?
In what ways have you changed since leaving primary treatment? Consider your habits, thought patterns, emotional responses, and relationships.
What are the most significant challenges you’ve faced during your recovery process, and how have you addressed them? How has your relapse prevention plan supported you in these challenges?
What new coping strategies or skills have you learned through your relapse prevention plan? How effectively are you able to apply these in real-life situations?
In what areas do you feel you still need to grow or improve? How can your relapse prevention plan or other resources assist you in these areas?
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Relapse prevention planning aims to provide useful tools for navigating difficult moments in recovery. Anticipating potential obstacles and feeling confident in your ability to manage them can help you move through life optimistically.
Often, those in recovery may feel overwhelmed at social gatherings, holidays, or certain places because they trigger cravings or old behaviors. One of the best ways to manage this is by simply choosing not to attend the event; however, this is not always possible. You can plan ahead by bringing a supportive friend, having an exit strategy, and preparing responses to offers of substances.
Uncomfortable emotions, such as stress and loneliness, are a part of life, and implementing skills from your relapse prevention plan can help mitigate the impact of these feelings. You may find engaging in mindfulness and relaxation exercises like meditation and box breathing helpful. Consistent exercise can help reduce negative emotions8 and the chance of relapse. Keeping in touch with supportive friends and family can help ensure you always have a shoulder to lean on.
Sometimes, it’s challenging to explain to new friends why you choose to abstain from drugs and alcohol. This can happen with long-time friends and family members, as well. If this person ignores your reasoning and continues to pressure you, this may signify that they do not care for your well-being as much as you do. It can be hard to distance yourself from others but know that there are people who will support your recovery efforts. And a true loved one will only want you to engage in activities that benefit your health.
Communicating Boundaries to Your Support Network
Setting and communicating boundaries in recovery is important for your relationships and a practice of self-love. Without boundaries, you may say “yes” to things you don’t want to, avoid necessary conversations, and be consumed by others’ negative feelings. Prioritizing your boundaries ensures that you’re aligned with what’s best for your well-being.
Before communicating with others, take time to understand your own needs and boundaries. What specific support do you need? What behaviors or situations are helpful or harmful to your recovery? Being clear about these will help you articulate them more effectively to others.
Clarity is an act of kindness, so be honest and straightforward in these conversations with your loved ones. You can frame the conversation around “I” statements to express your feelings and needs without blaming others. For example, say “I feel overwhelmed when we talk about drinking at parties, and I need us to focus on other topics,” instead of accusing or blaming them.
Stay consistent with your boundaries; this will help others respect them. Be sure to let loved ones know that you appreciate their trust. You can also encourage an open dialogue by asking for their thoughts and feelings about your recovery process. This can strengthen the relationship and make them feel involved and valued in your journey.
Ongoing Recovery and Maintenance
Maintaining recovery motivation is possible through small, concerted everyday efforts. It’s often easier to break down long-term goals into more manageable chunks, such as committing to a weekly support meeting and exercising 5x weekly. A recovery journal can document your thoughts, feelings, challenges, and successes. Reviewing your journal can visualize how far you’ve come and remind you why you started this journey.
A structured daily routine with adequate rest, proper nutrition, and movement can provide stability and reduce uncertainty. This can help manage stress and avoid situations where one might be tempted to relapse.
You can also learn new skills or hobbies to occupy your time, build self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These new activities can serve as positive outlets for stress and boredom.
A day of sobriety is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.
Life skills training in rehab is designed to equip you with the practical tools you need to thrive in life after treatment. While learning how to meal plan or set weekly goals may seem like simple skills, these fundamentals are key to forming a functional baseline for life. And they’re often the first to fall by the wayside during active addiction.
Rehab should prepare you for life in long-term recovery—and that includes building the skills that will help you work through any challenges to your sobriety. Practicing these skills empowers you to apply what you learned in treatment to your life in the real world. As you implement these changes, you’ll rebuild your confidence, make healthier choices, and become a more supportive member of your family and community.
Many people who receive life skills training in rehab say these tools help them manage their addiction, maintain meaningful relationships, and live rewarding lives. Here’s what life skills training looks like in rehab, and how it can position you for success in recovery for years to come.
Core Components of Life Skills Training
Learning life skills helps you create a structure in a life that was previously unstructured. For many people, having structure helps them conceptualize what their life will look like day to day.
It helps them stay in a healthy routine, meet their basic needs, and make space to address problems when they need to. Ultimately, it forms the basis of their success in recovery.
Structuring Your Life
Lori Stewart, a Drug and Alcohol Counselor who is living in recovery, says for her, structure is one of the main differences between life in addiction and life in recovery:1
Structure is really important. When I was using, I had no structure. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and other people didn’t matter to me. So when I got clean, I had to change that. And when I began my recovery, I learned how to live in structure: how to show up on time, how to be where I was supposed to be, and to have a plan.
Even without substance use in the mix, we humans tend to neglect ourselves. But during addiction, substance use replaces the routines that keep us healthy. Being addicted makes it much harder to take care of ourselves.
Michael, a Recovery Coach at Cumberland County Human Services (CCHS), says learning not to let himself burn out is a skill that’s helped his recovery.3 “If you burn yourself out, your thinking is not as sharp as it is when you’re fresh,” he says. Now, instead of pushing himself past his limit, he opts to self-regulate.
I pride myself in being very disciplined in my self-care, meaning I don’t exhaust myself. No matter what, I won’t allow somebody else to exhaust me, and I won’t exhaust myself, because I’m very mindful of self-care. And it’s very important to living a different lifestyle than you used to live.
2. Setting and Achieving Goals
Goal-setting is one of the most important life skills in recovery. Many people—especially during addiction—feel directionless without anything to work toward. Goals keep life moving forward.
In recovery, goal setting includes both large and small goals. Long-term goals keep you focused on your larger vision, and the small goals you complete each day are how you get there. This can look like planning out your week and following that plan each day, or planning out your day the night before. You may not feel like doing the items on your to-do list each day, but checking them off gives you a huge sense of accomplishment.
One woman in recovery, Ashley Bolen, describes how setting goals in recovery4 helps her feel like she’s moving in a positive direction:
[Rehab] taught me how to do things like pay my bills again—I forgot how to do that kind of stuff. They helped me come up with goals, and as long as I keep working towards those goals I feel like I’m going somewhere in life, which is huge. Because when you’re on drugs or on the street, you don’t have any goals. You don’t feel like you’re going anywhere in your life. You feel like the walking dead.
Michael of CCHS says small goals5 are just as important as large ones: “It says a lot about your character when you set small goals and you achieve them.” Doing what you tell yourself you will—however small—goes a long way in building your self-trust.
3. Managing Finances
If you’re coming out of years of addiction, you might be used to spending all your money on drugs and alcohol. In recovery, you’ll need to learn how to allocate money to your living expenses and savings. Rehabs teach this life skill through classes on financial planning, budgeting, saving, and more.
For someone without a lot of experience managing their personal finances, these things can feel very intimidating. But getting your financial house in order and learning how to avoid financial pitfalls has a significant impact on your life. Knowing how much money is coming in and how much is going out each month ensures you’re saving for your needs and avoiding unnecessary debt.
One practice that helps you stay within budget far more easily is cooking your own meals.
4. Meal Planning and Cooking
There’s a reason why sober living homes require people in recovery to make meal plans, grocery shop, and cook with their housemates. These are crucial skills for life, especially for those in recovery.
You may not have been much of a home cook before. Or if you were, it’s likely that you lost track of regular, healthy eating during your addiction.
Cooking may seem like a soft skill, but it’s a big deal. In fact, food author Michael Pollan says cooking can change your life:6
What predicts a healthy diet more than anything else is the fact that it’s cooked by a human being. Corporations cook very differently than people do. They use vast amount of salt, fat, and sugar—much more than you would ever use in your own cooking. And the reason they do that is because those are incredibly attractive, and incredibly cheap, ingredients.
Your diet has a major impact on your recovery, because it affects your mood, your gut biome, and the extent to which you experience cravings. Given how important nutrition is to maintaining your sobriety, that means cooking at home is a large part of what will help you stay sober, happy, and healthy in your new life.
5. Keeping House
Living with clutter can add environmental stress that affects your mental health. One study even showed lower psychosocial functioning among children who grow up in cluttered households.7 Having a relatively tidy space, on the other hand, can also declutter your mind. And in recovery, having an environment that supports your life goals is everything. That’s why U.S. Navy Admiral William McRaven famously says that if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed:
If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride. And it will encourage you to do another task, and another and another, and by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.
Keeping a clean house isn’t just a good self-care practice, it’s also a way to respect the needs of those you live with. Making good housekeeping a habit can make relationships easier as you reenter home life after rehab.
6. Having Healthy Relationships
Building and maintaining healthy relationships is one of the most important skills in life. When you return home after treatment, you’ll be adjusting to your new life in sobriety—and those around you will be adjusting, too.
Life will undoubtedly present triggers, and some of those will stem from social situations. These triggers are an opportunity to practice the communication skills you learned in treatment, as well as work through whatever still needs healing.
This is also a good time to let others know how they can support you by respectfully communicating your needs and boundaries. These things may sound simple, but they can feel very difficult—especially if you’re used to a different way of dealing with things. Honing these skills takes time, and those who love you will stick with you as you continue learning and trying your best.
7. Managing Your Time
As you work toward your goals, it’s also important to keep yourself in balance. Learning to schedule your time and energy realistically is another skill that gets better over time. As you plan out your days, weeks, and months, be sure to block out time on your calendar for yourself. Allowing yourself to recharge and fill your cup gives you more energy to be present for your recovery practice and all the other things you have going on in your life.
8. Job Readiness
For many people, rebuilding their life after addiction means finding a new job. Some rehabs focus on job readiness as part of their skill-building programming. Your rehab might offer help with your resume, interview skills training, or other services to help you feel ready to reenter the workforce.
If you simply need a job to meet your immediate needs, that’s completely fine. Ultimately, you may feel compelled to look for work that’s meaningful to you. Many people find that the self-exploration they do in recovery allows them to connect with their true purpose, and may even change careers as a result. Recovery is a life-changing experience, after all.
How Life Skills Training Facilitates Recovery
Life skills training helps reduce relapse rates by developing your tools for managing triggers and getting through life’s inevitable challenges. When you have better communication skills, for example, you’re better able to express your needs and frustrations instead of turning to substances to cope.
This training also grows your confidence in your ability to handle tough situations. Learning to make healthy choices, set boundaries, and say “no” empowers you to make decisions that support your recovery.
Life Skills Training Techniques and Approaches
Life skills training in rehab isn’t just a lecture series; it’s an engaging and interactive process. Your rehab might hold workshops as part of their core program, and answer questions and concerns about life in recovery in group discussions. You might also practice these skills through experiential learning activities, such as:
Picking veggies from the garden, learning how to make salad dressing from scratch, and creating your own salad
Planning your shopping list and trip to the grocery store to avoid pitfalls associated with disordered eating
Doing a mock interview to build confidence for your real-world job search
These techniques are often interwoven with evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. CBT helps patients identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Motivational interviewing techniques can help you explore your motivations for change and long-term recovery.
Challenges and Solutions in Life Skills Training
Applying new life skills takes time and practice. During treatment, a lot of people grapple with emotional upheaval or residual addiction symptoms, which might distract from their ability to fully engage with their rehabilitation program. And after rehab, reintegrating into daily life presents a whole new set of challenges.
That’s why most rehabs offer recovery support like relapse prevention planning, aftercare, and alumni networks that help you stay connected to sober community. Continuing individual therapy after rehab is also a great idea, as your therapist can help you work through challenges as they arise and continue to apply what you learned during treatment. And if you don’t already have a strong support network to lean on, your rehab can help you have one in place before you leave their care.
Success Story: “Every day I get to achieve my goals.”
That kind of structure is important to keep me feeling sane. When I wake up in the morning, I know what I’m doing. I know what I’m doing every day and that helps me in recovery, it brings me stability, and I have a plan. I have goals for my life. Every day I get to achieve my goals and work towards achieving my bigger goals. And through that, I’ve been able to be successful in my life. I’ve been able to gain years in recovery, buy houses, and raise successful children. I’ve been married to the same man for years, and I have a happy marriage because I’ve been able to follow my goals and have structure in my life.
She adds that she also stays connected to her sober community by talking to her sponsor regularly and working the 12 Steps with women she sponsors. “I stay really connected to my friends that are in recovery,” says Stewart. “If I lose that connection, I could possibly end up where I was before I got clean.”
Learn the Skills That Support Your New Life
Life skills training isn’t just an add-on; it’s a cornerstone of successful addiction recovery. It provides you with the tools to start building the life you want. Countless others have rebuilt their lives after addiction, and you can too.
Life gets tough at times, and facing a challenge like addiction alone can feel harder than it needs to. That’s where social support comes in.
This life-changing tool can help you manage stress, achieve better recovery outcomes, and enjoy the process more along the way. Here’s how you can make it a part of your journey, and reap the rewards of social support in recovery.
What Is Social Support?
The American Psychological Association defines social support1 as “the provision of assistance or comfort to others, typically to help them cope with biological, psychological, and social stressors.”
This can look like giving advice, helping out with tasks, assisting financially, or being there for someone in a way that makes them feel better emotionally. It can come from various sources:
Peer support in rehab and group therapy
12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Al-Anon
Non-12-Step support groups like SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, or LifeRing Secular Recovery
Family and friends who are supportive of your healing process
Social support helps you cope with stress, and recovery is undoubtedly stressful at times. Here’s why it’s important to develop—and engage with—this invaluable resource throughout your recovery.
7 Benefits of Social Support in Recovery
The importance of social support in addiction recovery can’t be overstated. Here are 7 ways having healthy connections can fill your journey with more joy:
1. Positive Impact on Mental Health
In times of hardship, it’s social support that lifts us back up. Beyond that, it can even help us shift from surviving to thriving. When we feel loved, understood, and cared for, we bloom.
Research supports the link between social support and mental health.2 One study finds that “positive social communication with family members and friends reduces anxiety and develops the feeling of security. People with more positive ethnical social relations and higher social support enjoy more efficient communication skills, which directs them away from depression and other mental problems…
social support as a protector against stress in a way that it largely affects social health and performance.”
Recovery is a huge life change, and social support can make it easier to achieve your goals. “If your social connections do not support you, it can make success much more difficult,” says psychosocial rehabilitation specialist Kendra Cherry, MSEd. But, “If your friends and family offer support and encouragement,4 you may find achieving your goal much more possible.”
There’s a reason why rehabs place so much focus on building a strong support system as part of continuing care and life after treatment. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines recovery as being holistic,6 stating that it “addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members.”
During early recovery, you’ll be integrating a lot of lifestyle changes, and a good network of friends and family encourages healthy choices and behaviors. Recovery is a lifestyle—and you need people who support that lifestyle. Surrounding yourself with examples of people living healthy lives makes it much easier to envision yourself doing the same.
Real friends want the best for you, and support your commitment to a path that’s in your best interest.
4. Reduced Risk of Relapse
Identifying the people in your support system is a vital part of relapse prevention planning. Having a trusted circle of people who believe in you and offer non-judgmental support provides a safety net when you face challenges or setbacks. This sense of security in times of need can significantly reduce your chances of backsliding.
Research consistently shows that social support is a key factor in preventing relapse.7 One study of rehab graduates found that “Clients with positive family relationships post-discharge were less likely to relapse than clients without such relationships. Clients who reported negative activities by all or most friends in the post-discharge period were three and one-half times more likely to relapse than clients who did not.”
Just as it’s important to remove yourself from the social situations that prompted your addiction,
it’s important to surround yourself with people who support your healthy choices.
5. Motivation and Accountability
Like any long-term goal, recovery requires consistent work. And we don’t always feel likedoing the things that are good for us. This is where accountability comes in, and why programs like AA focus so much on social systems that hold each other accountable.
Regularly meeting with your sponsor, sober coach, and sober peers can help you track your progress and stay motivated toward your goals. And that’s especially useful in early recovery, when life in sobriety can feel overwhelming.
6. Enhanced Coping Skills
Addictions are often developed as a result of using certain behaviors, alcohol, or drugs to cope with underlying issues. As such, learning how to cope with life’s inevitable challenges in helpful ways is a huge part of success in recovery—and life in general.
Social support is, in itself, a healthy coping strategy, and it plays a major role in determining your quality of life.9
Having loved ones you can rely on in times of need eases suffering. Researchers on the effects of social support on coping with stress10 say, “Social support is the most vital psychosocial protective resource, where effective coping can reduce stress levels and prevent individuals from experiencing more severe psychological distress.”
7. Improved Physical Health
The positive emotional and psychological effects of social support can also translate into better physical health. Reduced stress and healthier lifestyle choices made within a supportive community all contribute to a better mind, body, and spirit.
Stress can have serious health consequences, from compromised immunity to increased risk of heart disease. And because social support reduces stress, it also reduces the risk of stress-related illness.
In fact, social support is one of the most important indicators of longevity.11 Studies show consistent evidence “on three neurobiological pathways that link social support with health and longevity: the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system.” Just as being stuck in a state of fight-or-flight has negative impacts on these systems, the safety we feel as a result of our social networks reduces those impacts—and the risk of disease and mortality.
Find a Rehab Center for Your Journey to Recovery
Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances or managing symptoms; it’s about creating a life in which you feel happy, healthy, and well. And social support is a vital aspect of that. Your loved ones can help motivate you to get into treatment, and be a fulfilling part of your life in long-term recovery. Recovery also provides opportunities to make new connections and make that network even stronger.
If your goal is to overcome an addiction, rehab can be a great place to start. Social support is a central aspect of residential treatment, as peers provide camaraderie and community in group therapy and throughout your treatment experience.
To speak with rehab admissions counselors directly, look for treatment centers that meet your needs and reach out to someone today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Support in Recovery
How does social support impact mental health in addiction recovery?
Research shows that positive social communication reduces anxiety, enhances communication skills, and acts as a protector against stress. Poor social support is linked to a higher risk of mental health conditions, making healthy connections crucial for emotional well-being during recovery.
What are the benefits of social support in addiction recovery?
Social support offers numerous benefits in addiction recovery, including better mental health, better engagement in treatment, motivation, accountability, enhanced coping skills, reduced risk of relapse, and improved physical health. Building a strong support system is integral to the holistic approach of recovery, providing a foundation for a fulfilling and healthy life.
Why is social support important in preventing relapse during addiction recovery?
Social support helps prevent relapse because it provides a safety net when you face challenges or setbacks. Trusted connections reduce your risk of relapse by providing non-judgmental support and a sense of security when you need it most. Research consistently shows that positive family relationships and supportive social circles are closely tied to successful recovery outcomes.
Gardening can be more than a relaxing pastime. It also has clear mental health benefits—and it even supports addiction recovery. Rehabs with horticultural therapy help patients get grounded, literally. This treatment can inspire an appreciation for nature, give you a new hobby, and help you get to know yourself again.
Horticultural therapy looks different for everyone. In some programs, you’ll tend to a small window box of herbs. Others, like Mountainside Treatment Center, have more outdoor space for clients to explore.
What to Expect in HT, Whether Your Garden’s Big or Small
Specially trained therapists facilitate HT2 in rehab. You might see them one on one, or meet with a group of your peers. Treatment takes place in a natural setting, like a greenhouse, outdoor garden, or vegetable patch. In any of these places, you’ll learn about gardening and what different plants need to survive. Then, you’ll put it into practice.
Like most complementary therapies, HT also invites you to process your feelings. You might talk while you’re watering, or check in after you finish weeding for the day. Specifically, gardening teaches patients to be mindful.3 This skill is hugely important during addiction recovery.
How Can Gardening Help With Addiction?
Plants don’t judge you.4 They don’t know if you have an addiction or any other diagnosis. The way you treat them is the only thing that matters. And what’s more, they depend on you for care. You’ll learn how to show up for them every day, doing your best even if you feel your worst. And that skill can help you commit to every phase of addiction recovery.
“This lesson that all things must grow, live, perish, and in turn be put back into the land is a part of our holistic outlook on recovery and living.”
In their program, gardening becomes a metaphor for your personal growth. The act of starting rehab can be a challenge, even before you begin treatment. HT reminds patients that letting go of the past is empowering. And what comes next can be beautiful.
Enlightened Recovery in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey shows clients how gardening echoes the cycles of recovery.
The Benefits of HT in Rehab
Rehabs around the world use horticultural therapy to treat mental health issues, including addiction. And even after treatment, the benefits of gardening can support your ongoing recovery.
“Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”
Gardening lets patients connect to nature. Every day you can see, feel, and even taste your own impact on the world around you. At rehabs like Mountainside Treatment Center, that perspective is crucial. Sheree Surdam, overseer of their horticultural therapy program,10 explains why.
Gardening gives “people a sense of purpose and stewardship over the natural world,” she says. “Everything you do in the garden is an act of love.”
Root Yourself in Recovery
A healthy plant is tangible. When you smell a rose you grew, you’re breathing in joy of your own hard work. And by learning to nurture your garden, you can learn to nurture yourself.
Substance misuse can be extremely isolating. For some clients, rehab is a good time to break out of old patterns and start rebuilding interpersonal relationships. And, as valuable as talk therapies are, there are some skills you can only learn by engaging in mutual support. If your goal is to focus on those skills, you might benefit from joining a therapeutic community.
While many of these programs take place within rehab facilities, they take a unique approach to the healing process. Residents receive some level of professional care, which may include talk therapy, medical supervision, and various other programs. In addition to this, clients actively cultivate a community of mutual emotional support.
In some of these earlier programs, members were prohibited from using medications of any kind, even to help with detox. Over time, and as public opinion has shifted, many facilities have adopted a more modern approach. Today, it’s quite common for TCs to be connected with more traditional rehab facilities. This allows clients to benefit from recent medical advances, while still connecting deeply with one other. If you attend one of these programs, you will also be asked to take on greater responsibilities than you would be in a more traditional rehab program.
Collective Responsibility
In a therapeutic community, clients are often expected to participate in group activities, engage directly with one another, and even perform daily chores. These activities are intended to help you cultivate life skills and build healthy relationships. By behaving as an important part of a larger collective, you may become more confident in your own personal strengths.
As psychiatrist Penelope Campling explains, this philosophy is founded on the ideas of self-empowerment and collective responsibility. She writes, “therapeutic communities3 are deliberately structured in a way that encourages personal responsibility and avoids unhelpful dependency on professionals. Patients are seen as bringing strengths and creative energy into the therapeutic setting, and the peer group is seen as all-important in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance.”
TCs conceive of the “community as [the] method“4 or mechanism of healing. In this model, clients are not only accountable for their own recovery; they also assume a certain level of responsibility for each others’ healing processes. There is “an emphasis on social learning5 and mutual self-help…This aid to others is seen as an important part of changing oneself.”
Length of Stay in a Therapeutic Community
These programs often last longer than other forms of treatment, and your length of stay will likely be determined by your unique needs. At Start2Stop, a facility in London, offers a Secondary Care Programme for those who have completed 28-day inpatient treatment. “Everyone is different and the length of stay will depend upon individual circumstances,” says the provider. However, most clients stay on-site for approximately three months.
Research suggests that it is especially important for clients to prioritize aftercare following their stay in a TC. According to one study on therapeutic communities’ effectiveness,6 both “length of stay in treatment and participation in subsequent aftercare were consistent predictors of recovery status.” This may be related to the well-documented importance of community for mental health.7 After you learn to engage with fellow residents in a TC, it may be difficult to return to a less communal setting.
Group Activities
While therapeutic communities share a particular approach, various TCs have slightly different philosophies regarding recovery. For instance, some of these programs are founded in the 12 Steps of A.A. or N.A. Others may host only teens, or offer gender-specific treatment. No matter who is part of your cohort, you can expect to participate in focused group activities.
It’s quite common for clients to engage in group therapy or support groups during their stay. You may also join in group outings or even shared meals. These experiences help residents cultivate a sense of community by both offering and receiving emotional support from peers. When this exchange occurs outside of traditional talk therapy, clients can practice interpersonal skills in a variety of contexts. This may help you prepare for life after rehab, when you’ll start interacting with people who aren’t necessarily in recovery.
A growing body of evidence suggests mutual support between clients with substance use disorders8 is hugely beneficial. Experts have found that these relationships “fill a gap that often exists in both formal and informal treatment for individuals with SUD by focusing on recovery first and by helping to rebuild and redefine the individual’s community and life.”
You are more than your illness. Simply watching a movie with a friend, going on a hike, or talking about a good book can help you remember that. And during your time in residence at a TC, you may have more and more opportunities to engage in these activities.
Stages of Recovery
Many therapeutic communities employ a “hierarchical model of care”.9 In this dynamic, clients gain more privileges as they work through predefined stages of recovery. These privileges often include access to the outside world, such as receiving an allowance, using a laptop, or going off-site. For example, you might be allowed to spend a night away from the facility after being in the program for a certain period of time.
Because of this philosophy, TCs may be a good fit for people with responsibilities they can’t set down for months at a time. In particular, students and employed professionals may be able to keep up with school and work during treatment. Some clients might need to do this remotely, while others may be allowed to leave the facility during the day.
Unlike other rehab models, therapeutic communities actively encourage clients to reintegrate with the outside world10 before completing treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health, “as program participants progress through the stages of recovery, they assume greater personal and social responsibilities in the community. The goal is for a TC participant to leave the program not only drug-free but also employed or in school or training. It is not uncommon for program participants to progress in their recovery to take on leadership and staff roles within the TC.”
This flexibility should not be confused with a lack of structure. On the contrary, clients enjoy certain freedoms precisely because they remain accountable to themselves, each other, and their healthcare providers. At every stage of recovery, you’ll be expected to follow certain house rules.
Common Regulations in Therapeutic Communities
Life in a TC strikes a delicate balance. On the one hand, you’ll slowly gain privileges that aren’t available in other rehab programs. And on the other hand, you’ll be expected to take on responsibilities that are rarely associated with inpatient treatment. These two components work in concert to empower clients. The daily practice of caring for yourself and others, while watching the impact of your behavior in real time, can have a huge impact on the recovery process.
Sobriety
Most therapeutic communities have a zero-tolerance policy for substance use. You may undergo regular tests to confirm your sobriety. This practice is especially important for clients who spend significant time off-site. By gathering data about your health, your clinicians can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
If you do test positive for substances during your stay, you may have to leave the program permanently. While this may sound extreme, it’s in line with the philosophy of community accountability. In a TC, even more than in some other programs, your behavior has a drastic impact on the health of other residents. This strategy not only discourages substance misuse; it also protects clients from engaging in enabling behavior.
Household Chores
Living in a community means being partially responsible for the well-being of the whole group. With this in mind, most TCs require residents to take care of their own living spaces. These activities aren’t simply utilitarian; they’re also an exercise in interpersonal dynamics. A task as simple as sweeping the floor can become an act of caring for your cohort.
Each program has its own unique expectations of clients. At MARR, a TC in Georgia, clients “complete chores, buy groceries together, have dinner at the dining room table every night, and navigate day-to-day activities. This sense of community has proven to be a huge factor in the recovery process. It lets clients know they’re not alone while challenging their old habits at the same time.”
This practice teaches valuable life skills, helps clients develop healthier habits, and fosters strong relationships. It may also have a long-lasting positive effect on the psychological aspect of healing. Data suggests that life skills training11 and related activities may be an important preventive measure for those in recovery from substance use disorders.
Curfew
TCs have a strong focus on building healthy habits into your daily routine. Because of this, you can expect to follow a clearly defined schedule during your time there. Although it will likely include much more free time than a traditional rehab, you’ll still have to abide by a curfew. This curfew may change over time, as you progress through the stages of recovery. And even if you’re able to spend the occasional night off-site, you’ll still likely need to return at a predetermined time. Much like regular drug testing, this practice helps clinicians gather data about your recovery process—specifically your ability to keep your commitments and respect healthy boundaries.
Does Scientific Data Support Healing in a Therapeutic Community?
Significant research supports the idea that clients benefit from building community during recovery. Connecting with your peers not only gives you access to support; it also positions you to help the people around you. By empathizing with the people in your cohort, you may gain new insights into your own recovery process. As you develop mutual compassion and respect, you may also gain new confidence in your own role in the group.
However, much research is needed into the efficacy of TCs.12 Despite their lengthy history, there is little scientific data regarding their clients’ long-term recovery. One commonly cited study from the 1980s found that “nearly 30% of addicts treated in TCs maintain maximally favorable outcomes, while another 30% show significant improvement over their pretreatment status.” Because our clinical understanding of substance use has progressed so much since then, those findings may or may not reflect present-day outcomes.
More recently, a 2016 study found that “peer-led recovery support services13 may be a helpful addition to traditional professional services. More research is needed to make definitive recommendations.” However, it’s important to note that this is an analysis of specific peer-led services which may or may not be available in every therapeutic community. Based on related information, it’s very likely that TCs continue to have a positive long-term effect on recovery. But—just like any healing modality—treatment in a therapeutic community may be best when combined with traditional modalities, such as talk therapy and medical care.
Is a Therapeutic Community Right for You?
There’s no doubt that therapeutic communities offer a unique approach to recovery. This type of environment might be a good fit for clients who want to focus on improving their interpersonal relationships and developing life skills. And because residents may gain off-site privileges during their stay, this model may be especially appealing to people with certain commitments, such as work, school, or family responsibilities.
However, some clients may find that the lifestyle of a TC is incompatible with their own needs. For example, highly visible people—especially high-level executives and those with celebrity status—may require greater discretion. Others may need specialized medical care that isn’t available in this environment. And if you feel that you would benefit from more structure, or a greater level of protection from the outside world, you might consider attending a more traditional rehab program.
It’s also possible to take a combined approach, and attend a TC after completing detox or another inpatient treatment program. And, at any rehab, you can find ways to participate in a community both during and after the program. Even individual treatment programs may allow you to connect with loved ones during your stay. Whatever modality feels right for you, remember that healing your relationships is an important part of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Communities in Addiction Treatment
What is a therapeutic community in addiction treatment?
A therapeutic community in addiction treatment is a supportive environment where individuals in recovery live together, fostering personal growth through peer support, self-help, and shared responsibility.
What are the benefits of a therapeutic community in addiction treatment?
Therapeutic communities in addiction treatment provide a sense of belonging, support, and accountability, helping people develop life skills, coping strategies, and form healthy relationships.
How does a therapeutic community in addiction treatment promote recovery?
Therapeutic communities promote recovery by offering a structured environment for building healthy relationships, encouraging self-reflection, personal growth, and the development of healthier behaviors and coping mechanisms.
Substance use disorders can be extremely isolating. These conditions are often related to difficult relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. In some cases, challenging relationships encourage unhealthy behavior. On the other hand, even the healthiest of dynamics can be undermined by untreated mental health concerns. In both cases, many people find that building community is an important part of recovery. This process can begin during residential rehab.
When you first enter inpatient treatment, you may be struggling with the idea of community. During your time there, you can work on your interpersonal skills and begin to define or redefine what social support means to you. Different facilities take various approaches to this aspect of healing. You may be getting to know a cohort of your peers, staying in touch with far-away loved ones, attending groups, or all of the above. Whatever therapeutic modalities you use, you’ll likely learn how to relate to the people around you in a healthier way.
The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Relationships
Your illness is not your fault. It’s all too easy to blame yourself for factors outside of your control, including genetic predispositions and traumatic life experiences. No matter what, you are not to blame for simply having a substance use disorder. That being said, you can choose to change your behavior in ways that will make your relationships more sustainable. It can be very challenging to make those changes. But, with appropriate support, it is possible.
There is a complex association between social support and substance use disorders. For some clients, substance misuse feels like a solution to social isolation.1 On the other hand, previously healthy relationships may deteriorate when a person develops a substance use disorder. This often results in unsustainable social dynamics and interpersonal strife. Depending on how your community is structured, these difficulties may play out in a number of ways.
Family Dynamics
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, offers different forms of family therapy including virtual options.
Research has established that substance use disorders strongly impact immediate family members.2 Spouses and children, in particular, may experience psychological effects. This can result in codependent relationships, in which one partner tries to support a person with a substance use disorder, but unintentionally enables them instead.
If your family is struggling with issues like these, it’s important to focus on how you can heal, both individually and as a group. Family therapy may be especially beneficial here. Reconnecting with your loved ones may have a direct impact on the outcome of treatment. Research has found that “family support in the intervention process3…contributes to a higher rate of recovery success among addicts.”
When you first begin healing—and especially if you start by attending inpatient rehab—you’ll probably take a break from certain relationships. And if there are people in your life who actively interfere with your recovery, your break from them might be permanent. One expert writes that even “thinking about people, places, and things associated with past [substance] use” may be associated with relapse.
As beneficial as it can be to let go of toxic dynamics, it can also be painful. Residential rehab can provide a buffer during this process. If you attend an inpatient program, you’ll be surrounded by trained professionals who have experience helping clients navigate this type of grief. In some programs, you’ll also be able to build relationships with the other people in your cohort.
At most residential rehab facilities, you’ll be in recovery alongside a group of your peers. Some rehabs have an especially strong focus on these relationships. The Hope House Scottsdale, for example, hosts no more than ten clients at a time. Brenna Gonzales, Clinical Director, describes this environment as “a tight-knit community.” These settings give you more time with your providers and may foster stronger relationships between clients themselves. And there are numerous ways to build relationships during inpatient treatment.
Group Therapy
In a group therapy setting, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your emotional experience in a protected environment. Some modalities encourage clients to speak directly to each other, offering insight and support during the session. And even if you’re instructed not to discuss much of your personal history during therapy—as is true in dialectical behavior therapy—you may still develop an emotional connection to the people around you.
Support Groups
Although more research is needed, “peer support groups included in addiction treatment5 show much promise in potentially reducing substance use.” Some programs include 12-Step groups, such as A.A. or N.A. Others offer non-12-Step support groups that serve a similar purpose, with a slightly different philosophy. Most of these groups are designed to help you connect with those who have similar life experiences. You may find that the people in your group can offer insights you simply wouldn’t reach in more traditional talk therapy.
Experiential Therapy
Sierra by the Sea in Newport Beach, California offers experiential therapies unique to their beachside location.
In experiential therapy, clients engage in a wide variety of activities, from skiing to visiting museums. Along with other therapeutic benefits, these experiences allow you to practice interpersonal skills in a new setting. For example, if you and your cohort go through a ropes course together, you may learn valuable lessons about communication, trust, and how to take risks in a healthy way.
Healing Past Relationships
Not every rehab will connect you with a cohort. Some facilities offer individual treatment, serving only one person at a time. This can be very important for well-known clients, who may require high levels of discretion in order to effectively begin healing. However, healing in private does not mean healing in isolation. These programs are extremely personalized, with treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Sometimes, that means staying in touch with your family, loved ones, and even your colleagues during treatment.
Family Therapy
Many rehab centers offer family therapy. “Family” may be defined in many ways, including people such as parents, children, partners, dear friends, and chosen family members. If this modality is right for you, you may participate in regular sessions, either in person or online. Some facilities also offer support groups that are only for family members, helping them heal from adverse experiences related to a loved one’s substance use disorder.
Family therapy isn’t right for everyone. Some clients may even decide to cut ties with family members to focus on recovery. There is no right or wrong way to approach this; only the way that works best for you. It’s important to remember that you get to decide who is part of your community. And if your family is included in that, they may be a valuable source of support both during and after rehab.
Forming a Sober Support Network
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. At this stage, you’ll find yourself in a new environment, and therefore, within a new community. This community may be made up of your family and old friends, or it may be something you haven’t experienced before.
For example, before returning home, you may choose to spend time in a therapeutic (or sober living) community. These programs provide less structure than inpatient rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people with substance use disorders. These environments can be helpful for people who do not have strong support networks to return to. As one expert writes about the value of community in recovery,6 “Individuals with substance abuse problems who are living in a collaborative housing setting will have their addiction treated more effectively than [those] not residing in a community-based facility.”
If and when you do return home, community will continue to be important. You may find support from 12-Step or similar support groups, which will allow you to connect with peers in your area. Many rehab programs also have strong alumni programs, through which you can stay connected with your cohort.
And as important as these programs are, they aren’t everything. After rehab, you’ll also start to create a life that feels rich and meaningful, without relying on substance use. You may engage in new hobbies, meet people with similar interests, and find healthy ways to have fun. This may sound frivolous, but in fact, it is an absolutely essential part of recovery. Research has shown that “increasing recovery-supportive social connections can have a profound benefit for achieving and maintaining abstinence.”7
The Effect of Community Support on Long-Term Recovery
When considering the importance of community for people recovering from substance use disorders, many researchers refer to a study conducted in the early 1980s, commonly known as “Rat Park.”8
In his study, researcher Brian Alexander began by giving rats free access to water laced with opiates. He found that when given a choice between plain water and drugged water, solitary rats would continue drinking the opiate solution until they overdosed. Another group of rats was placed in an enclosure he called Rat Park. As it was later described by journalist Johann Hari, this environment was “basically heaven for rats. They’ve got loads of cheese, they’ve got loads of colored balls, they’ve got loads of tunnels. Crucially, they’ve got loads of friends.” Faced with the same choice between drugged and pure water, none of the subjects in Rat Park overdosed.
The Rat Park experiment is not without flaws.10 Some experts critique it as an oversimplification. And indeed, this theory of substance misuse focuses only on the idea of a subject’s current environment. It ignores genetics, life history, and the effects of long-term stress, all of which can contribute to a person’s mental health. However, more robust research continues to support one of its findings: that strong communities can help guard against substance misuse.
One study, conducted in 2021, analyzed several social factors as potential risk and protective factors for substance misuse.11 Researchers found that “those with a greater number of close friends had more strengths and fewer barriers” to addiction recovery. This suggests that one’s relationships, and not just one’s environment, support the process of healing.
Recovering Your Relationship With the World Around You
Much like the process of recovery, building community takes time. Many clients enter rehab with much to learn about how to engage in healthy relationships. You may need to practice setting boundaries, expressing your needs, or navigating group dynamics. And as much progress as you might make during rehab, you’ll find yourself learning a whole new set of skills after treatment.
Remember that a strong community is more than a checkbox. It is a complex, living, breathing, changing group of people, all of whom relate to each other in unique ways. And as you reconsider your relationship with substances, you may also redefine what you need in your relationships with other people. Your support network might look very different after rehab than it did earlier in your life. And for some people, that can be extremely healthy.
To learn more about the ways different facilities foster community, browse our list of rehab centers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Community in Rehab
Why is building community important in the rehab process?
Building community in rehab fosters support, connection, and a sense of belonging. It creates a safe environment for patients to share experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. Strong interpersonal relationships help support the healing process.
What are the benefits of peer support in rehab?
Peer support in rehab offers several benefits:
• Fosters mutual understanding and empathy • Enhances motivation and accountability • Creates a sense of shared journey • Provides inspiration • Reduces feelings of isolation • Increases the likelihood of long-term recovery
How is community built in rehab?
Community is built in rehab through various activities including group therapy, support groups, experiential therapy, outings, and shared responsibilities. These activities promote social interaction, communication, and collaboration. They foster a supportive environment for people to share and learn from one another.
The process of recovery is different for every person. For some, it includes the use of CBD. However, this is a controversial topic. Many believe that the use of any psychoactive substance, including prescribed medication, interferes with sobriety. And if you’re deciding whether or not CBD will play a role in your recovery journey, it’s important to remember that recovery isn’t about following universal rules. It’s a way to build a life that feels healthy for you.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of hundreds of active ingredients in cannabis. It’s readily—and legally—available in many areas. As more and more U.S. states legalize marijuana use,1 for medical and/or recreational purposes, CBD will likely become even more accessible.
Some areas have also decriminalized marijuana,2 with or without officially making it legal. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “This generally means certain small, personal-consumption amounts are a civil or local infraction, not a state crime (or are the lowest misdemeanor with no possibility of jail time).” This speaks to a cultural shift in perspective.
CBD is a cannabinoid.5 That is, it’s a chemical substance that interacts with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors. Cannabis plants are believed to produce between 80-100 different cannabinoids. You may be more familiar with THC, which is the most prevalent cannabinoid we know of, and which produces a “high.” CBD is “the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis.”6
The Chemistry of CBD
There is much research to be done on all cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. However, these two chemicals are the best-known, and most-researched, cannabinoids to date.
Many experts describe a simple difference between these two compounds: THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.7 However, this may be an oversimplification. According to one source, “A chemical is considered psychoactive when it acts primarily on the central nervous system and alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness or behavior.” Despite this distinction, it remains true that CBD, unlike THC, is not intoxicating.
There is a clear reason for this: CBD and THC have different neurochemical effects.8 Both CBD and THC act on the brain’s cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Even without the feeling of intoxication, CBD has a noticeable impact on brain chemistry and may be able to treat both physical and emotional symptoms.
The Experience of CBD
Research suggests that CBD may help treat anxiety,9 insomnia, chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Some people use it to help with acute symptoms, such as panic attacks and pain flare-ups. Others take it daily, to manage chronic conditions.
CBD is available in several forms. Tinctures can be added to food or taken sublingually, delivering the cannabinoid directly to the bloodstream. Vape oils and high-CBD plant strains can be inhaled, taking effect more quickly but lasting for a shorter time. Lotions and salves are used topically, for a greater impact on localized physical pain.
Because it’s a relatively new subject of study, experts still have much to learn about the benefits and risks of CBD. To date, it’s believed to have a variety of medical applications.
There is some controversy about cannabis as a treatment for mental health conditions. However, preliminary research suggests that CBD may have antidepressant and antipsychotic qualities. And experts agree that CBD for addiction treatment is a promising area of study.13
CBD and Substance Use Disorders
A steadily growing body of research suggests that CBD may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with substance use disorders. According to one study, “the fact that patients with substance use disorders often present with various psychiatric and medical symptoms that are reduced by CBD—symptoms such as anxiety, mood symptoms, insomnia, and pain”14 suggests that this cannabinoid may help people in various stages of detox and recovery.
CBD is an especially promising option for people healing from opiate use. This is because certain cannabinoid receptors are co-localized with opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, CBD can have a direct impact on these receptors, which may help during withdrawal and detox.
Also, many people who overuse opiates do so because they experience physical pain. Because pain relief is one effect of CBD, the cannabinoid may decrease the underlying symptoms that lead to substance use.
Beyond its application for recovery from these specific substances, CBD may help to alleviate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. According to one study, CBD can even help people quit smoking.16
While there are other medical treatments to aid in this process, CBD may be an even safer option, because it has a low risk of chemical dependency. “According to a report from the World Health Organization, ‘In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential17…To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.’”
Am I Still Sober if I Use CBD?
Although CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a substance. And people in recovery need to be mindful of how they use all medications. Because of this, it may or may not be appropriate for a person in recovery to use CBD.
One important part of recovery is learning to define what health means specifically for you. And your definitions of health and sobriety may change over time. As you approach these issues, it’s extremely important to stay true to yourself, and be honest with your mental healthcare team. You might also connect with a community that defines sobriety in a particular way, which may impact how you view your own recovery process.
Total Abstinence
For some people, sobriety means total abstinence from all psychoactive substances,18 including prescribed psychiatric medication. This strict boundary may even impact the way you approach your physical health. For example, some people in recovery from opiate use refuse narcotic medications at all costs, even when they have surgery.
There is nothing inherently right or wrong about this perspective. It has become common enough that most doctors can accommodate their patients’ needs without the use of these medications. It’s not an easy path, but for many people, it’s the right one.
Harm Reduction
Not everyone commits to total abstinence. And not everyone should. Some serious mental health conditions make prescription medications an absolute necessity. For example, people with bipolar disorder may experience debilitating depression if they abstain from mood stabilizers. At the end of the day, sobriety is meant to be a path toward health, not away from it.
Even Alcoholics Anonymous takes a nuanced approach to the idea of abstinence.19 They recommend that members who require medication continue to take it, but only if they can stay accountable to themselves, their communities, and their medical teams. It’s possible to use substances safely if you’re doing so under appropriate supervision.
As cannabis use becomes more and more culturally acceptable, we are likely to learn more about the medical applications of CBD, especially as relates to recovery from substance use disorders. Because of this, it may become more widely used by people who still consider themselves to be sober.
The Risks of CBD
Despite promising research, there are still some risks associated with CBD use. Although it’s not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a cannabinoid. And many CBD products include trace amounts of THC, which can sometimes be addictive. Studies suggest that 9% of people who smoke cannabis develop a dependence on it.20 For those without substance use disorders, that may be an acceptable risk. For some people in recovery, it may be too dangerous.
If you plan to use CBD in response to a substance use disorder, proceed carefully. Make sure to talk to your treatment providers about its potential risks and benefits, and find out if it can interact with any of your other medications.
Whether or not CBD is right for you, it’s important to be fully honest with yourself, your support network, and your healthcare providers about your experience. For example, if you decide to use cannabis in response to acute panic attacks, and then find yourself using it daily, this may be a warning sign. As with any other substance, it’s best to be mindful of the emotions you associate with its use. Like many other substances, it’s possible to use CBD appropriately. It’s also possible to misuse it, or to overuse it.
Finding Balance, With or Without CBD
As cannabis use becomes less stigmatized, people are starting to question whether or not it interferes with sobriety. There’s no clear answer to this. However, the same is true for most substances. If you’re recovering from cocaine use, can you still safely drink? If you’re recovering from opiate use, should you take Prozac? These questions are complicated, and the answers may vary from person to person. During rehab and recovery, you’ll likely start to define where the line is for you.
As you think about your personal history of substance use, you’ll start to distinguish between healthy and problematic behaviors. Are there ways you’ve used substances in the past that felt sustainable? In the process of recovery, are you still capable of approaching medication in that way? If you can incorporate CBD into a genuinely healthy lifestyle, it has many benefits. However, if you’re concerned about using it unsustainably, it may not be worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using CBD in Recovery
Is it possible to use CBD while maintaining sobriety?
The definition of sobriety varies according to different recovery philosophies. Some people choose total abstinence from all psychoactive substances, including CBD. Others may take a harm reduction approach, considering the potential benefits of CBD for managing symptoms. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and determine what aligns with your recovery goals and personal definition of sobriety. Remember, recovery is a journey of self-discovery and finding the balance that works for you.
Are there risks associated with using CBD in recovery?
While CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it’s still a cannabinoid and may contain trace amounts of THC. It’s essential to discuss CBD use with your treatment providers, as it may interact with other medications. Honesty with yourself, your support network, and healthcare providers is crucial in monitoring your CBD use and recognizing any warning signs of misuse or overuse.
Can CBD help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms during recovery?
CBD shows promise for alleviating addiction-related symptoms, including cravings and withdrawal, due to its impact on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It’s shown positive effects in helping people recover from opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine use. While CBD isn’t a standalone solution, it may be worth exploring as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if CBD is a suitable option for you.
While rehab is a place to begin recovery, it’s only the first step in a long journey. During your program, you’ll start learning how to build a better life. This carefully curated environment may include individual and group therapy, recreational activities, and medical treatment. Most rehab programs are designed to temporarily protect you from external stressors, including work and family obligations. Without those concerns, you can dig deep into healing, developing sustainable tools to use in the future.
Think of your time in rehab as an intensive retreat. This is a crash course. It isn’t meant to be temporary. The goal is not to stay in rehab forever, but instead to learn new skills that you can put to use after leaving the program. And, best of all, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources available to people transitioning out of residential rehab.
Post-Treatment Challenges
It’s natural to be concerned about your transition out of rehab and back into the wider world. Without the structure of the program, you can expect to encounter both new and established triggers on a more frequent basis. You may also be returning to difficult circumstances. For example, you and your therapist might discover that work stress prior to rehab was interfering with your mental health. If that’s true, you may be planning to change jobs soon after you return home. Situations like this one can be stressful even in the best of times.
Every person’s experience of rehab is different, but recent graduates tend to have a few common concerns. Before you finish the program, it can be helpful to plan around how you’ll navigate the following:
Relationships and Community
Many people go to rehab when they realize they need more care than they’re getting from their loved ones. Because of this, it’s common for alumni to return home to difficult dynamics. You have to let go of unhealthy relationships in order to prioritize your own healing process. Without the structure of your program and the in-person support of your recovery peers, it can be hard to maintain those boundaries.
Healing takes time. That’s true for the body, the mind, and also for relationships. Many programs offer family therapy, so your loved ones can begin healing even before you return home. This work not only affects your familial dynamic; it can also have a positive impact on your and your loved ones’ other relationships. Ryan Soave, the Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says “…often when we do family work, the families get better. We also find that they get better in their lives outside of the family.
However, family therapy is just one part of rehab. They may have attended weekly sessions, but you’ll have gone through a much more intensive program. You may find that you have more tools for emotion regulation than the people around you. Be patient with them, and with yourself, as you learn how to relate to each other during this new stage of your process.
Relapse
From the moment you arrive at rehab, you’ll begin preparing for the possibility of relapse. Healing isn’t always a linear process, and this is an area of concern for many people in recovery. As such, your team of providers can help you plan ahead. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, offers a clear description of this issue. “There’s a term called ‘post-treatment crash,’” Gerber says, “which is a quite familiar term to everybody working in addiction treatment. No matter how successful and intensive the treatment has been, without the proper care and company after leaving treatment, there are risks for relapse.”
Leaving rehab is stressful. And if substance use has been your primary way of coping with stress up to this point, you may have the urge to fall back into old patterns during this transition. Instead of engaging in unhealthy behavior, it’s important to stay focused on yourself and your goals. Having a clear and specific plan for aftercare can make that much easier. Even before you return home, you can start researching aftercare options to support you in life after rehab.
AspenRidge Recovery in Lakewood, Colorado provides a comfortable sober living environment for clients attending their intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is an essential component of recovery. In most rehab facilities, this is a major focus of the program; clients often have daily one-on-one sessions, in addition to group sessions and other activities. Individual therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal from any mental health issue, including substance use. It’s highly recommended for people in recovery to continue individual therapy even after transitioning out of inpatient care.
Therapy offers a private, confidential space where you can explore your emotional experience. Because your emotional life changes over time, this isn’t a quick process. It takes time to process your past, learn to navigate the present, and plan for the future. Many people attend therapy for years, or throughout their lives. Like rehab, therapy is a tool to kickstart the healing process. However, therapy is also important for the maintenance of your mental health regardless of where you are in your recovery journey.
You may or may not be able to continue seeing the same therapist you saw during rehab after you leave the program. Most therapists are only licensed to practice in certain locations. Because of this, people who travel to attend rehab will almost certainly need to find a new therapist once they leave. Some therapists are able to offer telehealth services, or sessions on a remote basis. If you’d like to continue seeing the same provider after you return home, make sure to check with them before you leave to find out if that’s possible.
Finding the right therapist for you can be a long and even arduous process. The therapist-client dynamic works best when your provider has an intuitive sense of your needs, goals, and values. What’s more, not every therapist has experience in treating addiction. If you have additional concerns, you may need a provider who has other competencies as well. For example, a therapist who specializes in working with teenagers might not be a good fit for someone in their 40’s. Remember that you’re allowed to shop around. You can research a provider’s credentials before reaching out, and you can ask to have an initial trial session before committing to a longer process. It’s ideal to begin looking for a therapist before you leave rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are one step down from residential treatment. These programs allow you to live off-site—usually either at home or in a sober living environment—while undergoing intensive therapy at a hospital or rehab center. An IOP or PHP might be right for you if you need significant support during the transition out of rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
If you participate in an IOP, you will live at home, on your own, or in a sober living environment, but you will attend the clinical program several days a week. Each of these programs is unique, but most of them include 10 or more hours of group and individual therapy per week. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lays out specific guidelines for IOPs,1 stating that “IOP services may incorporate other in-house treatment and peer services, encourage clients’ attendance at mutual-support groups, and collaborate with local community providers to secure needed services (e.g., medication-assisted treatment, psychological assessments, vocational rehabilitation services, and trauma-specific treatment).”
IOPs offer a gentle transition out of rehab. AspenRidge Recovery, a facility in Colorado, describes this type of program as “a safe and accountable way [for clients] to test their skills in real-world situations while still having a supportive team to rely upon.” You’ll continue to have a team of healthcare providers at your fingertips, as well as access to a cohort of people who are also in recovery. Your time on-site is intended to help you process the experiences you have outside of rehab and in between therapy sessions.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs are similar to IOPs, but clients spend more time in the program. If you attend a PHP, you’ll spend the majority of each day in treatment, and only go home at night. This is a good option for people who need to be closely monitored by healthcare providers, but have some responsibilities they can’t simply put on pause, like family or schoolwork. You can attend a PHP after rehab, or choose this type of program instead of 24/7 treatment.
Pillars Recovery, a rehab in California, recommends PHPs to clients who can’t afford inpatient rehab. They also offer clients the option of staying in a sober living environment during the program. Depending on your insurance, one of these options may be more accessible than a more traditional stay at a rehab facility.
Sober Living Environments
A sober living environment hosts residents who are adjusting to the rhythm of life without substance use. They are safe environments with clear rules and regulations, but far less structured than inpatient rehab programs. While you may choose to attend therapy during your time there, those sessions would likely take place off-site and through a different program. The goal of your stay in a sober living environment is to transition out of intensive treatment into a more flexible schedule.
Many sober living environments will only admit clients who have already completed a residential treatment program. Some, however, are available to people recovering from a number of concerns, and not only from substance use.
Unlike inpatient rehab, sober living offers you the opportunity to socialize and set your own schedule. You may have access to planned outings, a library of relevant materials, and other activities, such as yoga and meditation. You’ll likely be required to attend regular meetings, such as 12-step meetings, that support your new lifestyle.
Some kinds of healing can only be accomplished alone or in therapy. Other kinds of healing can only be achieved in a community. As you transition out of inpatient treatment, it’s important to take the skills you developed in rehab and put them into practice in your daily life.
Pillars Recovery in Newport Beach, California offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and day treatment (PHP) for clients wanting to step down to transitional living for a structured, healthy lifestyle post-rehab.
Support Groups
Support groups are a valuable resource for people in recovery, both during and after therapy. These settings allow you to learn from other people with similar life experiences, and gain insights you might not have access to in individual therapy. Catherine Ulrich Milliken, Program Director of McLean Borden Cottage, explains that attending groups is “an important part of recovery, and the evidence shows that it’s a good, helpful component. It’s another way to be connected to a community. It’s another place of accountability. It’s another place for support. It’s the roof on the house of sobriety – making sure people engage in a spiritual component.”
Various support groups are available in most areas. Most aftercare programs—such as IOPs and PHPs—will provide facilitated sessions on-site. However, most of these groups are easily accessible to anyone.
If you’re living independently, don’t be afraid to try out a few groups before you decide which one(s) you’d like to attend regularly. The specific people in your group have a huge impact on the experience. You may find that you really connect with the people who attend a certain meeting on Wednesday nights, but you don’t have much in common with the people who go to the same group on Fridays. Rehab alumni often find it helpful to attend more than one group; some people even go to at least one session every day after leaving inpatient treatment. These groups are offered in a wide variety of styles, giving you the freedom to choose which philosophy works best for you.
12-Step Groups
In 12-Step support groups, participants follow 12 clearly defined steps toward recovery. These steps were originally defined by Alcoholics Anonymous, and over time, numerous similar groups have branched off. All over the world, it’s now possible to find local chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Pills Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Workaholics Anonymous, and more. While these different groups use slight variations on the original 12 Steps, they all share a similar philosophy.
Most 12-Step meetings open with a reading or a prayer. After that, members may be invited to share their stories, or to engage in a group conversation. Every group’s format is a little different, based on the specific needs and goals of the participants and facilitators.
Sponsorship is an important component of the 12-Step program. A sponsor is someone who has been attending the group for some time, who feels ready to volunteer to work closely with newer members. When you form a relationship with a sponsor, you’ll connect with them outside of group meetings, possibly through regular conversations or other activities. This allows you to learn from their experience, strategize ways to achieve your own goals, and stay on track as you continue to heal. Depending on your specific sponsor, you may even be able to call them at a moment’s notice when you’re having a hard time.
12-Step groups have a strong focus on faith. While all are welcome, much of the literature references a higher power, and sometimes even a Christian God. These groups are a good fit for people who want to develop a spiritual practice, and they may be less effective for those who don’t. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-Step groups are some of the best-known support groups for people in recovery, but they’re far from the only options.
Other Support Groups
If the 12 Steps aren’t right for you, there are many other established support groups you can join. For example, SMART Recovery groups focus on self-empowerment and behavioral health. Their 4-Point Program2 encourages members to prioritize the following goals:
Building and maintaining the motivation to change
Coping with urges to use
<anaging thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way
Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life
Groups are led by trained facilitators, who may or may not have personal histories of substance use. This abstinence-oriented program is founded in science rather than faith.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is another secular group, with a similar focus on personal growth. They espouse the 3S philosophy, “Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.” Members give and receive support from each other in each meeting, but unlike 12-Step programs, do not engage in sponsorship. Instead, this organization teaches that “you know what’s needed in your life3 and what has to be abandoned. You know what triggers cravings and what provides healthy and strengthening pleasure. You know the path you want to be on and you are the only person who can figure out how best to get there.” Participants are encouraged to make their own choices, and to creatively build a life that makes them happy.
Social Interest Groups
As important as it is to see a therapist and connect with your peers, there’s more to healing than processing complex emotions. Recovery is also an opportunity for joy. As you begin to live a more sustainable life, you’ll naturally find healthier ways of relating to the world.
After completing inpatient treatment, many people find joy in taking up new hobbies and learning new skills. Joining a special interest group can support that process. You may even want to continue working on something you started during rehab. For example, if you loved your time in art therapy, you might enroll in a painting class. Pursuing these activities can keep you grounded as you go forward, and may even remind you of positive experiences you had during treatment.
There are meet-up and affinity groups for almost any interest you might have. You can join a knitting circle, take a philosophy class, or start playing softball. It can be especially helpful to connect with people in person, instead of only engaging through social media. Forming relationships with people who share your interests but not necessarily your struggles can also be a helpful reminder that you are a complex, multi-faceted person. There’s far more to you than just your challenges.
Just as there are lessons you can learn in group therapy that would never come up in a one-on-one session, there are also valuable experiences you can only have outside of therapy. In an affinity group, you can learn about social dynamics and problem solving in entirely new contexts. You can also create new memories, develop a sense of accomplishment, and find ways to have fun without substances! These are the experiences that make life in recovery meaningful.
Charting a Course After Treatment
Recovery is the process of creating a life you don’t need to escape. Rehab can give you the tools to begin that process, but it’s up to you to follow through after you leave treatment. Maintaining your health isn’t just about giving up destructive habits; it’s about replacing them with positive ones.
The map is not the territory. During rehab, you’ll start to define what kind of life you want. After primary treatment, you can begin actively moving toward that life. This process can sometimes be messy and surprising, but it can also be highly rewarding.
No matter what, you don’t have to do it alone. All of these strategies—individual and group therapy, support groups, and social groups—invite you to connect with people who want to see you succeed. Making those connections is the first step toward a better life after rehab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Continuing Care
What can I expect after leaving rehab?
After leaving rehab, you can expect to face new and existing triggers in the wider world. It’s important to plan around navigating relationships, maintaining boundaries, and addressing post-treatment challenges. This is especially true if you’re returning to difficult circumstances. Remember to get sufficient support in place before leaving treatment, and be patient with yourself and others as you adapt to this new stage of your recovery journey.
Should I continue individual therapy after leaving rehab?
Yes, individual therapy is highly recommended even after transitioning out of inpatient care. It provides a private space to explore your emotional experience and continue your healing journey. Therapy helps with emotional processing, navigating the present, and planning for the future. Finding the right therapist may take time, so it’s ideal to start looking for one before you leave rehab.
What continuing options are available after completing residential rehab?
After completing residential rehab, most patients use some combination of stepped-down care options. These include intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOPs), sober living, support groups, and virtual therapy. These provide ongoing support, structure, and community as you transition from residential rehab to daily life.
