How do I cope outside of rehab?

coping outside rehab is sometimes difficult as you have left a controlled environment to one where it's easy to fall back into old habit. Determination is a key factor in coping, you must constantly remind yourself the reason why you went to rehab in the first place which is to get better. surround yourself with supportive friends and family that would lift you up and motivate you in moments of weakness

Find your local 12 Step program group and attend meetings at least once a week. You can also get phone numbers there of people in recovery whom you can call on for support.

I can only speak to my experience, but after I left rehab, I was only able to stay clean and sober by immersing myself in Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition to that, I had to learn not to dwell on cravings: the more mental energy I poured onto the "mental obsession" (as we call it in AA), the more I wanted to drink/use. Instead, if I shifted my attention to something else--even something as simple as taking a walk or watching TV--the craving soon passed.

Rehab is a gift because it provides structure, community, resource support, stability among other things. It is important to have those same assets outside of rehab such as: a place called home, a job, healthy eating, healthcare, exercise, spiritual development, a support group, positive and supportive friends, a mentor or sponsor, and of course 7 Cups of Tea. And any other helps and resources for healthy living.

One of the best ways to cope outside of rehab is to develop healthy habits. A habit can be anything from a hobby to just hanging out with people who are sympathetic to your condition.

Sponsors are a common part of recovery and are used to support people who have been in rehab so you don't have to cope alone

remember the reason your trying to stay clean and hold onto that. Ask yourself when you feel an urge is the reason you quit more important than the substance. Try to involve yourself in positive things like volunteer work

Keep a tight knit support group ( I can't tell you how important that is). Stay busy. Journal. Pick up a hobby. I paint, do photography and most importantly, don't be ashamed to talk to anyone willing to listen about your experience. The internet provides so many opportunities to do so.

A support system of some sort is very important. If AA or NA is something you do, go to meetings everyday or as much as possible. If not, find a support group. Exercise is important, not only does it keep you healthy, it releases natural "feel good" chemicals in the brain, like endorphins. Explore different healthy activities or hobbies that you find enjoyable and fulfilling and do them often. Channeling difficult feelings and urges into creativity of any kind is an excellent way to overcome those feelings and urges. Have an accountability buddy that you trust and call them anytime you want to drink, do drugs or whatever you went to rehab for. Keep going to any counseling and/or doctor's appointments that you have scheduled.

I would suggest changing your surroundings, as they say your people, places, and things, because going back to the same thing you are more likely to get back into your old ways. Also, continue to work your program! If you are involved in NA or AA, find your local chapter and continue attending, find a sponsor, reach out to a trusted friend/relative if ever you feel yourself tempted to use or drink or whatever you are being rehabilitated for. Believe in yourself, and if you do happen to relapse, do not give up! If you get the attitude that you messed up might as well give up, you will not be successful, if you relapse, that is not the end of the world, for most it is part of recovery, remember, one day at a time. Most important, you can do this! If you ever need to chat, we at 7cups are available day and night anytime!! I wish you the best!