Thinking about what does life look like after getting clean and sober is a sure sign that you are on the right path to finally living like you’ve always dreamed. Dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction can weigh you down, and it is possible that the negative impact it has had on your life is inspiring you to make some changes. Life after getting sober looks different for everyone. Your dreams, personal interests and goals all play a role in what you can expect your life to look like after drug rehab. However, making a commitment to sobriety is the one thing that you’ll find is a running thread in each person’s life who decides to complete their treatment.
If it has been a while since you felt like you were living the life you were destined for, then it helps to start thinking about what you want it to look like. The truth is that you are in control of your destiny, and seeking professional addiction treatment helps you get back on track with pursuing your dreams.
Start Envisioning What You Want for Your Life
There are several ways to start figuring out what you want your life to look like. You might find it helpful to reflect upon what you wanted to do back before you started using drugs and alcohol. It is also beneficial to think about where you were in life just before things went off track. These questions can serve as a starting point for exploring your innermost dreams.
•Is there anything that you’ve let go of that you once loved?
•Is there something that you’ve always wanted to try?
•Are there relationships that you need to mend?
•Are you interested in pursuing a specific career?
•Is it time to go back to school or earn a certification?
•Do you need to find a new place to live?
At times, thinking about these questions might cause you to experience some uncomfortable feelings. You might feel regret about letting a career opportunity go by, or you may be sad about a relationship ending. If this happens, then accept your emotional reaction and move on. You’ll be able to explore these emotions, and make plans to generate positive life changes, when you go to addiction treatment.
Discover New Hobbies and Sober Activities
Sobriety also represents a time of transformation when you can do anything you want. Getting clean allows you to stop feeling weighed down by problems such as being hungover or too busy looking for drugs that can stop you from doing things that support personal growth. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Or, have you always wanted to learn how to make watercolor paintings? If so, then you’ve got the perfect chance to indulge your interests.
You may even find new interests that you didn’t know you cared about before when you enter rehab. Addiction treatment often includes opportunities to engage in mindful meditation or take a yoga class that can help to ease stress and fill your time. If you haven’t pictured yourself playing basketball or writing in a journal, then consider giving these types of things a try. Over time, you’ll find that your life looks very different from the way it did in the past. You’ll also likely happily admit that this is a good thing.
Focus On Staying Strong With an After Care Program
Life in sobriety is mostly lots of fun and games, but it does involve some work. Staying sober becomes your new priority when you no longer need to search for drugs. With a quality treatment program, you’ll find that relapse prevention begins before you leave the rehab center. There, you’ll sit down with your counselor to create an after care plan to follow once you get home.
Attending continuing group sessions and individual therapy is a normal part of life in sobriety. Fortunately, these experiences are meaningful and helpful since you’ll be able to talk about things that are actively happening in your life. Getting support with new challenges that you face helps you to continue to improve your lifestyle, and you may even meet a few new sober friends who have also recently discovered that they like to play sports or engage in a lively book club discussion.
Do you dream of a better life that doesn’t include drugs and alcohol? We can help you start making those dreams a reality. Reach out to our caring team today at (833) 922-2653.