63. Returning Home After Substance Abuse Treatment
On September 1st, I successfully completed my treatment at Odyssey House, located in the Lower East Side of New York City. Returning home after completing substance abuse treatment is an experience filled with a mix of emotions—pride in my progress, excitement for what’s ahead, and, admittedly, a bit of nervousness about how I’ll navigate life outside the safety of rehab. Having spent months in a structured environment, I now face the challenge of continuing my recovery journey in the “real world.” One of the most important things that I’ve learned during my time in treatment is that recovery doesn’t stop when rehab ends. It’s a lifelong commitment, and to stay on the path to sobriety, I need to be intentional about my actions and choices every day. I want to share what has worked for me in staying on course after treatment. These are the strategies I use to maintain my sobriety, including attending outpatient services, hitting the gym, and remaining vigilant against triggers like people, places, and things that could lead me back down the wrong path.
One of the first things I did after coming home was sign up for outpatient services. I knew that I needed continued support to maintain the momentum I built in rehab, and outpatient programs offer just that. Outpatient treatment provides a structured space where I can continue receiving therapy, attend group sessions, and work with professionals who understand addiction. It allows me to stay connected to the tools I learned during inpatient treatment but within the context of my everyday life. For me, attending outpatient services has been crucial in bridging the gap between rehab and the outside world. It keeps me accountable and gives me a place to process any challenges I face now that I’m back in my normal environment. Some days, I still struggle with urges, feelings of guilt, or anxiety, and having a consistent therapeutic outlet gives me an opportunity to work through those emotions in a healthy way.
The group therapy sessions in outpatient are particularly helpful. Hearing others share their stories reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey; there’s something powerful about supporting each other. We celebrate our victories together and learn from each other's setbacks. Outpatient care provides me with an ongoing sense of community that has become a pillar of my recovery.
A huge part of my recovery plan after rehab has been getting physically active again, and the gym has played a major role in that. I’ve found that working out doesn’t just improve my physical health; it also helps me stay mentally and emotionally balanced. Going to the gym provides structure to my day and serves as a positive outlet for stress, which used to be one of my biggest triggers for substance use.
When I’m at the gym, I feel like I’m not just working on my body—I’m also working on my mind. The routine of getting up and moving each day helps me stick to a healthy schedule, and it gives me a sense of purpose. Plus, the physical benefits are undeniable: I sleep better, my energy levels are higher, and I’m building a body that I’m proud of, which ultimately does wonders for my self-esteem. There’s also something incredibly empowering about setting fitness goals and achieving them. Whether I’m lifting heavier weights, running a little longer on the treadmill, or seeing improvements in my endurance, these small wins remind me that I am capable of change and progress. It’s not always easy, and there are most definitely days when I don’t feel like going, but every time I push through, I’m reminded of the strength I have to overcome challenges—both in the gym and in life. The gym has become more than just a place to work out; it’s part of my recovery routine. It helps me focus on something positive, and on tough days, it’s a much-needed release. Exercise has truly been a game-changer for me in maintaining both my sobriety and my mental health.
One of the most important lessons I learned in rehab is that addiction doesn’t go away once you stop using. It’s a chronic disease, and staying sober requires constant vigilance. I’ve come to understand that in order to stay on this path, I have to be mindful of the people, places, and things that can trigger cravings or lead me toward a relapse. In active addiction, many of my relationships revolved around substance use. It was tough, but I had to make the decision to distance myself from those people once I got out of rehab. I realized that being around individuals who are still using or who don’t respect my sobriety is a direct threat to everything I’ve worked for. So, I’ve made a conscious effort to surround myself with people who support my recovery and who want to see me succeed. Sometimes this has meant letting go of old friendships, but it’s been necessary for my well-being.
There are also certain places that I now avoid because they remind me of my past substance use. Whether it’s the bar I used to frequent or the neighborhood where I spent most of my time using, I know that these environments are full of triggers. Instead, I’ve sought out new places that support my sober lifestyle. These places include the gym or a community center where I attend a support group meeting. Finding new, healthier spaces has helped me stay on track.
There are also certain things that can trigger memories of my old lifestyle. Whether it’s certain types of music, specific routines, or even seeing particular items, I’ve had to become aware of how these “things” affect me emotionally. I’ve learned to either avoid them completely or, when I can’t, develop coping strategies to deal with the feelings they stir up.
A big part of staying vigilant is practicing mindfulness. I try to stay aware of how I’m feeling at any given moment. Am I stressed? Angry? Lonely? These emotions can lead me down a dangerous path if I don’t address them head-on. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply talking things out with a therapist or supportive friend, I’ve found that being mindful of my emotional state is key to avoiding relapse.
Returning home after rehab has been a challenging but rewarding part of my recovery. To maintain my sobriety, I’ve leaned on outpatient services for continued support, incorporated a healthy routine through exercise at the gym, and stayed vigilant against the disease of addiction by avoiding old triggers. Each of these strategies helps me build a life I’m proud of—one that is grounded in my commitment to sobriety. While the road ahead may not always be easy, I feel equipped with the tools and resources I need to stay on course. Every day, I remind myself of how far I’ve come and what I’m capable of achieving. Recovery is a lifelong journey, but I’m taking it one day at a time, confident that I can continue moving forward.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to help spread awareness today.
