Contrary to what one may think, the recovery journey does not stop after one has completed a treatment program. While completing treatment is worth celebrating, recovery is a lifelong journey. Following treatment, there are a host of challenges that individuals will likely endure that will challenge their ability to maintain long-term sobriety. While this may be distressing to consider, know that this process can be filled with incredible, positive opportunities for healing and growth.

Why Is Recovery a Lifelong Journey?

Recovery is a lifelong journey because the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) tend to linger significantly throughout one's life. There will always be opportunities to use substances, which is why individuals in recovery must learn how to overcome substance use temptations and triggers. The potential for relapse will always exist. This is why continuing treatment is necessary to establish long-term recovery. Similarly, having a reliable support system can offer those in recovery vital tools to help navigate stressors and temptations.

For example, consider the role of recovery companions at Next Level Recovery Associates. These individuals support others who may be struggling with various challenges in the early stages of recovery. Watching these people struggle and sharing in their pain can be extremely hard on recovery companions, even though have been through the process. Recovery companions also seek their own forms of support through therapy and other treatment modalities. Even though they are not in the initial treatment phase of their recovery, the demands of their jobs require that they continue seeking some sort of support to care for themselves and others. 

Does Everyone Need to Continue Recovery?

Essentially, yes. No matter who you are or what stage of recovery you are in, you must constantly work to move forward in your recovery journey. As stated previously, even mental healthcare workers, such as recovery companions, must continue with their recovery. 

After treatment, clients are not guaranteed sobriety. This is simply not realistic. Although treatment can equip clients with essential tools that can help them to stay sober, their long-term recovery will still require external support.

Even if a client is accomplishing all of their personal and sober goals, they may still need to incorporate relapse prevention strategies in their daily life. Recovery companions may have reached their goals of getting a job that helps others who were in their shoes, but to be the most effective professional for their clients, they must also continue their own care. 

Consider the concept of getting a routine physical check-up from your primary care physician. No matter who you are, these check-ups and screenings are vital for your health. This is similar to caring for your mental health while in recovery, however, mental health check-ups are needed much more often. 

What Does Continued Recovery Look Like?

Inpatient or outpatient programs can be a great step in the right direction for achieving sobriety. After these initial programs are completed, it is important to seek out continuing care and recovery resources. Luckily, there are many options out there that one can choose from. Note that no one treatment will work for every person. Here are some continuing treatment options:

12-Step Meetings 

Any anonymous peer support group meetings can be helpful for clients to find a sober community, share their struggles, and find the motivation to continue in their sober practices. Individuals may enjoy these meetings because they can tackle specific struggles such as cravings and urges for particular substances. 

SMART Recovery 

SMART recovery meetings are a great way for clients to continue recovery in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. At these meetings, clients can seek assistance with crafting a recovery plan that works specifically for them. Attending these meetings can also help individuals in long-term recovery find a community of people who are also committed to their recovery goals.

Holistic Practices

Practices such as these can include a wide range of activities that help clients find peace within themself and manage their stress levels on a daily basis. Some such activities could include meditation, yoga, or even simply going for a walk. As long as the various activity resonates with the intention that a client has for their experience, holistic practices can prove to be very beneficial. 

Outpatient Individual Psychotherapy

Having a trained professional who can offer clients care and advice throughout each stage of their recovery is incredibly important. Outpatient psychotherapy can include various therapeutic modalities that are used to help a client gain awareness of how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all intertwine. Therapy can be a helpful resource not only to help manage distress when it occurs but also to protect clients against future mental or emotional distress.

Group Therapy

When an individual is among a group of others who are experiencing the same struggles as them and are learning the same skills, they can build self-confidence and self-compassion. Having the opportunity to recognize the positive impact that social support can have on long-term recovery can be motivating and empowering to the overall recovery process.

The journey of recovery never truly stops. Rather, clients will experience several different phases throughout their recovery journey. While you may not be in treatment forever, recovery is a lifelong journey. Everyone must have access to continuing treatment resources to establish their long-term recovery. Even those who are recovery companions must continue working on their own recovery. Continued recovery after treatment can include attending 12-Step meetings, SMART Recovery programs, holistic practices, outpatient individual psychotherapy, and group therapy. No matter what works best for you, continuing your recovery is necessary for your health and well-being. If you need help finding ways to continue your recovery process, contact Next Level Recovery Associates today. We can help you find the right treatment resources that will suit all of your individual needs. To learn more about our treatment programs, or for more information, contact consult@nextlevelra.com.