First, let’s get one thing straight: Outpatient treatment is not right for everybody.
But, if you’ve decided to commit to outpatient treatment and keep working, then you’re in for a lot of ups and downs. Keep reading to see how you can make things easier for yourself as you launch your new life. Keep in mind your priorities and why you are doing this. You can be successful with just a few adjustments.
Tips for Working While in Recovery
• Ask for help. You’re going to have more on your plate than ever before and need to build a support team. Chances are, your friends and family will be more than happy to step up. Maybe your neighbor can walk your dog for you. You parents will probably be willing to grocery shop and cook some meals. If you have children, your best friend might even do some babysitting for you.
• Take a few days of vacation time if possible. This may give you the breathing room you need to get a few workouts in, catch up on your bills or do nothing for an entire afternoon but watch movies and eat pizza (which you will certainly deserve.)
• Let some things go. The world won’t end if your house needs cleaning or if your grass gets a bit too long. And while getting some exercise is good for you—and important to do—you may have to shorten your gym sessions or even skip them some days.
• Put yourself first. You’re trying to change your life—and it’s going to take time and effort. Turn down social obligations that you don’t want to go to. Take naps without feeling guilty. Let friends who want to help bring you dinner. You will have precious little free time; make sure you use it in a way that will help you.
• Practice what you’re learning. One of the huge benefits of outpatient rehab is that you get to try out the skills you’re learning—and then return to treatment to work through any problems you may have had. Let’s say you had a morning therapy session where you worked on managing stress. You’ll get to do that all day long at work! And if you run into trouble, you can talk it over with your therapist later that night—and try again the next day.
Hope and Healing at The Raleigh House
The Raleigh House is a treatment center located in Denver where residents are given the help they need to rebuild their lives. Our team of experts works together to tackle both the physical and mental aspects of addiction. After you’re done with rehab, you’ll have the opportunity to join a sober living house, where you can transition back to normal life at a pace that works for you. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
