After completing rehab, both recovering addicts and their families may experience a range of emotions and challenges as they adjust to daily life. After completing rehab, an addict may face a number of challenges when returning home. The transition back to daily life can be difficult, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle certain situations. Family members may also be struggling with their own emotions and may not know how to best support the recovering addict. After rehab, both the substance abuser and their family may have different expectations for the individual’s recovery and how they will adjust to daily life.
The substance abuser may expect to feel better physically and emotionally and be able to maintain their sobriety, they may expect their relationships to improve, they may expect to be able to get back to work or school and to be able to return to their previous level of functioning. They may also expect to be able to cope with triggers and high-risk situations.
However, it is important for the substance abuser to understand that recovery is a process and it can take time for them to fully adjust to daily life and for their relationships to improve. There may be setbacks and relapses along the way, and it is important to have a support system in place to help them through these challenges.
Challenges for the Recovering Addicts:
- Difficulty adjusting to life outside of rehab: After spending time in a structured and controlled environment, it can be challenging for recovering addicts to adjust to daily life outside of rehab. They may feel overwhelmed by the freedom and responsibility that comes with being back in the real world.
- Anxiety, depression, or isolation: The recovering addict may feel anxious or depressed as they adjust to life without drugs or alcohol. They may also feel isolated from friends and family members who are still using or who are not supportive of their recovery.
- Temptations to return to old patterns of behavior: Recovering addicts may be faced with a lot of temptations to return to their old ways of using drugs or alcohol. They may also be faced with triggers that remind them of their past addiction, such as places, people, or situations that were associated with their addiction.
- Difficulty trusting themselves and others: Trusting oneself and others can be difficult for a recovering addict, especially if they have been betrayed or hurt by those around them in the past. They may also struggle with trust issues because of the harm that their addiction has caused to themselves and others.
- Difficulty maintaining sobriety: Maintaining sobriety can be a constant struggle for a recovering addict. They may have to actively work to avoid triggers and temptations that could lead to a relapse.
- Difficulty resuming their roles in the family and in society: Recovering addicts may have difficulty resuming their responsibilities as a parent, spouse, or employee. They may also have difficulty reconnecting with friends and family members who were affected by their addiction.
- Difficulty with employment or financial stability: Addiction can have a serious impact on an individual’s employment and financial stability. Recovering addicts may find it difficult to find or keep a job, and may struggle with financial issues as a result of their addiction.
Family members may have expectations for the individual to fully recover, to be able to return to their previous level of functioning, to be able to reconnect with family and friends, and to be able to maintain their sobriety. They may also expect to be able to rebuild trust and repair relationships that were damaged by the substance abuse.
It is important for family members to understand that recovery is a process and it can take time for the individual to fully adjust and for relationships to improve. They should avoid placing unrealistic expectations on the individual and be supportive and understanding of the challenges they may face.
Challenges for the Families of Recovering Addicts:
- Fear of relapse: Family members may be fearful that the recovering addict will relapse and return to their old habits. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
- Difficulty trusting the recovering addict: Family members may have difficulty trusting the recovering addict, especially if they have been lied to or hurt in the past.
- Resentment or anger towards the recovering addict: Family members may feel resentment or anger towards the recovering addict for the harm caused by the addiction. They may also feel guilty or responsible for the addiction.
- Difficulty adjusting to the recovering addict’s new lifestyle and habits: Family members may have difficulty adjusting to the recovering addict’s new lifestyle and habits, such as changes in their schedule or routines.
- Difficulty resuming their roles and responsibilities as a family member: Family members may have difficulty resuming their roles and responsibilities as a parent, spouse, or sibling.
- Difficulty processing their own emotions related to the addiction: Family members may have difficulty processing their own emotions related to the addiction, such as anger, guilt, or shame.
- Difficulty balancing support for the recovering addict with self-care: Family members may have difficulty balancing their support for the recovering addict with taking care of themselves. They may also have difficulty setting boundaries with the recovering addict to maintain their own well-being.
It’s important to note that these common experiences can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their addiction. And, as mentioned before, seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be beneficial for both the recovering addicts and the families in order to work through any unresolved issues and to find a sustainable pattern of attitudes to maintain the family and addict’s recovery.
It is important for the family and the substance abuser to have open and honest communication, to discuss expectations, and to work together to support the individual’s recovery journey. Overall, the recovery process can be challenging, but with clear and open communication, understanding, and a strong support system in place, both the recovering addicts and their families can work together to build a foundation for lasting recovery.