Life After Rehab: 3 Challenges of Returning to Work

photo of some people in the office during a meeting

Many recovering addicts look forward to returning to their former workplace or embarking on a new vocational challenge. Employment provides a welcome routine, a healthy distraction, and the opportunity to get finances back on track. It is not without its difficulties, though—and you will be better prepared to re-enter working life if you are realistic about the challenges you may face.

1. Relational Challenges
If you return to a job you held before entering rehab, be prepared for co-worker questions. Those closest to you may be aware of your addiction, but others may inquire about your extended absence. Work with your therapy team in advance to decide how much you wish to divulge, and to whom you will divulge it. Planning ahead prevents you from feeling put on the spot. If you choose to share your story, remember that you are not obligated to share every detail. Most importantly, approach your job with determination, integrity, and excellence. You can’t stop the grapevine, but your colleagues will appreciate your demonstrated commitment to your recovery and your career.

2. Relapse Triggers
In some cases, demanding jobs contribute to or perpetuate addiction. Perhaps you began drinking or using to escape work stress, avoid unreasonable demands from your boss, or manage a tenuous work-life balance. If this is the case, consider beginning a new career or finding a job where old triggers can’t continue to haunt you. In your former life, did you buy prescription pain meds from a colleague? Enjoy too many happy hours? Sneak into the break room to drink? If so, it’s time to seek a new employment environment. Or, while you’re starting fresh after rehab, take the opportunity to delve into a new career, start your own business, or go back to school to pursue a new passion.

3. Addiction Substitution
Perhaps you weren’t a workaholic before you entered rehab, but now you spend long hours at the office to prove yourself—or to avoid going home. Called “cross-addiction,” or addiction substitution, this type of behavior can be just as destructive to your health and relationships as your former addiction. Prioritize your work-life balance when you return to your career. Work a reasonable number of hours, and then make time for family, exercise, nutrition, and leisure. Committing to self-care and avoiding workaholism is critical to preventing career burnout and achieving sustained sobriety.

Here at 10 Acre Ranch, we understand the challenges our clients will face when it is time to return to the workforce. As part of active recovery and relapse prevention planning, we provide group and one-on-one guidance to ready you for life after rehab. With preparation and a positive attitude, your job can help you lead a more balanced and financially stable sobriety. Begin your recovery journey today alongside a group of peers committed to a new, productive lifestyle. Dial 877.228.4679 to discuss admission, payment, and insurance.

Making Friends after Rehab

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During your stay in rehab, you probably participated in discharge planning, recovery activities, and support groups. These activities were designed to help you cope successfully with the social interactions you were likely to encounter in recovery. Now, even though you are armed with these skills, you may still feel anxious about inviting new friends into your new, sober life.

Should I only seek out companions who are also living a sober life after addiction?

It’s true that in early recovery you need the support of others who understand the struggle you’ve had with alcohol. These sober friends will encourage you when you need confidence and advise you when you encounter pitfalls. In their company, you’ll find fellowship and activities that do not involve drinking. As you grow more confident in recovery, however, you will probably branch out into new experiences, and of course, meet new friends who share those interests.

Should I tell these new friends about my addiction?

Just as you wouldn’t discuss details about a divorce or illness with a casual acquaintance, there is no reason to bring up your addiction when you meet new people. Take time to form a meaningful relationship first, and then you can confide such intimate information if you want to. Be prepared for the inevitability of being at a BBQ or ball game where alcohol is being served. Arrive with a pack of your favorite nonalcoholic beverage, and if offered a drink, simply say “No, thanks.” There are many people who do not drink, and no elaborate explanation is necessary.

A Social Model for Treatment

If you are concerned about no longer “fitting in” after rehab, the social model residential treatment at 10 Acre Ranch may be the right rehab program for you. Fellowship and cooperation distinguish our alcohol and drug rehab for men 18 and older. Group therapy and shared recreational activities promote a sense of community while preparing our clients to live and thrive in sobriety.

Ready to start your new life? Call 1-877-228-4679 to learn about our affordable rehab services, explore insurance coverage and self- payment, and begin our confidential intake process today!

Reconnecting with Family after Rehab: A Guide for People Recovering from Addiction

photo of a happy family finally reunited after the father was treated from addiction

Reconnecting with family members and loved ones after rehab can be challenging for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Close interpersonal relationships are often highly charged with contentious histories that may have contributed to the development of substance abuse. In other cases, the recovering individual may feel ashamed of the things he did to loved ones while in the throes of addiction, which can lead to a cycle of guilt and shame.

While it can be very rewarding to repair and rebuild damaged relationships with family members, addiction counselors and experts stress the importance of timing and setting. Otherwise, relapsing into addictive behaviors can become a real threat.

Effective Strategies for Reconnecting with Loved Ones after Rehab

There is no set timeframe for reconnecting with family members and loved ones following a successful stint in rehab. This is an issue that should be discussed with an experienced addiction counselor on a case-by-case basis. However, addiction experts do offer some general tips and pieces of advice that can help make the process less difficult.

First, the recovering individual should remain sober and relapse-free for an extended period of time and get his or her personal and professional life in order before trying to repair damaged interpersonal relationships. This can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, and it’s essential not to rush through this vital part of the recovery process.

Next, the setting should be carefully considered. By and large, addiction counselors recommend that first contact be made in a neutral group setting where charged emotions are unlikely to surface. In some cases, it can help for a therapist to be present; this is particularly important if strained family dynamics were a causal factor in the recovering person’s addiction cycle.

Open and honest communication between family members is vital. Asking for and granting forgiveness is a vital part of the recovery process, and family therapy can be a big help. Most importantly, don’t expect big changes overnight, since healing takes time.

The caring addiction counselors at 10 Acre Ranch can help individuals and families struggling to heal from substance abuse. If you or someone you care about needs help, please don’t hesitate to contact our facility’s sympathetic and experienced staff members for guidance in your family recovery journey.

Autumn Grilling Ideas : Nutrition in Recovery

photo of chicken and vegetables on squewers

Barbecue aficionados may lament the end of summer, but the truth is that fall is a great time to keep the grill burning. Combining classic grill favorites with seasonal vegetables and flavorful spices is an ideal way to make the most of the autumn, all while boosting your health and promoting drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Addiction experts stress the importance of quality nutrition during the recovery process and note that eating well (and enjoying your food) makes for excellent therapy.

Sample Autumn Recipes for the Grill

If you’ve never tried grilling autumn veggies or fruits, rehab is a perfect time to step outside your dietary comfort zone and experience something new. Here are some savory, satisfying recipes perfect for a side dish or main course:

SKEWERED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Squash is underrated as an ideal grill food. This simple recipe is a unique complement to meaty main courses.

Ingredients
1 butternut squash (medium size)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Preparation
Peel the squash. Remove the seeds. Cut into 1-inch chunks.
Boil the squash until slightly tender, about 10 minutes.
Drain and rinse under cold water.
Toss squash chunks in olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place squash chunks on skewers.
Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush the grill with olive oil.
Grill the skewered squash for about 3 minutes, brushing with leftover oil.
Turn and repeat until both sides are browned.

MOLASSES-GLAZED GRILLED SWEET POTATOES
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, sweet potatoes are the perfect food for a crisp fall day. Molasses and allspice make this dish burst with flavor, and it’s fast and easy to boot.

Ingredients
4 sweet potatoes (medium size)
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon melted, unsalted butter
Allspice
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil

Preparation
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into ½-inch chunks.
Place sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with 1 inch of cold water.
Simmer partly covered until sweet potatoes begin to tenderize, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove sweet potatoes from heat and drain.
Mix molasses, orange juice, allspice, butter, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
Preheat grill to medium. Brush grill with vegetable oil.
Place sweet potatoes on grill and cook for about 2 minutes.
Flip potatoes over and cook for 2 minutes more.
Brush the exposed side of the sweet potatoes with marinade mixture and flip for 30 seconds.
Brush the other side of the sweet potatoes with marinade and flip for 30 seconds more.
Remove from heat and serve.

The Benefits of Eating Well during the Rehab Process

Following a healthy diet featuring plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent support strategy to use during the rehab process. Cooking whole, healthy foods is a strategy that complements your group or individual therapy process, since it ensures that your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs to recover from the damage caused by alcohol or drug addiction.

Specific additional physical benefits of proper nutrition during the recovery process include:

  • A boost to the immune system
  • Support for repairing damage to internal tissues & organs
  • Increased energy
  • Improved mood

Studies also show that poor dietary habits can lead to relapse, so it’s critical to focus on giving your body the nutrients you need in order to achieve sustained recovery.

At 10 Acre Ranch, our counselors understand the importance of a complete, individually tailored recovery plan that takes nutrition into careful account. If you or someone you care about is trapped in the throes of addiction, we can help. Please contact an admissions counselor today to request insurance verification, discuss medical detox, or inquire about payment assistance.