From Treatment to Home: Building a Living Environment That Nurtures Lasting Recovery

Ready to do everything you can to give your recovery the best chance at success?

Transitioning back into your home and day-to-day life after rehab can be one of the hardest steps in the recovery process. And if you're struggling with dual diagnosis it can be even more difficult.

Here's the issue:

Your home life plays a pivotal role in maintaining long-term sobriety. Without creating an environment that supports your recovery, your risk of relapse skyrockets.

Let's take a closer look…

In this article, you'll learn:

• Why your Home Environment is Critical for Recovery

• How Dual Diagnosis Contributes to Relapse

• 6 Simple Ways to Create a Recovery Encouraging Environment

• Why Daily Structure and Routine are So Important

Why Your Home Environment is Critical for Recovery

The environment you spend your time in has a bigger influence on your recovery then you might realize.

Studies have proven time and time again that having a stable, substance free living environment is a huge determining factor in maintaining long-term sobriety.

Think about it…

If someone just left dual diagnosis treatment New Jersey programs and returned home to an unstructured environment with substances present they'd have little hope of staying sober.

Treatment is where individuals learn to recover from both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously. But once they leave, their home becomes their new life sentence.

Make no mistake, at-home recovery is difficult.

Just because someone isn't in treatment doesn't mean they are cured or capable of managing their recovery alone. In fact, according to SAMHSA's 2024 national survey, nearly 21.2 million adults in the United States had a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the same year.

That's 21.2 million people who need to create an at-home recovery environment that will encourage them to continue their hard work after treatment.

How Dual Diagnosis Contributes to Relapse

Ok time for a hard truth…

Dual diagnosis actually makes recovering from addiction harder. Coping with a mental health disorder and addiction at the same time is no easy feat.

Statistics show:

A study done by BMC Psychiatry discovered that 39.8% of patients with co-occurring mental illness returned to drugs or alcohol when compared to 26.4% of non dual-diagnosis patients.

That's almost HALF more likelihood that your recovery will be cut short if you suffer from dual diagnosis.

Why?

Because mental illness symptoms and drug or alcohol cravings often feed one another.

You may be depressed, which causes you to want to use. You may experience anxiety which makes you feel like you can't be sober. When one trigger is fed, you may find yourself feeding the other.

The point is this:

Creating a home environment that will support your dual diagnosis is not optional if you want to recover.

6 Simple Ways to Create a Recovery Encouraging Environment

Okay, so now that we got that out of the way…

Here are some easy things you can do to create a home environment that will encourage you to continue on your recovery journey.

1. Purge Your Home of All Substances

This may seem like a no brainer but it's important.

ANY substances in your home need to go before you return from treatment. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

This includes things like:

• Alcohol

• Leftover prescriptions

• Any other drugs

You'd be amazed at how seeing one little bottle of prescription pills can send you into a crave. Don't give yourself the opportunity to see these things.

2. Create Structure & Routine

We all know how addiction loves chaos.

When your emotions feel like they're running wild having a set routine to follow each day can give you the stability you need to keep moving forward. The reason recovery centers have schedules is because it works.

Some ideas to create structure in your day to day life:

• Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day

• Eat meals at the same time daily

• Schedule time to go to therapy or support group meetings

• Take time each day to exercise

Think of ways you can make your day predictable 

The last thing you want is to have to make too many decisions in a day about things that don't really matter. Focus on what's important and take each day one step at a time.

3. Set Boundaries

Boundaries are great because they hold you and everyone around you accountable. 

Let everyone that is living with you know that substance use will not be tolerated in your home. Let them know they cannot bring friends over that may trigger you. And make it clear that they can't question your decision to go to meetings or therapy. 

Also, set boundaries with yourself. If you know going to the bar every Saturday afternoon with your friends will only lead to problems…don't go! 

Talk to everyone you'll be living with BEFORE you leave treatment and get things straight.

4. Designate a Relaxing Space

Life happens… 

When you're faced with anxiety or depression take some time to clear your mind. Having a "safe space" to mentally and physically relax will reduce the urge to pick up a substance. 

This could be as simple as a comfy couch, good lighting, and no distractions.

Use this space to:

• Meditate

• Read recovery literature

• Journal

• Take a breather when life becomes too much 

Anything that you can use this space for that allows you to relax and clear your head.

5. Build a Home Support Network

Loneliness sucks and it can kill your recovery quicker than anything.

Surround yourself with people who care about you and want to see you succeed. Family, close friends, a sponsor, and a therapist are great places to start. 

Post these numbers up and use them.

• Drug or alcohol recovery hotline

• Your Sponsor's number

• Therapist Phone number

• Local support groups meeting time

Recovery isn't a battle you should fight alone. Lean on others when you need to.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Yeah, we know we already mentioned this but it's that important.

If you have a mental health disorder you have to continue to take care of that as well. Take your meds, attend therapy, and check in with your support team.

Here a few things you can do to remind yourself:

• Purchasing a pill dispenser can help you remember to take your medications.

• You can set reminders on your phone to go to doctor's appointments.

• Keep a journal to record your mood, or use a mood tracking app.

• Have a crisis plan in place when triggers occur.

Neglecting your mental health will only lead to using. Continue to take care of YOU.

Why Daily Structure and Routine are So Important

Did you know…

Boredom is one of the biggest triggers for relapse. When you have nothing to do you'll find yourself thinking about using.

Not only that but having a routine will help you sleep better, eat healthier, and your mood will improve.

All of these things benefit your recovery.

Remember:

Your routine does not have to be perfect.

You can start small by adding more structure to your day as you see fit. Recovery is about progression, not perfection.

Creating an environment that will allow you to recover from drug addiction and mental health disorders is no easy task. But, it will be well worth the effort.

Your home environment will either make or break your recovery. If you want to stay sober for the long haul you have to do everything you can to prepare your living space for recovery before you leave treatment.

Let's review:

• Remove all substances from your home

• Create healthy daily routines

• Set firm boundaries with housemates AND yourself

• Designate a relaxing space for your home

• Build a solid support system and support network

• Continue to take care of your mental health

Transitioning from treatment to your home doesn't have to mean your recovery stops. If you prepare your living environment for recovery you'll greatly increase your chances of lifelong sobriety

Remember this folks,

Treatment is where the seeds of recovery are planted. It's up to you to make sure your environment encourages those seeds to grow.

Take the time necessary to prepare, so your recovery can thrive.

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