How to Help Other Addicts After Rehab
So, you went to a low cost drug rehab and came out feeling more responsible, knowing that you can do it, but that there is a long road ahead of you. Guess what? You aren’t alone. There are addicts all over the world that are starting on this same path, and some who haven’t even considered it yet. You know the struggle, and you know where it can lead. That makes you the perfect candidate to help other addicts find their way to one of the affordable drug rehab centers in your area.
Be Positive about Your Own Plight
No one is thinking or saying you should be doing cartwheels as you start your life over, but if you can keep moving forward, you’ll be demonstrating that it can be done. In theory, other addicts know this, but seeing it in action is a whole other deal. They honestly may not have any experience with life as an adult that doesn’t involve actively using. You’re also going to be demonstrating your new coping skills, and you might give them some ideas for their own coping skills in the process.
Don’t “War Story” Others
This is a big deal in the 12-step recovery program, but it’s important to remember even if you don’t use the meetings or program as a tool in your recovery. When you “war story”—or reminisce—about the times you used, it can be a trigger for your addiction. All of a sudden, you’re remembering those days with pleasure, instead of remembering the end result. By doing this, you jeopardize your own recovery and only reinforce the addiction of others.
Set Boundaries
Being around anyone who is using is a big risk for your own recovery. People who are addicts are usually hiding a pain of their own, and they tend to seek out those who understand the situation. Be understanding, but set firm limits about drug use before seeing you, or while they are with you. If nothing else, this might limit the time they spend using drugs.
Plan Activities
What does an addict do when they are bored? They use. Plan activities that make it as impossible as can be for them to use before or during the activity. You’re not just keeping them from using in that moment, but showing them that there is life outside of the addiction and pleasure to be gained from it.
Encourage Rehab
Maybe the addicts you associate with won’t have you drive them to the nearest Orange County rehab, but you will at least have planted a seed in their mind. You’re living proof that it can be done, and by offering them information, they won’t be going through life blind to the fact that help is available. It’s much easier to enter any new environment if you have a bit of information about it. These discussions might also quell some of the fears or misconceptions they have about the whole process. Don’t lecture, because they will just turn a deaf ear to you, but do offer your assistance and information that they might find helpful.
