Finding Your Outlet for Continued Care

Detox and residential treatment programs can be crucial for learning to navigate one’s daily stresses while pursuing a life free from drugs or alcohol. However, one’s recovery journey doesn’t end when these programs conclude. One may very well continue to need support battling addiction once they are outside the walls of a dedicated treatment facility. Finding a space for continued care is crucial for maintaining the transformative strides made in detox and residential treatment and for continuing to develop strategies to meet one’s sobriety goals. 

Continuing to pursue a sober life outside of a dedicated treatment facility takes many forms. One common form of care is a dedicated outpatient therapy program. Outpatient therapy programs typically take place in a group setting where an individual will continue to push their sober goals, share their experiences, and create a community of peers. Additionally, online communities, volunteering opportunities, and community groups dedicated to living with substance use disorder can all help an individual further the development of their sober identity. These forms of continued care can reinforce one’s motivations and decisions to pursue a life free of drugs and alcohol while providing the outlets necessary for emotional growth. 

There are many different potential groups that one can find in their community dedicated to furthering one’s needs in sobriety. For some, the use of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a common start, with many groups and branches nationwide. These groups champion the 12-step program, and their website is able to help direct individuals to regular local meetings in their area. However, AA is just one option for these kinds of recovery groups. 

Others may seek outpatient care from local facilities. Additionally, programs like SMART Recovery offer support through a variety of online and in-person modalities. Regardless of the program one chooses to pursue, it is important to find a place where one feels accepted and honored. Some people in recovery prefer to seek out groups comprised of those with whom they share similarities. For instance, some people thrive in outpatient groups dedicated to the specific needs of those who share the same gender identity or religious beliefs as themselves. Others may find they thrive in a more heterogenous recovery group. 

While many treatment and recovery facilities offer detox and residential care along with outpatient, one can still choose the outpatient program that is best for them. If one attends a detox or residential facility that is far from one’s own home, it is common that they will choose to transition to an outpatient program closer to their residence. There are always options to explore to ensure that an individual feels comfortable as they continue their recovery journey. By exploring the various options available and utilizing many different resources, an individual can find the best outlet for continued outpatient care. 

Digital media has created a new way to connect to others with shared interests, and those navigating their sobriety can utilize these digital forums to further their sober goals. Suffering from addiction and navigating recovery can both feel very isolating, and having access to apps or online communities can help an individual feel supported and understood in their daily struggles. With access to these online communities, an individual can continue to reinforce their sober motivations and sense of belonging while connecting with others. Digital resources can also allow an individual in recovery to access and share helpful strategies that one may not have otherwise been exposed to. Utilizing programs like SoberGrid can be an incredible resource, as it connects an individual with others who share their mission. 

A program doesn’t have to be specifically catered to sobriety and recovery in order to positively impact one’s sober journey. Volunteering opportunities, local sports leagues, hobby groups, and more can all be excellent ways to get involved in one’s community and continue to embrace a sense of fellowship. These programs can prompt an individual to further focus on developing their sober identity while getting involved in meaningful communities, making friends, and reinforcing one’s decision to pursue a sober future. These programs can be incredibly fulfilling, and utilizing them in tandem with ongoing outpatient care can create a wholly transformed sober life. 

Balancing one’s sober efforts and personal obligations is a delicate task, and ensuring that one is committing enough time to their own sobriety is crucial. Scheduling and building a routine in one’s sobriety can be difficult. Often, one will need to balance numerous professional and familial responsibilities alongside the time for self-care and rest that can be so crucial to maintaining sobriety. Therefore, creating a routine around ongoing outpatient care can be a great asset to one’s continued sobriety. There can be no way to predict which stresses will be the most difficult to cope with or how anxiety or depression may impact an individual on a daily basis. Having an established support system of caring friends and family members while being an active, participating member of ongoing group therapy can help one maintain healthy, prolonged sobriety.

Ongoing, continued care is a crucial part of maintaining one’s sober transformation. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand the daily battles that can make maintaining your sobriety difficult. Our approach to addiction recovery encompasses not just your use of addictive substances, but also the mental and emotional reasons behind your use of drugs or alcohol. We are available to help you continue building upon your most effective coping strategies while tending to your continued spiritual, social, and psychological needs in recovery. We also position ourselves as an ongoing resource for you to call, helping direct you to the most effective outlets for your continued success in sobriety. For more information on how we can personalize your time with us, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about how we can continue to be a resource, call (866) 390-5070.