Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent in the United States and a real problem for many people. Those who complete an addiction treatment program may struggle with life after addiction if they don’t continue working on their recovery. Addiction treatment programs include group and private therapy sessions that’ll teach you how to manage symptoms and triggers and other skills for leading a productive lifestyle.
The Ranch PA is a full-service mental health treatment center that welcomes Pennsylvania residents working on building a healthy and sober lifestyle. Our addiction treatment programs include drug and alcohol detox, residential treatment, and an aftercare program to support full recovery. Clients will continue to work with a professional therapist and peers to develop healthy coping skills and other essential life skills to help support a lifetime of sobriety.
What Is Life After Addiction Really Like?
Addiction is a mental health condition that affects you physically and mentally. It can tear apart your life and may cause unemployment, broken relationships, homelessness, and jail time. Not to mention all of the potential medical conditions that are common with substance use disorders. These may include:
- A decline in your immune system which will leave you exposed to illness and disease
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, cardiomyopathy, stroke, and heart attack
- Gastrointestinal issues that include pancreatitis, stomach cancer, and peptic ulcers
- Respiratory illnesses, such as pulmonary infections, black phlegm, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Live and kidney damage
- Depression, anxiety, and other neurological complications
While there’s no cure for addiction, there are several therapeutic methods that can help support your sobriety and make life after addiction more realistic. What’s life after addiction really like? It’s different for each person. Most commonly, clients who complete a residential treatment program will struggle to adjust to a new routine and lifestyle and run the risk of relapsing. They’ll face more challenges as they try to rebuild relationships with family and friends and may have problems overcoming shame or guilt.
An aftercare program can support your sober journey by providing a safe space to talk about your struggles and receive insightful feedback from your peers. You’ll also have a chance to practice and fine-tune coping and communication skills and work on rebuilding healthy relationships with your loved ones.
Benefits of Living a Sober Life
Participating in addiction treatment programs for drug and alcohol abuse is one of the best ways to treat the addiction with fewer risks of relapse. You’ll learn several coping skills that’ll help you maintain your sobriety no matter what life throws at you.
Improved Physical Health
Addiction can be very detrimental to the body and cause several severe health conditions. After completing a recovery program, you’ll decrease the risk of developing kidney, liver, heart, and other essential organ damage. You’ll sleep better, have more energy throughout the day, and have a stronger immune system, which means better protection against the common cold and other illnesses.
Improved Mental Health
One of the benefits of sobriety is that it improves your mental and emotional well-being. You’ll be able to concentrate more, have more focus, and improve your mental clarity. You’ll learn to control your emotions better and have fewer chances of panic attacks or other mental health conditions. Participating in addiction therapy will improve your self-esteem and reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Better Relationships and Social Behaviors
Another key benefit of sobriety is the way it improves your relationships and social circles. You’ll learn how to recognize bad relationship habits in others and work on improving them. You’ll also develop healthier social circles with like-minded peers who’ll work hard to keep you on your sober path. Plus, you’ll have a chance to work on improving your social and communication skills as well as work on improving your existing relationships with parents, spouses, and siblings.
Increased Personal Growth
After completing a recovery program, you’ll have more time to spend on personal interests and hobbies. You’ll feel a greater sense of purpose as you help others reach their recovery goals and build healthy connections and new relationships. Plus, you’ll learn about the benefits of self-care and how it can greatly decrease your risk of relapse. In addition, you’ll experience strong emotional and spiritual growth as you reconnect with yourself and learn new ways of staying on your sober path.
Continue Your Sober Journey With The Ranch PA
Recovery Ranch PA welcomes people from all walks of life struggling with addictions involving alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and other problematic substances. When you arrive at our treatment center in Wrightsville, we’ll run a full health assessment to better understand your condition and the severity of your symptoms. We’ll develop a comprehensive program that includes behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to ease any addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other symptoms.
To learn more about what life after addiction is like, fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our treatment center.