Drug overdose deaths reached a record high during the COVID-19 outbreak. Nearly 72,000 Americans died within a single year. Without the right tools and a strategy, it’s sometimes difficult to maintain your sobriety. Instead, consider developing an aftercare and long-term recovery plan. Not sure where to start? Here are the tools and tips you need for success. Your sober living Orange County CA strategy can help you avoid a relapse or overdose.
Instead, you can start living a happy, healthy life. The strategy you develop now can benefit you for years to come. Ready to start strategizing? Get started with these tips today!
1. Develop an Aftercare Plan
About 40 to 60% of people who receive alcohol or addiction treatment relapse within a year. If you want to avoid a relapse, consider developing an aftercare plan. Seek a professional’s help to gather the tools and resources you need.
Did you receive inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment? Talk to your counselor or therapist. They can help you develop a customized plan.
With their experience and expertise, you can determine what you need to maintain your sobriety.
They can help you:
- Avoid triggers that might cause a relapse in the future
- Develop a healthy lifestyle that considers your diet, exercise, and hobbies
- Maintain a support system of family members, friends, and healthcare professionals
Your in- or outpatient program might have additional support programs you can utilize, too. Ask if they offer a continuing-care program. Their care program could help you maintain your sobriety.
For example, they might recommend a Huntington Beach sober living home. Orange County sober living homes can help you stick to your aftercare plan. We’ve included tips to help you find a sober living home below.
Make sure your plan includes:
- Recovery checkups
- Employment, legal, and housing services
- Individual or group therapy
- Drug testing and feedback
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Support groups and networks
If you don’t have access to these services, that’s okay. Ask if your rehabilitation treatment facility can refer you to someone else. Finding these continuing care services is essential for long-term sobriety.
2. Create a Support System
Remember, you’ll want to build a support system as part of your aftercare. Otherwise, you might struggle with your sober living Orange County CA strategy. Your support system can keep you on track when you’re having a difficult time.
First, turn to friends and family members. Do you not feel ready to discuss your addiction with your inner circle? That’s okay.
Consider turning toward an anonymous support group instead. You can speak freely at an AA or NA meeting without fear of judgment. Your peers will understand what you’ve gone through.
You can learn from their previous experiences, too. They might provide you with the tips you need. Learning from their perspective and experiences can prepare you for the future.
They can also help you adjust to sober living.
You can expand your support system by looking into Costa Mesa sober living housing, too. Living with other people who understand what you’re going through could help. You can always lean on your peers for encouragement and support.
Meanwhile, supporting them as they maintain their sobriety can help you, too.
It’s also important to avoid anyone who encouraged you to use drugs or alcohol in the past. You don’t want to trigger a relapse. Instead, avoid triggers, including peer pressure.
Focus on developing strong, healthy relationships instead.
3. Consider Vocational Training
Your sober living Orange County CA strategy should consider your short- and long-term goals. What do you hope to accomplish in life? Do you have a plan for independence and financial support?
You’ll need to consider your career plan moving forward. Without a job, you might look for ways to spend your time. You could fall back on old habits, like drug or alcohol use.
Instead, consider vocational training classes.
Vocational training can help you develop the skills you need for a job or trade. You’ll receive hands-on instruction from an experienced professional. In time, you can gain your associate’s degree or a diploma.
There are vocational training programs for plumbing, welding, and automotive repair. You can also train in the culinary arts, graphic design, or fashion design. Consider your passions before choosing a program.
You might want to apply for on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, too.
Vocational training will give you a new focus on life. You can feel satisfied with your own abilities.
Speak with some of the residents at your Anaheim sober living home. Did they pursue a career in the past? What skills do they have?
They might help you discover your new passion.
4. Look into Sober Living Housing
There are over 14,000 treatment facilities in the US. It’s not enough to receive initial treatment, though. You need to maintain your sobriety, too.
Consider the sober living homes Orange County can offer. Finding an Orange County sober living home can set you up for long-term success.
First, make sure the sober living home is in a good area. Do you feel safe there? Is it close to your work or school?
Make sure to avoid an area with a high crime rate. Avoid areas near bars or other triggers, too.
It’s also important to look for a licensed or accredited sober living home. Licensed homes are committed to excellence. They’ll achieve higher standards of care.
Consider finding a location that’s backed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences.
As you narrow down your options, schedule a tour. Does the San Clemente sober living home meet your expectations? Would you feel comfortable living there for a period of time?
You can also ask about the sobriety assistance the location offers. For example, you might want to look into volunteer placement, employment assistance, and educational planning. What about certified peer recovery programs and access to an IOP?
Does the sober living home require residents to submit to urine testings? Do they have a zero-tolerance policy?
Look for a home that isn’t too overcrowded. Consider their retention rate, too. What’s the longest period of time someone stayed there?
Before choosing a location, look into the staff. Are they qualified and trained? How do they interact with residents?
You’ll want to find a home with a caring staff.
Living in a sober living home can help you avoid a relapse. They can also equip you with the tools you need for long-term sobriety.
5. Take Your Medications
Were you taking any medications as part of your rehabilitation? It’s important to continue following your medication protocol.
Before becoming a resident at a sober living home, ask if the home allows residents to take medication. Let them know the medication was prescribed by a medical professional. They might want to call and confirm the medication is part of your treatment plan.
Take the time to write a medication schedule for yourself. Otherwise, you might get confused about which medications to take. You can also use a pillbox to stay organized.
6. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
As part of your sober living Orange County CA plan, find ways to improve your overall quality of life.
For example, you might want to develop an exercise routine. Exercising can help boost your serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood.
As serotonin increases, you’ll feel happier and calmer. It also plays a role in:
- Healing wounds
- Stimulating sleep
- Controlling bowel movements and function
- Reducing nausea
- Reducing depression
- Maintaining bone health
- Reducing anxiety
- Regulating your mood
Exercising can also provide you with a healthy distraction. The next time you feel like reaching for drugs or alcohol, work out instead. Ask some of the other residents at your Orange County sober living home to work out with you.
You can also develop a healthy lifestyle by improving your diet. Some foods could curb your alcohol cravings. They’ll also provide you with the nutrients your body needs to heal.
Start by adding low-fat proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. Use cayenne to reduce your cravings. It can combat withdrawal symptoms as well.
7. Know Your Triggers
Take the time to recognize your triggers. Understanding your triggers will help you avoid them. Otherwise, you could relapse.
First, cut out any bad influences in your life. Avoid any place where you often consumed alcohol or used drugs.
Talk to the people in your life, too. Let them know you’re dedicated to your sober living plan. They can help you avoid future triggers.
8. Improve Your Mental Health
As part of your Santa Ana sober living plan, consider your mental health. Anxiety and stress could trigger a relapse.
Learn how to recognize and push aside negative thought patterns. If you’re overwhelmed, try to stay optimistic. You might want to consider therapy as part of your treatment plan.
Otherwise, look for health distractions. In addition to exercising, you can use meditation and yoga to manage your stress.
Happy, Healthy Living: Sober Living Orange County CA Strategies
Want to live a happier, healthier life? Set yourself up for long-term success with your sober living Orange County CA plan. With these tips, you can maintain your sobriety with ease.
Interested in finding the sober living homes Orange County can offer? We can help.
Explore these sober living listings today to get started!
