Transitioning from inpatient addiction recovery in Maryland to the next phase of the recovery process can feel overwhelming. For some patients, they are going through this journey alone, while others have their families to help bridge the gap from the structure of inpatient rehab to everyday life. No matter your situation, there are several things you can do to prepare as you exit inpatient rehab. Here at The Valley, we will work with you, your support system and dedicated outpatient providers to make sure our patients are given the best chance to succeed in their recovery.

This article will explain what to do after treatment and provide tips for maintaining sobriety.

Steps to take before leaving in-patient addiction recovery

At the Valley we firmly believe that the recovery process does not end after successfully completing our program. There are several steps we at the Valley will help you take as you prepare to enter the next stage of recovery. These include:

1. Help finding a reputable outpatient drug rehab center

As you embark on the next step of your journey, an outpatient program may be just what you need. A study in the Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy surveyed over 4,000 people and found that all of them benefited from aftercare, regardless of the severity of their addictions.

In an outpatient program, you are supported by skilled professionals who can help you navigate your sober life. You can participate in counseling sessions — either one-on-one or in a group. These programs also provide a level of flexibility that can help you continue your progress in inpatient treatment while helping you reintegrate into your day-to-day life.

2. Help finding sober living

Sober living homes provide you with a drug and alcohol-free environment to help you maintain your sobriety. When you go to a sober living home, you will have access to ongoing peer support and empowerment to help you navigate and reestablish your life.

In addition to ongoing peer support and skill-building, sober living can help you avoid the temptations of living beside people who still use alcohol or drugs. The rules of sober living homes are strict, but they are there to help you set up boundaries to help you protect yourself and maintain sobriety.

3. Help finding local group meetings for your addiction

More than 60,000 support groups are using the 12-Step model for recovery in the United States alone. This means that it’s likely you will be able to find a support group close to where you are living. In group meetings, you’ll be able to connect with others who are also working towards their recovery. They likely have their own lessons that they can share with you and successes that you may be able to relate to. In addition, most addiction meetings follow the principles of the 12-Step movement, which can provide you with new insights into the addiction recovery process.

4. Get an addiction recovery sponsor

Taking part in meetings and learning about the 12-Step process can help you when it’s tough to stay sober. But having someone on your side — and not a group — can also help you immensely when facing an issue or struggling. Finding a sponsor can be relatively easy. All you have to do is ask senior members of their support groups for recommendations to find one. Or, if you have been to meetings and met someone you like, you can simply ask that person to sponsor you. Most people will be willing to help you on your journey to recovery and support you every step of the way.

Learn more about addiction recovery in Maryland

Spending enough time in treatment is a significant factor associated with successful recovery. Inpatient facilities support patients beginning with detox, through therapy, and into their sober lives within a community. Therapy in an inpatient environment is crucial to a rehab patient's long-term happiness and success. Once our inpatient program is successfully completed, we make sure the person in recovery has the tools to remain successful. If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction disorder, contact us at The Valley, Maryland, to discover how inpatient rehab and therapy could be the first step toward recovery.