Life After Recovery -- Coming Home

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Once you have successfully completed a recovery program at Mark Houston Recovery, post-rehab care begins. One of the most important parts of that is returning home.  As long as you keep in mind that recovery doesn't end when then program ends then you'll understand why it's important to maintain this level of care.

Meetings and Programs -- Crucial to the recovery process, this element involves making follow-up appointments, and attending meetings and many recovery-type activities and events.

Changing the Rules -- One of the things people get accustomed to at Mark Houston Recovery is structure. While there's no need to alter your way of life at home entirely, you might consider setting house rules to make your loved ones feel safe and secure. Obviously you'll want to have an alcohol and drug free environment.

New Roles and Responsibilities -- Fresh out of recovery and eager to take part in contributing to the home, you may be a bit exuberant about getting involved. This may take some adjustment for everyone involved but it will get easier. Being able to delegate some responsibilities will help as well.

Keeping Communication Open -- Hopefully the communication process that began in recovery will continue and you can help with that through open and honest communication at home. This means encouraging the family to talk and listen to each other even if the conversations are not always pleasant or comfortable. 

Affection and Love -- Another new experience for everyone involved is showing true affection since so much of that, prior to recovery, induced was through drugs or alcohol. Finding new ways to share feelings positively, and making sure everyone involved can do the same, will make a world of difference in the recovery process

Recovery = New People and Places -- On returning home you will want to dispense with some of your old habits, places you frequented, and even old acquaintances who may have had negative effects on your life. This alteration may effect family members’ social lives and a certain level of understanding and appreciation for what the recovering addict needs will  facilitate this positive change.

Be Mindful of Your Feelings -- Even though so much of your focus may be on making sure everyone else is adjusting and being sensitive to your loved one's feelings, be sure to have an opportunity to address your own feelings. Make sure you have an outlet to express your own feelings and that you get support as well for your efforts.

Be Vigilant For Relapse  -- Early on after returning home is when the potential for relapse is at it's greatest. Keep an eye out for warning signs like a return to old behaviors, hanging out with friends who are using, unexplained absences. As a family member who notices these signs, try not to be confrontational, but rather try to approach the recovering addict in a rational, tempered, supportive way.

Family Counseling and Support -- Look for specialized groups that may be offered through places like a school, church, family service, agency or through your local chapter of Al-Anon or Alateen. A good counselor can help families cope with stress and changes in family dynamics. A counselor will usually meet with an individual or family once or twice a week. During these sessions, the counselor will listen, ask questions, and offer ideas. The counselor may also use play, art, or stories to help children express their emotions. When you look for a counselor, try to find someone who has worked with families like yours.