Many people think that addiction treatment ends once they’ve completed inpatient or outpatient treatment.

But the thoughts, patterns, and routines that fed into addiction are always at risk of resurfacing. This doesn’t mean that you need to exist in total terror of relapse, but you do need to realize that sustained sobriety takes work. After completing Boston, Massachusetts addiction treatment, there is still work to be done to maintain sobriety. At Banyan Treatment Center Massachusetts, we offer comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab to help patients find a sober future. After completing rehab, there’s still work to be done to maintain sobriety. Here’s a timeline of what you can expect following the completion of a recovery program.

The Initial Weeks After Completing Treatment

The first few weeks after completing a treatment program are pivotal when it comes to your sobriety. Getting back into the routine of work, school, and everyday life without addiction in the picture can be difficult for some people. This is why it’s important to depend on your sponsor, support systems, friends, and family in this stage. You may find yourself fighting cravings. If you are moving back into the city where your addiction was active, make sure to stay on top of your recovery with daily dedication.

During the first few weeks post-treatment, many people begin applying for jobs, spending time with family, and establishing new sober routines. The routines you develop in these first few weeks can help set the groundwork of a great future in sobriety. Remember to take to heart all the lessons you learned and tools you developed in treatment. Also consider joining an alumni program to connect with other people in similar stages of recovery.

The First Few Months Post-Treatment

By now, you’ve likely developed new sober habits and lifestyle choices. Perhaps your cravings or urges for use are less frequent. However, sobriety is something that must be worked on daily. You may be living in a new home, or perhaps you’ve started a new job. Making sober friends is also easier at this stage, as your clarity improves. Still, triggering situations or factors can be very raw the first few months post-treatment. Make sure to depend on your support systems, such as your sponsor or alumni network, to discuss any challenges you’re facing.

A Year After Finishing Treatment

Sadly, relapse is a big challenge for many people a year after they have completed a Boston, Massachusetts alcohol rehab or drug rehab. But with continued Boston, Massachusetts addiction treatment, sustained sobriety is possible. Even after achieving a year of sobriety, there is still daily work that needs to be done to keep on track. In fact, many people with decades of sobriety continue to check in with their sponsors and accountability groups daily. This is because the underlying causes of addiction are always hiding beneath the surface. For many people, the moment they stop seeking sobriety support is the moment they put themselves on a track for relapse.

At Banyan Treatment Center Massachusetts, we offer support for patients at all stages of recovery. Our services include detox, PHP, IOP, OP, and alumni support programs.