Drug rehab programs across the country have helped thousands of addicts achieve lasting recoveries. Through advances in psychology and neuroscience, addiction specialists have developed a wide variety of highly effective drug rehab treatments. Addicts from every walk of life now stand a fighting chance against this crippling disease.

However, successful treatment still relies on the hard work and personal sacrifices of rehab patients themselves. Addicts must often make difficult choices and change entire aspects of their lives. Here are some of the most important lifestyle changes involved in successful drug rehab.

Healthier Environments

Once they leave the confines of their treatment clinics, addicts often find that certain places they once frequented become powerful addiction triggers. Dealers’ houses, bars, and other places where drug and alcohol abuse are common must be avoided to mitigate the risk of relapse. Finding healthier environments may even have to involve moving to different houses or apartments.

Cutting Old Ties

Most recovering addicts still have friends or family members who actively use drugs. As painful is it may be, cutting ties with these people is crucial for lasting sobriety. Being around people who are high or looking for their next high is an extremely powerful addiction trigger – one that is best avoided altogether.

New Social Circles

Recovering addicts may not only need to cut ties with their drug-using friends – they may have to change their associations with non-addicts, as well. Addiction triggers are everywhere, and they don’t always involve actual drug abuse or illegal activities. For instance, alcoholics whose friends congregate at bars or clubs may have to find new groups of people to spend time with.

Changing Careers

Many career paths involve alcohol use to the point that it is essentially a requirement. Businesspeople may be expected to socialize with partners and clients at events where alcohol consumption is highly encouraged. Alcoholics with these types of jobs may find that career changes are necessary for lasting sobriety.

Furthermore, people addicted to all types of drugs can experience stress-related relapses. Recovering addicts with particularly stressful jobs may have to change employment or relinquish some of their responsibilities at work. This may be a difficult process for addicts who have worked hard to advance their careers, but it may be essential to avoid future drug use.

Branching Out

Although most addicts will have to give up some of their former friendships, drug rehab treatment also provides new social opportunities. Rehab patients often make lifelong friends and accountability partners in their group therapies, as well as in support groups which meet outside clinical environments.

Furthermore, part of the reality therapies which most clinics use is the development of new and more productive relationships. Sometimes patients will reconnect with friends they alienated and build better friendships with healthier boundaries. Patients may also be encouraged to meet new people and make new friends who can play supportive roles in their lifelong recovery processes.

If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiction, click the links below now. We can help you find a treatment plan at a rehab clinic in your area. Addiction is a life-threatening disease, so don’t wait; get help today.

Click here to speak to someone at one of the country's best drug rehab centers.

To check your insurance, request a call back or get a free report, click here for more information about our inpatient drug rehab program.

Author's Bio: 

A professional writer and editor with over 30 novels in print in 17 languages, Damlin is one of the most prolific ghostwriters of our time. With thousands of articles and ebooks to his name, Damil is able to professionally research and craft the finest print and electronic media writing in the industry.