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How to Avoid a Depression After Rehab?

Depression After Rehab

By Sarah WilliamsPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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The transition from addiction to rehab can be difficult and stressful. It comes after the decision to start with recovery and, in most cases, is followed by fear and pain. The process of detoxication, as well as the road to sobriety itself, brings many obstacles and challenges for people with substance use disorder. The thought that one day, they’ll be free from addiction and able to live a normal life again is probably the most important inspiration that will keep them positive and away from relapse. For that reason, most programs created to help with rehab for men https://addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/men-only/, as well as for women, are based on the idea of getting these people mentally and physically strong enough to cope with the process.

Each part of the recovery has its ordeals, some more unpleasant than others. In some cases, it can trigger depression, just one of many mental conditions often diagnosed with alcohol and drug abuse. Furthermore, depression, stress, or anxiety can be the reasons for addiction in the first place. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), almost 1 in 5 adults in the USA can experience some form of mental illness. With addiction the statistic is even gloomier, almost 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental condition.

Due to biological and sociological differences, men suffer from substance use disorder more often than women. Both addiction and mental illness are treatable, but the female addict will seek help more often than the male, even though there are men-only rehab programs specially designed to respect the gender difference. The symptoms such as sleep disturbance, shame, guilt, constant sadness and suicidal ideas during recovery can seriously jeopardize the process. Developing skills and using various methods to cope with depression during and after rehab can make a difference and protect the patient from relapse.

Leaving a rehab facility or finishing the 12-steps program doesn’t mean that the process is over. It means that the former drug user has to fix some old bridges and build new ones. Family and friends who also suffered, along with the addict, deserve the time to heal themselves. The struggle to re-establish genuine and healthy bonds with them can take some energy but it’s necessary and crucial for life in sobriety. The relationships with loved ones are essential if, at some point, the former addict starts developing depression episodes and need help to overcome them. The support received from them joined with the professional assistance from male addiction specialists will help a former addict to realize that there’s someone he can count on.

There are a few very simple methods, available to everyone, helpful to keep depression away after the rehab. The first rule of sobriety is to stay active as much as possible. Sitting and just thinking is a perfect way to get locked inside the cycle of negative thoughts. Activities, such as hobbies, learning a new language or long walks can be a good way to avoid it. Creating a schedule and keeping a journal are small tricks that should work for every person and help to focus on tasks and accomplishments.

Schedules are good to keep a person positive and eager to embrace some healthy changes that should find its way to everyday routine. Expressing feelings and thoughts on the paper is important both during and after the rehab because it has significant therapeutic values. For that reason, writing journal is highly recommended by most men's rehabilitation centers.

Advice to avoid isolation doesn’t suggest spending time with, for example, old drinking buddies. It means socializing with people who can offer support and understanding, or give some sort of inspiration for a new life. However, even if everything is going well bad things can still happen. They can be a result of a situation, such as any negative social experiences combined with low self-esteem. To avoid them, former alcohol and drug addicts should practice self-care, meaning any activity aimed to maintain good emotional, mental and physical health. It will help to improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety and other depression triggering feelings.

If nothing works and depression symptoms are getting worse, there is a solution for that too. Former user can contact his doctor, addiction program leader or the men-only rehabilitation center advisor and seek information on clinical depression treatments. The crucial thing is to always keep in mind that there are different methods to deal with depression after rehab and people who are trained and willing to help find the right one.

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About the Creator

Sarah Williams

I am a health blogger and freelance writer since 2018. I am studying Public Health and I know a lot about how our organism works. I am fond of writing and I truly believe that you are happy only when your body and mind in good condition.

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