Life Skills training in addiction recovery is an important part of the recovery journey from substance abuse.
Life Skills – How to Live Without Alcohol or Drugs
Life Skills are particularly important for those who have completed a detox and rehab with Abbeycare.
In the Abbeycare environment, triggers leading to alcohol/ drug use are reduced; this changes outside of the inpatient recovery process.
To maintain sobriety after a treatment programme:
- Create an Aftercare Plan in rehab and follow it post-rehab
- Make recovery friends & connect with them daily
- Attend recovery groups in the local community such as SMART, AA, CA, NA, or a Recovery drop-In/Café (3 per week minimum)
- Have an action plan i.e, phone Abbeycare Team, recovery friends, or recovery sponsor immediately
- Seek out a recovery sponsor to guide you through a self-help programme such as SMART or 12 Steps
- Continue Counselling after leaving rehab if suffering from unresolved trauma
- Connect with a mental health specialist or GP to provide regular updates on mental health
This list is not exhaustive and should be individually tailored.
“Learning is not compulsory; it’s voluntary… but to survive we must learn.”
Edwards Deming
Life Skills to Promote Long-Term Recovery
Here are some essential life skills to learn after drug and alcohol treatment:
- Planning the day ahead
- Eating a balanced diet
- Connecting with a recovery asset daily
- Developing a healthy sleeping plan
- Prioritising the importance of self-care
- Stress management - how to manage stress without using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Social skills and interpersonal skills
- Goal setting - focusing on preventing relapse and working towards long-term sobriety
- Financial management
- Building healthy relationships
- How to say ‘No’
- Building resilience
- Finding fulfilment
Employment after Rehab
A person in recovery after substance abuse may:
- Already have a job
- Looking for a job
- Want to volunteer
Finding a job or volunteer work post substance use may require the assistance of a work coach to teach how to:
- Fill in an effective application
- Create a CV
- Search for appropriate jobs
- Dress appropriately for interviews
- Answer interview questions
Work coaches are accessed through the Job Centre and can be contacted upon leaving the treatment centre.
Gaining Support After Rehab
Others recovering from addiction may be:
- Unemployed due to ill health
- Unemployed caring or childcare responsibilities
- Retired
Those who are unemployed or retired require new life skills to stay sober and cope with their specific needs.
Connecting with others through support groups will combat loneliness and identification with people in similar circumstances is empowering.
Developing coping skills to cope with stress and deal with negative emotions surrounding ill health, loneliness, or responsibilities reduces the chances of relapse.
At Abbeycare, participants are shown the basic tools for living and encouraged to continue life-long learning through attendance at Aftercare and undertaking a 12-Step Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the duration of stay i.e. 14 to 28 days in most cases there is not enough time to deliver effective 121 sessions and group therapy as well as look for meaningful employment.
However if this is identified in you Recovery Plan mentioned above then the Case Manager can identify possible routes to follow to make this happen.
No, a Job Coach isn’t required to find employment this is an example of someone who may be able to assist in finding and keeping employment if you are struggling in this area.
The above lists of Life Skills have been included to illustrate the type of lifestyle that will encourage long term recovery from alcohol and drugs.
This list is not for all and items may be added or removed to suit your lifestyle. However, some are quite practical in human terms such as three meals per day and adequate amounts of sleep etc. and your stay at Abbeycare will encourage these into the daily routine.
It is possible to recover from addiction and lead a fulfilling life, with the coping mechanisms and self-esteem to function without alcohol or drugs.
Call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.
