Substance abuse can quickly take over all aspects of life. Everything suffers, from finances and decision-making to relationships and self-care. Entering rehab is a great first step toward recovery, but it’s equally important to remember that life continues after the program. For this reason, developing real-world skills is an essential part of holistic addiction treatment. At Soledad House, we’re proud to offer life skills training for women in recovery. Call us today at 866.314.3222 or reach out online to learn more about our recovery and life skills programs in San Diego, California.
Why Women Should Have Life Skills Training During Recovery
Completing an addiction recovery program is an effective part of the healing journey. It’s not the only thing needed to ensure success, however. Sadly, many people who complete rehab later relapse if they aren’t well prepared to handle their daily lives. While using, the abilities to make good choices about finances, practice personal care, and maintain healthy relationships often fall by the wayside. Life skills training helps fill in the gaps that substance abuse has created in clients’ lives.
Learning life skills within the recovery program allows those in recovery to internalize new patterns for living on their own in the future. The program creates a safe space to practice new skills, develop and follow healthy routines, and learn to cope with stressors or triggers. Because health care providers are present, the risk of relapse is much lower than it would be if clients tried to re-learn these key skills without supervision. Clients also benefit from learning life skills alongside others facing similar challenges. Working within a supportive peer group reduces feelings of shame or isolation during the crucial process of reacclimating to life after the program.
What Happens in Life Skills Training for Women?
Life skills training can cover a wide range of topics, but the overall goal is always preparedness for life after the program. Women who complete these programs typically have much better outcomes following recovery than those who don’t. Topics life skills training may address include:
- Maintaining a stable, supportive home life: Having a stable home environment is key for women in recovery. Too often, those who have struggled with substance abuse come from unstable or unpredictable home environments. Ensuring safety and support at home is the first step toward a healthy, fully engaged life after rehabilitation.
- Employment training and planning: Women review or learn best practices for finding steady jobs, applying and interviewing, and then maintaining employment once hired. This creates financial stability instead of the uncertainty and poverty many women experience while abusing substances.
- Creating supportive routines: Having healthy patterns in place for daily life can be a huge asset in the face of stress and other triggers to relapse. Routines may include a consistent bedtime, regular therapy or support group meetings, exercise, artistic expression, taking medications, and more. A positive “to-do” list is a powerful tool to keep the body and mind focussed and out of harm’s way.
- Healthy relationships: Life skills training helps women form lasting and supportive relationships that help keep them sober. Relationship skills training may include developing communication skills, building self-awareness, and setting healthy boundaries.
- Coping skills: Stress happens. That’s just a fact of life, but for a woman recovering from substance abuse, stress can lead to relapse. Relapse in turn, is especially dangerous for those in recovery since tolerance lessens the longer they’ve been sober. For this reason, it’s essential to learn coping skills to help avoid relapse. These include building a support system and identifying and avoiding high-risk situations.
Learn More About Soledad House’s Life Skills Training Program in San Diego
Entering a recovery program is a major step toward reclaiming your life, but it’s not the only thing you’ll need to do. To ensure a lasting recovery, learn about developing practical skills needed to maintain sobriety and live your best life. Call us at 866.314.3222 or reach out online to learn more about Soledad House’s addiction recovery programs and life skills training for women in San Diego, California.
