Most people have memories of feeling pressured to go along with the crowd. You may remember a time when you adopted a hairstyle or clothing trend that you later regretted or followed your friends into a situation you wouldn’t have chosen. Peer pressure, or the feeling of wanting to go along with the crowd, is part of growing up. Sometimes, people experience peer pressure as an adult. We may not necessarily think about the role of peer pressure when it comes to life after rehab, but it can be a factor in whether someone can maintain sobriety or not. People who have a hard time avoiding peer pressure may benefit from a women’s sober living community after completing rehab.
If you require support after rehab, please reach out to the staff at Women’s Recovery to learn more about our sober living program. We offer support to every woman at every stage of addiction and recovery. Call today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about our programs, or fill out an online intake form.
What Makes Staying Sober After Treatment Difficult?
Life in treatment is very different from life in the real world. First, rehab provides a highly structured environment with rules and a schedule. You may not have to participate in daily chores like cooking and cleaning, and you may have less exposure to people and situations that may be triggering.
After treatment, though, some people struggle with the freedom and responsibility of new sobriety. It is one thing to practice the skills to maintain sobriety when surrounded by a community of supportive staff and peers. Applying these skills to the real world is often difficult. People might find that they fall back into old patterns and habits without the support of their rehab community. They may feel pressure to drink or use substances again to fit in with their old friends.
How Can Women’s Sober Living Help Support Sobriety?
Sober living programs are communities designed to support people at any stage of treatment or recovery. Residents live with others who are committed to recovery and have access to the support of staff. They have the freedom to work and socialize freely but benefit from the structure and accountability of the sober living program.
Research shows that committing more time to treatment and recovery can lead to long-lasting success. Spending some time in a sober living program after completing rehab has many benefits, including:
- Distance from triggers
- Stable housing
- Support from staff
- Assistance with housing and job searches
- Community of peers
Residents of a sober living community have support and encouragement to be active in their recovery after rehab. They have the chance to have a more gentle reintroduction into their lives and enjoy the support of their peers.
Learn How to Avoid Peer Pressure
No matter how much support you have after rehab, you are likely to experience peer pressure at some point. Being prepared to handle yourself during these moments might take a little preparation and practice, but it’s worth the effort. Here are three tips that can help you stay strong in the face of peer pressure.
- Be prepared: Have a list of reasons why you can’t drink or use drugs ready in your mind. You may want to be honest about being in recovery, or you may not feel prepared for that. Other excellent responses are that you’re driving, you have to be up early in the morning, or simply just saying “No thank you” and leaving it there. If you’re not sure NA drinks will be offered, bring your own. And always make sure you can go when you need to without relying on someone for a ride.
- Practice, practice, practice: The first time you say no to a drink might feel awkward. Repetition is the key to feeling more comfortable. Practice saying no and giving your excuses out loud to yourself in the privacy of your home. Try some role-playing with a sober friend. The more you practice turning down a drink or drugs, the more confident you’ll feel.
- Bring support: Can’t miss that wedding reception, BBQ, or family reunion? Grab a sober friend who can offer help when your triggers are likely to be present. Having just one other person who won’t be drinking or using drugs makes it more likely to avoid peer pressure.
If you have any questions about staying sober outside of treatment, please reach out to Women’s Recovery.
Contact Women’s Recovery
If you or a woman you love need substance abuse treatment or support in recovery, reach out to the staff at Women’s Recovery. We offer a range of programs that are designed to empower women as they navigate recovery, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
If you are ready for life-changing treatment and support, call our admissions counselors today at 833.754.0554, or fill out an online intake form.
