Re-integration

Life after rehab

Returning to society after rehab involves rebuilding relationships, establishing healthy routines, navigating potential triggers, and actively seeking support systems, including therapy, and support groups, while being mindful of the need to set boundaries with people who might not be supportive of your recovery journey; essentially, it's a process of re-integrating into daily life while prioritizing your health and personal growth. But overcoming re-entry challenges after treatment is often even harder than going to rehab!

Reintegration has a unique rhythm, where every small step feels either like a challenge or a celebration. The challenge of a celebration is the slippery slope to relapse, and the celebration of a challenge is the trigger for mental health struggles to worsen. It can feel like a tango, with two left feet.

For all of the euphoria of completing treatment and being released; all of the grievances of the restrictions and limitations of rehab; all of the freedom from the confines of the relentless routine; all of the space from the Gen Pop; and all of the promise of tomorrow; the truth is, life back on the outside can be downright lonely and unruly.

Apart from wanting to stay in Thailand for a few days after discharge so that I could mark the milestone with several new inks, I also wanted to have a more personal, more intimate exploration of the endearing Land of Smiles. This place that had changed my life will forever be in my heart. I found a beautiful inn in the center of old town and explored every square inch of it from dawn to dusk. Hot air ballooning high above, descending into the Chiang Dao caves, climbing Sticky Waterfall, supporting the Long Neck refugees in the Karen tribe villages, and experiencing the luminosity of the magnificent temples. But doing it all, alone, with no one to share it with, was quite lonesome, after having spent 2 months in the company of other Ding Wings.

I can't begin to tell you how much I missed my cohorts when I left. The friendships formed were completely circumstancial. I would never have known these people from across the globe had we not been in treatment at the same time and place. Yet while it seems so arbitrary, one can't help but wonder how the universe works.

These specific people, their specific struggles, our specific groups, formed a unique bond that can never be replicated. Whether it's your first time in rehab or your 10th, each collective is inimitable. And I am certain that there were higher powers at work to deliver me to The Dawn at that exact time. My peers were some of the greatest humans I have ever had the honor to know, and I thank each and every one of them for their role in setting me on the path to recovery.

To this day, I miss my Trauma group peers. We laid bare our inner most secrets. We lifted each other up and called each other out. We laughed together and cried together, found strength in each other and took giant steps forward hand-in-hand. The same is true for the incredible warrioresses of my Womens group. There was never any spurn or condemnation. No one was any better or worse than anyone else. We wholeheartedly supported each other and helped one another to love and believe in ourselves again. I don't know of any other bond more steely than these.

Still, once I was out, it was up to me to stay the course. So these became my 10 Codes of Conduct, that I continue to work at every day, from now until forever:

1. Build a support network:

   - Connect with friends, family members, support groups like AA or NA, and a therapist to maintain accountability and access support when needed.

2. Manage triggers:

   - Identify situations, people, or emotions that could lead to cravings/crises and develop coping mechanisms to navigate them effectively.

3. Set boundaries:

   - Distance yourself from people or environments that might encourage relapse and be clear about your commitment to your physical, emotional and mental health.

4. Develop healthy habits:

   - Establish a routine with regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and engaging in hobbies that promote positive well-being.

5. Address social stigma:

   - Be open about your recovery journey while also understanding that some people might have misconceptions about mental health and addiction.

6. Re-enter work and relationships:

   - Gradually re-integrate into work life and address any strained relationships, communicating openly about your recovery process.

7. Continue therapy and medication:

   - Maintain regular therapy sessions to help you work through underlying issues and maintain your medications to stay on track.

8. Practice patience and self-compassion:

   - Recovery is a process, and setbacks may occur. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories.

9. Be honest and accountable:

   - Be open and honest about your struggles with trusted individuals and actively seek accountability to stay on track. There is no shame in recovery, in fact, the opposite. Be proud of what you've done and how far you've come.

10. Seek professional help when needed:

    - Reach out to your therapist, treatment provider, and peers for additional support if you experience significant challenges or relapses. There is no place for judgement in recovery and no one is perfect.

    
    

The unexpected friendships, the bizarre adventures, and the realization that life, even at its craziest, is worth living, has pushed me to keep on keeping on. One strangely wonderful moment at a time.  And I hope that these codes can provide some frame of reference for anyone reintegrating following a rehab/wellness program. Moreover, I hope that they can offer a framework for anyone on their own path of recovery or healing.

The entire aim of this blog is to provide support and encouragement to those feeling lost or broken. Through shared stories and practical advice, we can help heal and restore hope. My commitment is to create a safe space for open discussion and understanding so that together, we can help mend our shattered pieces.

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