Yesterday I discussed that before leaving a drug or alcohol rehab on should have in place a plan about physical boundaries to prevent relapse. This is not the only area to set boundaries.

Emotional Boundaries Set A Border Or Limit

Emotional boundaries establish your feelings as separate and distinct from those of others.
I am in charge of my own feelings, moods, and problems, not my family members or friends.
I will be friends with others without taking on their values and making them my own.
I will only share feelings about my past addiction when it will advance my personal growth.

What emotional boundary could you maintain to keep you safe when you leave rehab?

Intellectual boundaries set a border or limit

Intellectual boundaries allow you to have your own thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and values.
I will speak for myself and express my opinions.
I have my own ideas and do not have to always depend on others for solutions.
I can defend with clear information my right to choose not to drink or use drugs.
What intellectual boundary could you maintain to keep you safe when you leave drug rehab?

Spiritual boundaries set a border or limit

Spiritual boundaries set limits based on your spiritual beliefs and values
I believe exercise is my form of meditation, and I will not miss getting in touch with myself each day.
I believe that my body is my most important asset and will not allow someone else to dictate the time or type of sex I have.
I believe that honesty is my basic value and refuse to allow someone else to talk me into dishonest behavior for whatever reason.
What spiritual boundary could you maintain to keep you safe when you leave alcohol rehab?

Relapse Prevention Requires a Support Network

A support network of relationships that assist you in meeting your goals and provide meaning and friendship in your life is essential to relapse prevention.
You will need to have defined your support network before leaving any alcohol or drug rehab center. A support network is essential to help keep all of the boundaries you have set out intact. They are an important step in the jump from a rehab back to real life.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 25th, 2005 at 10:09 am and is filed under Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.