What is Life Skills Training Really About?

Completing substance abuse treatment is arguably one of the most important things that an individual who suffers from alcoholism or addiction can do. Not only does completing a treatment program give them a chance at a new and sober life, but it also allows them to go through life skills training so that they can begin to learn and implement certain skills into their lives that may have been lacking.

It is no secret that many addicts and alcoholics are severely lacking in the life skills department and as such, many find it difficult to maintain their recovery once they leave treatment if these skills are not acquired. They may not know how to care for themselves by cooking or cleaning, or they may be unaware of how to be responsible with money or a job and because of their deficiency in these areas, alcoholics and addicts have a tendency to want to return to using as a means to deal with the guilt of their perceived failures. However, this does not need to be the case, and with the proper life skills training, many alcoholics and addicts find that they are more than capable of thriving on their own.

What is the Biggest Challenge in Recovery?

The biggest challenge that you can face in your recovery is learning how to live life and uphold your daily obligations while working a program of recovery. When you were in the grips of addiction, taking care of yourself took a backseat to the daily ritual of finding and taking drugs and alcohol. While completing drug treatment can fill you with excitement and eagerness, the reality of life can be overwhelming, and the cravings and urges to use drugs and alcohol can often times resurface. In order to help the individual function in the outside world while maintaining their recovery, it is absolutely critical that the newly recovering addict experiences life skills training so that they can learn how to navigate the many pressures that life can bring.

How Life Skills Training Can Help Your Recovery

By learning how to actively put into practice the life skills you were taught in drug treatment, you will be able to successfully meet those essential responsibilities that you need to meet on a daily basis. The following are the ways in which life skills training can benefit you and your recovery.

Developing a Daily Routine

One important life skill that you need to learn to implement in your life is the development of a basic daily routine. While having a daily routine may seem obvious to most people, those people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol can completely forget the most basic of life skills. It is important to implement a consistent daily routine, which is highly structured and includes a sleep schedule, regular time for exercise, work and family commitments and other recovery-related activities. When you learn how to successfully plan your day, you are better able to stay productive and are able to prioritize those activities that will help strengthen your recovery.

Employment Coaching

Another important aspect of life skills training is providing necessary employment coaching that will help you locate and obtain long-term employment so that you can be self-sufficient and confident. It is common for addicts to lose their jobs and experience lengthy periods of unemployment due to their drug and alcohol use. Through the help of an employment coach in drug treatment or in a sober living home, you will be able to learn how to interview, write an effective resume and use all the available community resources that are needed to obtain employment. Having a job is another crucial building block in a quality individual plan of recovery after drug treatment.

Budgeting and Finances

Learning to budget one’s finances is another important life skill that you need to be taught in order to be successful. While in active addiction, any income that you may have earned went towards drugs or alcohol, and the basic necessities you needed, such as food, utilities, and other bills were often times neglected. With the help of a financial advisor, or other professional, you can learn how to put together a realistic and sensible monthly budget and how to better prioritize your expenses. Additionally, you can learn how to save and invest your hard-earned money so you can achieve financial stability and peace of mind for you and your family.

Finding Healthy Hobbies

Life skills training also emphasizes learning new hobbies and pursuing interests. When you are in residential or outpatient drug treatment, you are encouraged to enjoy activities such as reading, learning a musical instrument, learning to cook, or other hobbies and interests which may have taken a backseat during your addiction. These healthy and recovery-centered activities can help you enjoy life and can help you establish new friendships. These activities also help fill your day with things that promote growth and change.

Effective Communication Skills

Most importantly, quality life skills training can benefit your recovery by helping you re-establish relationships and teaching you to effectively communicate with family and friends again. Along with reconnecting with your loved ones, you are also taught how to work through those deeper emotional issues which could be hindering your growth as a recovering person. You will learn how to form new friendships and you can learn strategies on how to avoid stressful situations that can lead to a relapse.

Getting Help for Alcoholism or Addiction

The process of recovering from substance abuse can be a very challenging and rewarding journey. People that have struggled with addiction often lack the most basic life skills, so it is important for a drug and alcohol treatment program to offer life skills training for addicts going back into the outside world. At FindAddictionRehabs.com, we can help those in recovery learn the basic skills they need in order to be successful once they complete drug treatment. Our number one goal is to provide you with a safe and stable environment in that nurtures your new found recovery. So start on the right foot in your recovery and contact FindAddictionRehabs.com toll-free today.

Anna M.( Senior Content Writer )

Anna M. joined Find Addiction Rehabs with extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment. As a former Nurse Practitioner in Miami, she found her passion for addiction treatment when a family member was lost to his disease. With each article and resource, she hopes to save other families from experiencing the anguish of a loved one’s passing due to drinking or drugs.