Challenges of Transitioning Out of Residential and How Mentoring Can Help

When your loved one transitions out of residential treatment for a substance use or mental health disorder, there are many challenges you must prepare for. Your loved one has just spent weeks, maybe even months, working on their recovery. Transitioning out of this supportive environment can be overwhelming for you and them. Fortunately, there are ways to make this transition smoother for everyone involved. 

Let’s learn more about transitioning out of residential care and how professional mentorship services can be helpful. 

Transitioning from Residential Treatment: A Major Milestone 

Recovery is an ongoing journey, not something that happens in a week or two. There are many milestones along the way, and transitioning from residential rehab to the community is one of them. This is an integral step, as your loved one has completed their work in residential treatment. Eventually, the goal is for them to take on more responsibility so that they can be productive members of society. 

Many treatment centers follow a “step-down” approach, meaning that clients step down to lower levels of care until they “graduate” from the program. After residential treatment, many programs encourage clients to step down to an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and then an outpatient program (OP). 

Outpatient programs are beneficial, as they give individuals support and guidance as they face challenges in the real world. But, there is another resource available that is lesser known: mentoring services. 

Mentoring Services and Their Role in the Recovery Process 

Recovery can be challenging, not just for the individual, but the entire family. This is why outside support is invaluable. Mentorship programs like Bridge The Gap provide highly personalized support and guidance for individuals pursuing recovery. These services can be used alongside an outpatient program or 12-step program. 

The best mentors are those who have gone through the recovery process themselves. They know what to expect from the recovery journey and can offer helpful tips that worked for them. Individuals in recovery appreciate having this level of insight and understanding, as their family members often can’t relate to what they are going through. 

Potential Challenges Faced in Early Recovery 

There are a number of challenges that individuals in recovery face as they return home and reintegrate back to society. Some of the most common include: 

• Feelings of loneliness and isolation 

• Missing rehab support, such as counselors and therapists 

• Not being able to relate to others 

• Feelings of guilt, shame or judgment from family 

• Lack of purpose or direction 

• Being exposed to drug or alcohol triggers 

• Facing the consequences of the addiction (e.g., legal problems, job loss)

• Feelings of depression or anxiety 

• Boredom 

How Recovery Mentoring Services Can Help 

When a mentor sits down with your loved one, they will create a relapse prevention plan that meets their unique goals and challenges. This plan is not set in stone. It can change based on your loved one’s progress in recovery. If they are doing well, they can move out of their comfort zone a bit. If they are not doing well, more support can be added in the appropriate places. 

Mentorship services encourage individuals to engage in a 12-step or recovery program and address challenges at home or in the community, such as family dynamics, day-to-day challenges and conflict and stressors. They can also work with your loved one to develop healthier ways of coping, confront emotional triggers and assist with a successful reintegration to the home environment. 

Mentorship Services in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties 

There are many ways to stay sober, including having healthy hobbies and distractions, participating in recovery groups, focusing on fitness and health and having healthy relationships. A mentor is another piece to the puzzle. 

To learn more about the mentorship services available through Bridge The Gap, contact us today at 805-558-4599. We offer in-person mentoring in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and virtual mentoring services for those outside our area.