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How long after rehab or into recovery until I am considered 'out of the woods?”

15 Answers
Last Updated: 07/03/2018 at 12:26am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
Dailydaydreama
November 16th, 2014 8:03pm
Hey ! I believe that when it comes to rehab or recovery I honestly can not say that you are ever really out of the woods ! I'm not sure anyone ever is ! From what iv heard , learnt , seen and understood it seems to become apart of your life that needs ongoing , respect , support and a safe place inside you so that it's always respected and managed ! You can have a life without the fear and with less negative reactions and outcomes once you understand what's happened and what it is you need to do for yourself to stay safe in your own recovery and new journey :) taking control of yourself , your dreams , your life and goals is living in the woods ya just do it safe and with a smile :)
Siouxsie
November 30th, 2014 6:52pm
The moment we consider ourselves out of the woods, is the moment we slow down on our recovery and think we are 'good enough.'... it's best to just focus on where we are in the moment, today. Find gratitude for it and keep pushing forward.
brightTouch58
January 2nd, 2015 9:31pm
One can never be totally out the woods as life has a funny way of presenting events where one is being tempted to slip back into old habits. One must work fervently to maintain a clean slate
Anonymous
December 14th, 2015 8:07am
Each person is different. The closer you can get to your core pains and wounds, and feel and release them, the less triggers you will have in terms of cravings. And learn to be honest with yourself about what you are feeling so you can recognize danger points. The actual time is not as important as the depth of your recovery.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2014 2:06am
I don't think you're ever really "out of the woods." I still struggle with my addiction, and it's been years since I went into recovery.They struggle will continue, but the fight gets easier.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2014 5:12am
Unfortunately, if your addiction was such that it led to rehab, you will have to be aware for the rest of your life that relapse is always a possibility.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2014 9:59pm
There is no set time, and everyone is different. Rather than looking for a point when I am "out of the woods," I try to put effort into my recovery every day. For alcoholics abd addicts, complacency can kill.
DeliriousMistakes3
December 20th, 2014 4:19pm
As long as you feel like you have recovered and ready to get back on your feet again. It might take years to do that but you should never give up trying. :)
Lucipurroxie
December 24th, 2014 6:45pm
It depends on the person. I have been out since May and I am still "recording". Don't think just because you aren't "better" that you never will be. Everyone is different. Everyone goes at their own pace and sometimes it takes longer than others.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2014 9:40pm
I believe that you are never truly "out of the woods". I think that once you're in recovery, you're always in recovery as addictions don't disappear.
Raebay
June 23rd, 2015 8:17pm
I suppose that is different for everyone. I don't think there is a set time, but for me, I just "knew". I felt more stable, I felt happy and I could have fun without drugs. I could also deal with emotional situations without completely breaking down. I had formed coping mechanisms that could help me deal with life instead of turning to drugs.
Anonymous
July 21st, 2015 8:54pm
There's no set limit for recovery, it's a quicker road for some than others :) Congratulations on getting on the right track, by the way! It's worthwhile to do and I'm sure you'll feel better for it. It might be easier to set your own target for this achievement you're working towards, see how far you can go yourself without comparing to others :)
Rogue1234
June 14th, 2016 6:50pm
About 6 months without a relapse would be in the clear but sometime people relaps after years
calmSummer52
January 9th, 2018 10:03am
You should always be vigilent about your reovery. Many people will tell you that the moment you consider yourself to be out of the woods, is the moment you are in the most danger of relapsing.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2018 12:26am
Are you in contact with a rehab counselor, or a sponsor? Communicating with a recovery team will help you to monitor your progression.