The Estate News & Blog

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like a dark cloud that lingers long after a traumatic experience, affecting one’s ability to function or find joy in life. Yet, there is a powerful and lesser-known possibility beyond PTSD: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is the positive psychological change that occurs as a result of struggling with traumatic experiences. It’s the ability to find new strength, purpose, and appreciation for life. One transformative tool for guiding people on this journey is equine-assisted coaching, where horses play an extraordinary role in the healing process. Soberman's Estate has horses on site and the clients participate in three Equine Therapy sessions per week.

Completing residential treatment for substance use disorder is a significant milestone—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. As you leave behind the structured environment of a residential treatment program like Soberman’s Estate and return to daily responsibilities, it’s crucial to equip yourself with strategies to successfully transition back into work, relationships, and personal growth.

While it may feel overwhelming at times, this stage of recovery can also be deeply rewarding. Here’s how you can navigate this transition with confidence and resilience.

1. Establish a Support System

Sobriety is a journey best traveled with support. Before leaving treatment, make sure you have a solid network in place. This may include an alumni program like the one we have at Soberman’s Estate, a local or virtual 12-step group or similar recovery group, a therapist, or a mentor. A strong support system will be vital in moments of uncertainty, helping you stay accountable and grounded.

Action Steps:

• Join an alumni group for regular check-ins with others who have completed treatment.
• Find a local recovery meeting or consider virtual options if in-person is not feasible.
• Join a men’s group, or a church group.
• Consider establishing a relationship with a sober sponsor or mentor.

2. Develop a Daily Routine

One of the most effective ways to ease back into daily life is by creating a routine. In treatment, you likely experienced structure around your day-to-day activities, which provided stability. Keeping a similar routine post-treatment can help maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and encourage healthy habits.

Action Steps:

• Set a consistent wake-up time and include morning practices such as meditation, walking, or journaling to center yourself and become present.
• Plan meals, work hours, and recreational activities ahead of time.
• Schedule time for self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout.

3. Practice Healthy Communication

One of the biggest challenges after treatment is rebuilding relationships, whether at home, with friends, or in the workplace. Learning to communicate effectively—being open about your needs and boundaries—is essential to maintaining your sobriety while fostering healthy connections with others.

Action Steps:

• Have honest conversations with those close to you about your recovery journey and the type of support you need.
• Practice active listening and non-defensive communication to strengthen relationships.
• Establish clear boundaries, especially in situations that could trigger stress or relapse.

4. Return to Work Gradually

Returning to work is a significant step, but it's important to ease back into it. Prioritize your recovery first, and consider a gradual return to the workplace if possible. A phased return will allow you to balance work responsibilities with ongoing recovery efforts.

Action Steps:

• Discuss flexible hours or workload adjustments with your employer if needed.
• Set realistic expectations and avoid taking on more than you can handle initially.
• Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage workplace stress.

5. Continue Learning and Growing

Treatment provides you with tools for staying sober, but ongoing education and self-development are key to long-term recovery. Embrace opportunities to continue learning, whether through personal development courses, therapy, or spiritual growth.

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, success is often measured by productivity, ambition, and a relentless drive to achieve more. But what if the very qualities that propel you forward are the ones holding you back? For many professionals, the pressures of work can exacerbate underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, and substance use disorder. The idea of taking time off to address these issues might seem counterintuitive, but in reality, it could be the best decision you ever make for your career.

Forgiveness is often seen as a noble gesture, a sign of strength and compassion. Yet, when it comes to forgiving ourselves or others, we frequently find it to be one of the most challenging tasks. Why is forgiveness so hard, especially for those navigating the delicate path of recovery from substance use disorder? At Soberman's Estate, we encounter this question regularly, and we believe understanding the barriers to forgiveness is a crucial step toward healing.

Just a few weeks ago, we marked a significant milestone at Soberman’s Estate, our 5-year anniversary! This special day was not just a celebration of our history, but also a showcase of the comprehensive and unique modalities we offer. We opened our doors to many local professionals, giving them a firsthand experience of the tranquil and healing environment of the Estate.

This year marks a significant milestone for Soberman's Estate Men's Residential Treatment Center – our 5-year anniversary. In these five years, we've witnessed incredible transformations, shared countless moments of triumph, and built a community grounded in hope and healing. As we reflect on our journey, we want to celebrate the successes, acknowledge the challenges overcome, and look forward to a future filled with even more opportunities to help men in their recovery and personal growth.

Transitioning back to the workplace after spending time in a residential treatment center can be a journey filled with mixed emotions: hope, anxiety, and determination. It's a significant step in your recovery process, signaling progress and the start of a new chapter. Here are a few tips to guide you through this transition, offering practical advice and supportive strategies to help you reintegrate into your work life smoothly and confidently.

What qualities are required to be a therapy horse? Inspired by our recent addition, Charlie, I thought maybe we’d take a look into what makes a horse suitable for this important role. Born on June 28, 2003, Charlie, a very handsome buckskin quarter horse, quickly proved his natural aptitude for therapy work during his very first session. His journey offers insights into what it takes for a horse to become a partner during the process of therapeutic work.

Maybe your husband or loved one is exhibiting questionable behavior related to alcohol, and it doesn't feel right. Know that you are not alone. 12.7% of American adults have an alcohol use disorder, colloquially known as alcoholism. We’re going to talk about signs you’re in a relationship with an addict, as well as strategies to cope and heal.