The Estate News & Blog

For many men in recovery, the fear of failure is often lurking behind the dark in the background. The idea of relapse or falling short of sobriety goals can create a shadow of doubt and anxiety, often paralyzing progress. This fear can feel like an ever-present hurdle, making it difficult to move forward with confidence. But what if failure, or the threat of it, isn’t the enemy? What if it’s a necessary part of the journey? While (FEAR- False Evidence Appearing Real) can be paralyzing, a prudent rational concern can be very beneficial to recovery from alcoholism and other substance use disorders.

I recently asked our clients what they enjoyed about our music therapy program led by Steve Inganamort, MM, MT-BC. Here are a few of their replies:

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.

A message from our CEO Mitch Prager:

A few weeks ago, we held an incredible open house for our professional community. A day that was filled with learning about what makes Soberman’s Estate such an incredible place for professional men to heal. We were able to share our clinical and therapeutic expertise as well as our different holistic modalities with everyone who attended, and hand out some incredible prizes as well! I was honored once again, to meet with one of those professional individuals that attended, when he came to pick up the prize he had won.

Sleep is an essential part of human biology. It helps you revitalize your body and mind over several hours of inactivity. However, sleep issues can be prevalent in those who are recovering from alcohol addiction.

Alcohol’s Effect On An Alcoholic’s Sleep Patterns

Alcohol’s effect on sleep patterns are evident in those who are taking in large amounts of it. The disruptions in the brain’s ability to manage sleep can come from a number of sources. There are a number of reasons why an individual’s sleep quality is negatively affected. These disruptions last several months even after rehab and can be a cause for concern.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption

The circadian rhythm is the internal clock of an individual. It is what dictates when you sleep and how long you sleep for. The circadian rhythm is an essential part of making sure that you have a regular sleep schedule. However, alcohol and other substances disrupt the rhythm by forcing your body to produce chemicals that make you fall asleep quickly. However, these chemicals are shorter lived when compared to the natural release in a non-alcoholic.

REM Sleep Disruption

Another essential part of getting proper evening rest is Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep for short. REM sleep is the period in sleep that your body gets the best rest. However, alcohol has been shown to consistently disrupt REM sleep and cause an individual to experience a delay in their ability to experience it.

Frequent Trips to The Toilet

Your body over time has grown accustomed to making sure that you don’t need to go to the bathroom during the evening. However, alcoholics will have difficulty managing their bladders under the influence. This is due to the fact that alcohol is a diuretic. Diuretics like alcohol dehydrate your body by forcing liquid out of your body through urine.

Breathing Disruptions and Sleep Apnea

Another cause for concern is that alcohol has an effect on a person’s breathing during sleep. This can cause excessive snoring and even sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition where an individual’s breathing is stopped and started during sleep. It can cause an individual to suddenly wake in the middle of the night due to the lack of oxygen. The worst case scenario is that sleep apnea can cause a life threatening heart attack or collapsed airway. 

The Most Effective Solution To Insomnia Caused By Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a difficult condition to overcome especially because of how it impairs judgement and affects your sleep patterns. The first step to proper recovery is always going to be rehabilitation.

Soberman’s Estate has created the ideal combination of medical, clinical, and holistic modalities, including board certified psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, on-site labyrinth walks, equine therapy, fitness training, yoga, acupuncture, nutrition counseling and Chef prepared meals. Treatment at Soberman’s Estate is discrete and private with 10 beds on 5 acres of pristine Sonoran desert where recovery is adjusted to the needs of the patient.

If you or someone you know is considering treatment for addiction, call us at 480-660-3474 for a professional consultation.

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.