As soon as it was made public that Lindsay Lohan would be guest hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL), the media and the blogosphere lit up discussing whether or not this was a wise decision on her part given her recent issues. SNL is a famously stressful job for the host and the post-show reviews can turn that stress into downright panic. This pressure can be difficult for the most seasoned actor or actress but for someone like Lohan, who is in the beginning stages of her recovery process and trying to make a comeback in her career, it could be overwhelming.

As it turned out, Lohan had nothing to worry about; her appearance was rewarded with big ratings – the second highest ratings of the season so far. But in terms of recovery, was it a good idea to take such a huge risk so soon?

Lohan Appears to Be Realistic About Moving Forward

Lohan left her last rehab over a year ago and is in the final weeks of her court-ordered probation. She claims she has surrounded herself with sober friends and now considers herself to be a “homebody” rather than the party girl she once was. In a recent interview with Matt Lauer, Lohan said she hoped to regain the trust of potential employers: ”I think that takes time… I still need to go through the process of proving myself…”

Did Lohan give herself enough time in recovery before launching herself back onto the public stage? Only time will tell. There is no magic number of sober days that will make Lohan – or anyone for that matter – definitively ready.

What Are the Best Strategies to Maintain Sobriety After Drug Rehab?

• Make a plan. Knowing how you will handle stress and cravings before they happen gives you something positive to do when you most want to relapse.
• Find sober friends. Hanging out with individuals who support your sobriety and have no relationship to your drug use is a great way to get a fresh perspective on life.
• Continue counseling. These sessions can provide accountability and a venue to process stress and difficult decisions.
• Proper nutrition. Eating healthy and regularly can keep emotions and energy on an even keel.
• Regular exercise. Working out can cause the release of endorphins and help you flush out toxins, both of which will have positive effects on your mood.
• Know your triggers. Becoming cognizant of the people or situations that make you want to use allows you to decide how you will safely handle those events ahead of time.
• Explore your spirituality. Exploration of spiritual ideas, beliefs and traditions can offer you support in times of struggle.

If you are having a hard time staying on track in your recovery and need additional help, don’t wait to give us a call. We can link you up with a wide range of support options to help you successfully maintain your sobriety. Contact us today and allow us to assist you in finding an aftercare plan that is right for you.