Staying sober requires more than just a detox or rehab program. After treatment, many people are not able to live soberly once they return home. Psychiatrists suggest that pressure and stress (e.g. stress from relationships or old haunts) increase relapse risk significantly in those with stressful home lives. A wide range of options is available to people seeking recovery and sobriety. In a sober living home, people in recovery live independently, but in a structured and sober environment.
Sober living homes ensure a temptation-free and distraction-free environment so that you can regain and strengthen the life skills you learned in rehab. Here are 5 reasons to choose sober living homes:
Support and Guidance
During your recovery, you will not only be supported but also held accountable. Commonly, managers at sober living facilities are available 24/7 to support you with recovery issues like difficult cravings, down emotions, difficulties landing a job, or simply being there to listen. Most sober living facilities that are affiliated with treatment facilities have alumni and staff who have walked in the same shoes as the residents. When you need advice, you can turn to them. Some sober living facilities have strict rules prohibiting alcohol and drugs on the premises, requiring a set curfew each night, or testing residents regularly for drug use. People may not be allowed to live at the facility any longer if they continuously break the rules (although relapses are normal). This is crucial to ensure consistency in the environment (and expectations).
Facilitates Smoother Transition
Sober living homes have the obvious benefit of helping individuals make the transition back to normal life. Treatment programs help patients ease back into daily life, so they can begin working, going to school, forming relationships, etc. Residents can return to a clean, safe, sober living environment each night while adjusting to independent living without the regular round-the-clock care usually offered in treatment. Sober living homes help in eliminating relapse triggers and giving residents a taste of what living sober is like beyond rehab.
Sober Network
Living in a sober house can also help reduce loneliness. While you were addicted to substances, you likely felt very alone. Possibly, you cut off ties with good friends or distanced yourself from family due to fear of judgment and rejection. However, in sober living houses, this is all different. It won’t be lonely – you’ll live alongside others who have been through very similar experiences. You will feel more like a family to these people, or a community, as everyone supports and understands each other as time goes by. You can rely on them when the going gets tough, they will be the ones to hold you accountable for your sobriety time and time again. Your sober network becomes your support system.
Reviving Life Skills
Addiction takes precedence over a lot of other obligations like exercising, healthy eating, cleaning, and maintaining good hygiene. The benefit of sober living is that it restores structure to residents’ lives. Treatment and transitional homes will teach you re-establishing a healthy routine and maintaining it. In this program, you will learn important life skills – from doing laundry to finding employment – as well as re-establishing your sense of responsibility. During your time living with other residents, you will also develop interpersonal skills (effectively handling challenges), financial skills (paying bills), and other practical skills relevant to breaking the cycle of addiction.
Achieving independence
As a result of sober living, it brings a newfound (or re-found) sense of independence. As your sobriety progresses and your attitude towards recovery improves, you’ll begin to take control of your life. Your independence will allow you to move out and look for a job independently and take the necessary steps for accomplishment in your chosen field. Your independence will allow you to form meaningful friendships/connections to support your recovery. Additionally, you will be able to shop and cook your own meals, allowing you to fill your life with things that bring you joy. Making healthy and responsible choices will ultimately improve your quality of life.
Sober housing is designed to provide individuals a place to heal in a safe and supportive environment. There is probably no greater benefit than this separation. With the help of these residential facilities, you will be able to focus on yourself, instead of being tempted by drug-using friends, old hangout spots, and other environmental relapse triggers.
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