Sober Living: A Way To A Healthier Lifestyle

Transitioning from inpatient rehab to day-to-day life can be tough. The world outside of rehab poses different triggers that can lead to relapse. Through sober living, people can slowly integrate themselves into daily life and maintain long-term sobriety. 

What is Sober Living?

A sober living home is where people who just finished substance abuse treatment can slowly integrate into an independent life from rehab. They are drug- and alcohol-free residences that encourage sobriety by developing healthy habits.

Why Is It Called A Halfway House?

The term “halfway house” comes from the fact that these homes are the halfway point from inpatient treatment to completely independent living. They provide a safe and supportive space where people can slowly adjust to living a substance-free life.

Why Is Sober Living Important?

Sober living is important because it provides the necessary support for people in recovery who need to integrate back into daily life. Since it eliminates alcohol and other drugs, those in sober living homes can build healthy routines after they go through intensive addiction treatment. 

Sober Living vs Rehabilitation

Sober living is the next step after rehabilitation. The less formal setting of sober living is an avenue for residents to prepare for a more independent lifestyle. 

While rehab offers a structured environment for recovery, a halfway house is less intensive. It’s a communal place where people can learn coping mechanisms from other residents as well as provide support. 

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Who Can Benefit From Sober Living?

People who think they need extra support after inpatient addiction treatment can benefit from sober living. Since it’s a supportive environment, it removes the initial shock of living independently after treatment. Halfway homes offer a stable community where people aren’t immediately exposed to triggers. 

Is A Sober Living House Suitable For Everyone?

Although people who are done with addiction treatment can benefit from a sober living house, those in the early stages of recovery may require more intensive support. 

A sober living house is also not recommended for people who are resistant to living with others and don’t feel comfortable in communal settings. 

Who Assesses The Need For A Sober Living Program?

Healthcare providers and addiction counselors can assess whether a person is suitable for a sober living program. For example, a person with stable mental health but still has difficulties adjusting to daily life may be recommended to consider this living situation.

How Does A Sober Living Experience Help Recovery?

Sober living homes enable residents to live a substance-free life outside of rehab. Although it’s still a bit of a controlled environment, residents will be exposed to real-life challenges like work, finances, and relationships. 

What To Expect In A Sober Living Environment

This is what you can expect from living in a sober living home:

Amenities And Services 

Sober living houses have communal areas and kitchen access, along with a private or shared room. Residents may also have access to transportation to and from support group meetings and therapy appointments. 

House Rules And Responsibilities 

During a stay in a sober living house, residents are expected to follow specific rules. These may include compliance with random drug tests, curfews, and other chores or responsibilities. Everyone in the home must also promise to keep the recovery home alcohol and drug-free. 

Role Of Housemates 

Housemates in a sober house are there to support one another and hold each other accountable. Living a life free from alcohol and drugs is a lifelong effort, and everyone is there to encourage each other to live a sober life. 

How To Choose The Right Sober Living Home

Knowing which factors to consider when choosing a sober living home can mean a more effective integration into daily life. 

Factors To Consider 

When looking for a sober living home, try to consider its treatment program structure and its potential compatibility with your needs. Some people may feel more comfortable with a higher level of support than others. 

Location

The location of a sober living home can also influence whether you live there. For example, it’s better to choose a residence closer to your work and other essential services. This way, it will be more convenient to attend to your responsibilities and treatment. 

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Gender-Specific Sober Living Homes

Living in a gender-specific home can provide an environment with stronger bonds and deeper connections among residents. It can also make the setup more comfortable since most people feel more comfortable living with peers of the same gender. 

What Are The Challenges Of Sober Living?

The adjustment period in sober living can pose various challenges for residents. These include:

Common Obstacles

One of the most common obstacles residents face is struggling with substance use cravings. It can also be stressful to return to responsibilities regarding work, school, or finances. 

Isolation

A few people may find it isolating to return to daily life after attending rehab. Even in a sober home, these feelings of isolation can hinder recovery. As such, it’s important to build a strong support network and continue seeking professional help to achieve sobriety. 

Becoming Independent

The newfound freedom after rehab means a stronger commitment to sobriety, which makes independence a challenge at sober homes. Strong self-discipline and stress management skills are essential to cope with this challenge. 

How Long Should You Stay In Sober Living?

Many people stay a minimum of 90 days in a halfway house. Other people stay for longer, depending on their stability outside the sober living environment.

What Factors Influence The Duration Of Living In Sober Homes?

The following factors can influence how long a person stays in a halfway house:

• Recovery progress
• Mental health needs
• Overall stability
• Support from loved ones

Transition

The transition from sober living to independent living means slowly taking on more responsibilities over time. A schedule that gradually becomes more flexible can aid stability and progress after a halfway house residency. 

Strategies To Stay Sober After Leaving

Attending therapy and 12-step programs can help you stay sober even after leaving a sober home. This ongoing support can reinforce accountability and provide continued encouragement. 

It’s also important to avoid high-risk situations where you’re exposed to drugs and alcohol. Try to find alternative activities that don’t include these harmful substances.

What Resources Are Available For Sober Living?

Various resources are available to help people seek the appropriate sober residence for them. National associations and online directories can provide you with the necessary information you need to find proper treatment. 

Sober Living Network

The Sober Living Network is a nonprofit organization that can help connect you with sober living houses in your area. It offers a directory of sober living homes in California. They focus on setting standards for halfway houses so that people can find the proper support for their needs.

Find Out About Sober Living And Addiction Treatment 

Facing addiction and overcoming substance abuse can be challenging, but with the proper support and treatment, you can eventually achieve recovery. 

At Resilient Recovery, we provide residential treatment for clients looking for a more structured approach to sobriety. 

Our team understands the challenges of integrating back into daily life after treatment, and we’re here to offer the necessary support and guidance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. 

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