Once you’ve completed a drug treatment program, returning to daily life can be daunting. Thankfully, sober living homes offer an encouraging environment for transitional sobriety and help residents develop the necessary skillset for success in recovery.
Before selecting a sober living home, it’s wise to take some time to research all of your options. Here are some things to take into account:
1. Find a Supportive Community
If you are in recovery for substance use disorder and looking for a supportive community, consider moving into a sober living home as your best option. These homes serve as transitional housing for those who have completed residential treatment or an intensive outpatient program.
In such an environment, you will live among other individuals in recovery and develop a support network to help maintain sobriety. Your social supports will have similar interests and values; together, you can share experiences to form deep bonds.
Sober living is an essential component of long-term recovery, as it gives time for new behaviors to be reinforced and established. Furthermore, sober living reintroduces personal responsibility and accountability–both powerful deterrents to relapse.
2. Build a Support Network
A sober support network is one of the most essential elements in recovery. Without it, people may easily relapse and fall back into their old behaviors.
Constructing a support group can be daunting, but it is essential for maintaining sobriety. Finding the right people to encourage you, hold you accountable, and aid in recovery will give you the edge necessary for long-lasting success.
A sober support network can also help you avoid social pressures that might prompt relapse. These include hanging out with friends who have a history of substance abuse and participating in activities that could potentially trigger such behaviors.
3. Find a Place to Live
Once you’re ready to move on from treatment, it’s essential that you find a place that can support your recovery. This could be sober living or recovery housing.
For long-term sobriety, it’s important to choose a sober living environment that provides safety and cleanliness, is well staffed with caring individuals, and offers recovery support services. The home you select should meet these criteria.
A great sober living home should also be situated in a community where residents have access to recovery meetings, grocery stores, public transportation and laundry facilities. These locations can be beneficial as they offer positive distractions from triggers that could lead to relapse.
4. Find a Supportive Therapist
If you are just beginning recovery from addiction or have recently relapsed, a supportive therapist can be invaluable to assist in the transition. They offer coping skills, nurture your emotional health, and address any coexisting mental health conditions that might have contributed to substance use.
A qualified therapist can also aid you in understanding the internal and external triggers of relapse, so they can be avoided. A therapist will provide guidance on creating healthy environments and relationships to avoid any negative incidents from arising.
Many sober living homes require residents to attend community recovery meetings and receive counseling sessions with a therapist. These services can make an enormous difference in how people manage their mental health issues and maintain positive results from treatment.
5. Create a Daily Routine
For those in recovery from addiction, having a daily schedule is essential for staying sober. Not only does it promote positive mental health, but it can also help you avoid relapse.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, having a regular schedule can help avoid triggers and enhance cognitive functions while decreasing anxiety levels.
This can be especially beneficial for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. While it can be challenging to remain sober during recovery, having a schedule that supports a productive lifestyle will reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Finding a daily routine that works for you can be challenging, so start small and experiment until you find what best fits into your lifestyle.
Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes provide a safe and secure place for individuals to continue their recovery after treatment. These homes are usually reserved for those who have completed a rigorous inpatient or outpatient rehab program and are looking to transition into a more self-sufficient, healthy environment.
Sober housing is also an excellent option for individuals who have a criminal background or are in the early stages of recovery. In addition, these homes often provide mental health services and support groups, which are vital to anyone recovering from substance abuse.
A sober living home can also help you learn crucial life skills and improve your interpersonal relationships. This will help you develop a stronger foundation for your future, and can prevent you from falling back into unhealthy relationships and patterns when you leave the house.
It is also important to build a network of sober friends and family members. Having support from loved ones can make all the difference when you need it most, and can be especially helpful when you are in the beginning stages of sobriety.
If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is a good idea to seek out a sponsor or mentor who has been clean for some time and can help you stay sober. This person can serve as an extra set of eyes and ears, and can give you invaluable guidance and advice.
