There are a lot of discussions these days about sober living homes. Some people seem to think that they are not necessary, while others see them as a vital tool in the fight against addiction. Sober living homes do work, and here’s why:
Living in an intentional community with others who share your goals of sobriety makes recovery easier. You’re able to support each other and hold each other accountable. This is vitally important in early recovery. Sober living homes also offer a chance to explore independent living and learn how to live on your own again.
Let’s explore this in greater detail.
Sober Homes Are All About Focus
Sober living homes help drug & alcohol recovery because they help you focus. You get to live in a safe space where there are no drugs or alcohol, and all your housemates share your goals of sobriety.
Plus, sober homes are drug-free. Housing managers are the people who help run sober homes. Usually bringing long experience in recovery to the table, they ensure the houses are safe, orderly … and free from drugs and alcohol.
This has several benefits. First, with no addictive drugs or alcohol on the premises, people are able to live and breathe their recovery without temptations or relapse triggers. Secondly, a drug-free environment is safe — there’s no need to worry about the erratic or even violent behavior some addictive drugs cause when used.
Living in a Sober Home Helps You Transition Back to Normal Life
Once you have completed rehab, sober living is the next step in your recovery journey. Sober homes help you transition back to normal life by giving you a safe place to learn how to stand on your own two feet and live independently. Additionally, sober living homes are not lifelong commitments, so you can move out whenever you’re ready to do so.
Sober homes also place an emphasis on accountability, which will help recovery as well. Accountability is a cornerstone of successful recovery. Sober homes can help you make sure that you stay on track with your recovery goals, by having a regular schedule of meetings and activities.
Fundamentally, sober living homes help you learn how to stay sober while living a normal life. This is an important step in the recovery process, and one that many people find difficult to do on their own. Sober Living homes make it easier.
Sober Homes Help You Make New Sober Friends
When you’re recovering from addiction, it’s important to cut off relationships with people who don’t support your recovery. Sober homes help by giving you the chance to make new sober friends and build a network of supportive individuals around you. Again, sharing goals of sobriety is a key part of making sober living homes successful.
These friends really understand where you’ve been and where you want to go with your life. There are no awkward misunderstandings about offered drinks, no rolled eyes when people notice you don’t have a drink in your hand, and there’s no pressure to use drugs or feel like you’re the odd one out at a party or a social gathering.
Sober Living Homes Help You Stay Sober
The most important benefit of sober living homes is that they help you stay sober. relapse rates are high for people who try to recover from addiction on their own. Sober living homes provide a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery and work on building a new, positive life.
They’re especially helpful during periods of stress and uncertainty. Remember, house managers aren’t enforcers. While they make sure the houses are safe and run smoothly, they’re also great people to talk to if you’re feeling overwhelmed or on the verge of a relapse. House managers can talk you down, give you some perspective, and help keep you on the path to recovery.
You Can Find Sober Homes That Work for You
So, do sober living homes actually work? The answer is yes — they offer a number of benefits that can help people struggling with addiction get and stay on the path to recovery.
Sober homes are as different as the people who live in them, however. One sober home might be the perfect match for one person … and be unbearable for someone else. Some homes are intended for just one gender; others may be co-ed or specifically for older people. Sober homes can be built around interests, too. One sober home might be ideal for people who love the outdoors, or one which is structured around an indoor hobby like gaming.
So, it’s important to do a bit of legwork first when looking for a sober living house. You want to know what to expect when you move into a sober home. Talk to your sponsor, look online for reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to about:
- What’s the neighborhood like?
- Who’s living in the house?
- What’s expected of you as a resident?
- Are you expected to pay for rent and utilities, or is that provided for?
- What’s the chore situation like?
- Is participating in a 12-step group or an addiction center mandatory?
SoberLivingNearYou.com can help you. We’ve compiled a massive number of listings on our site aimed at helping you find the ideal sober home for your needs and personality. So, take a look around, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help!
Start your recovery journey today with SoberLivingNearYou.com today!
