Making the decision to go into sober living can be difficult. It’s a big step, and it’s not right for everyone. Sober living is not inpatient care; inpatient care is far more focused on recovery and medical supervision. Sober living offers people their first try at independent living, in an environment free from drugs and other potential addiction triggers. Sober living also provides people with a positive support system, with friends who understand why they’re in treatment.
Finally, sober living is for people who are taking a long-term view of recovery. If you think that sober living might be right for you, then read on! We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this type of treatment program.
Sober Living Is For People Who Have Completed Detox & Inpatient Care
The first step in any addiction treatment program is detox. This is when you stop using drugs or alcohol and allow your body to cleanse itself of all the toxins. Detox can be difficult, and it’s important to have medical supervision during this time. After detox, some people will go into an inpatient treatment program.
Inpatient treatment is an intense form of treatment ideally suited for those who have just left detox. Detox can be very physically trying; inpatient care allows for their vital signs to be closely monitored while they begin counseling, group sessions, and other forms of treatment.
Sober living is a good option for people who have completed detox and inpatient care and are either in outpatient drug treatment or ready to try independent living. Most sober houses aren’t equipped for the 24/7 monitoring featured in inpatient care. Rather, sober living homes act as sort of safety nets for people exploring independence as they continue treatment. Sober home residents often look for work, go to school, or continue working in their careers.
Sober Homes Are Great For Developing A Support System
Sadly, returning home isn’t always the best option in recovery. For many, home means harmful social connections, or reminders of where they hung out, partied or used drugs before they decided to recover from substance abuse.
Sober homes are an excellent alternative to returning home too soon. Sober living gives you the chance to develop a supportive network of friends who understand what you’re going through.
One of the best things about sober living is that it can help you establish a solid support system as you work on your recovery. Sober living homes provide a safe and drug-free environment for residents to live, work, and go to school. In addition, most sober living homes have regular group meetings and activities that residents can participate in. These groups provide an opportunity for residents to socialize with one another and form lasting friendships.
Sober Living Is For People Who Are Committed To Long-Term Recovery
Sober living is best suited for those who are committed to long-term recovery. If you’re not sure if sober living is right for you, then it’s probably not. Sober living requires a great deal of personal responsibility and accountability.
Residents must follow rules such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol, attending regular group meetings and completing chores around the house. Sober living is not a good fit for those who are not ready to take on this level of responsibility.
If Sober Living Is Right For You, Then What’s The Next Step?
If you’ve decided that sober living is the right choice for your case, that’s great. Your next step is finding a sober habit that’s the ideal match for your needs, personality, budget, and interests.
There are many different sober living options out there. Sober living can be found in a variety of places, including urban, suburban, and even rural places. It’s important to do your research before selecting a sober living option. Make sure you choose a place that feels like the right fit for you. You should also ask plenty of questions so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Some questions to ask are:
- What kind of people live in the house? Is it just for one gender, or co-ed? Also, is it for people with a mutual interest, like hiking, or is it more for people who like to stay indoors?
- How much does it cost?
- How many people are living in the house?
- How long am I allowed to stay?
- Do you have rules about visitors and/or pets?
- How are conflicts handled?
- Are utilities included?
- What’s the chore situation like? Can I do laundry?
- What are the rules, and what’s expected of me as a resident?
All of these questions will help you find the right match for you.
Where To Search For A Sober Home
Your addiction center can (and most likely will) help you find a sober home, if you’re attending one. Some centers even own their own home; other drug rehabs may partner with sober home providers.
If you’re not currently in treatment, there are still plenty of options for finding a sober living situation. Sober homes are typically listed online, and you can also find them through word-of-mouth. Once you’ve found a few potential homes, reach out and set up a time to tour the facility. This will give you a chance to see if the home is a good fit for your needs.
When touring the home, pay attention to both your gut feeling and your head. If something feels off, or if you have any reservations, then it’s probably not the right place for you. On the other hand, if the house seems like a good fit and you can picture yourself living there, then it might be the right choice.
No matter where you decide to live, remember that sober living is a great opportunity for growth and healing. SoberLivingNearYou.com is the ideal resource for finding a sober home. With thousands of listings at your fingertips, you’ll find a sober home for your budget, needs, and experience. Start searching with SoberLivingNearYou.com today!
