NABHS provides access to sober living homes that offer a safe, transitional space to support ongoing recovery.
Sober living is a lifestyle practice that has gained popularity among people who have struggled with addiction. It is a way of life that has a strong emphasis on sobriety, self-discipline, and healthy habits. Sober living can help people who have completed addiction treatment programs to transition back to regular life without running the risk of relapse.
What Is Sober Living?
Sober living is a lifestyle change that encourages abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It is a residential setting that provides a safe and supportive atmosphere for people who are in their recovery journey from addiction. Sober living homes offer a structured living environment with rules and regulations designed to promote sobriety and recovery.
Benefits Of Sober Living
Sober living has many benefits for people in recovery, including:
A supportive community
Sober living facilities provide a supportive community of people who are also in rehabilitation. These groups can help people stay accountable and be emotionally available to one another.
Structure and routine
The norms and guidelines in sober living facilities encourage structure and routine, which can be helpful in the development of positive routines and habits.
A safe and sober environment
A sense of secure and sober atmosphere free of distractions will get rid of potential triggers or temptations and avoid relapse.
Continued support
For people in rehabilitation, sober living facilities frequently provide ongoing support and tools like assistance in work placement, counseling, and 12-step meetings.
How To Maintain A Sober Life
It may seem difficult to maintain a sober lifestyle after an addiction, but there are things that individuals in recovery can do to increase their chances of success. Here are some tips:
- Attend 12-step meetings: 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, provide a supportive community of people who are in recovery as well and offer tools and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of oneself is crucial for staying sober. Inculcating in practices like exercises, meditation, and getting sufficient sleep.
- Avoid triggers: Triggers can appear from any source be it people, places, or situations that can lead to relapse. To keep triggers as far away as possible, it is first important to identify them.
- Develop healthy coping strategies: Healthy coping mechanisms, such as talking to a friend, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby, can help individuals manage stress and also avoid relapse.
- Seek support: It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor when needed. Support provides people with motivation and helps them stay responsible.
Things To Consider In A Sober Living Facility.
Choosing a sober living facility can be a daunting task for people in recovery from addiction. Get in touch with a facility that provides a safe and supportive environment that promotes long-term recovery. Some of which include:
- Accreditation: Look for a sober living facility that is accredited by a reputed organization, such as the National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR). Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain medical treatment standards for safety, cleanliness, and quality of care.
- Staff qualifications: The staff should be skilled and experienced in addiction recovery. Look for centers that have licensed therapists or staff members who have undergone training in addiction recovery.
- Rules and Guidelines: Check the facility’s rules and guidelines to make sure they align with your recovery goals and expectations.
- Structure and Support: Look for a facility that provides a disciplinary structure and support to help residents achieve and maintain sobriety.
- Living Arrangements: Consider the living arrangements, including the cleanliness, security, and overall environment of the facility.
- Aftercare Planning: Take into account the facility’s aftercare planning, including options for continued support and guidance after leaving the facility.
- Location and Accessibility: opt for a facility that is conveniently situated and located in a safe and supportive community.
- Cost and Insurance: Determine the cost of the facility and whether insurance covers any portion of the expenses.
- Recovery Services: Seek a facility that offers rehabilitation services such as counseling, therapy, and support groups.
Importance Of Social Support In Recovery
Without social support, recovery from addiction can be a lonely and difficult process, lacking the emotional and practical assistance that is necessary for success.
Emotional Support
The recovery journey can be an emotionally tiring and stressful period. Having social support during the process provides emotional encouragement, understanding, and empathy.
Accountability
Social support can provide a level of accountability for people in recovery. A strong support system such as friends and family members can help individuals maintain accountability and stay focused on their recovery goals.
Relapse Prevention
Social support can also help prevent relapse by providing positive reinforcement and encouragement to stay sober.
Peer Support
Organizations that offer a feeling of community and connection, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, can help people in recovery remain inspired and dedicated to their sobriety.
Coping Mechanisms
Social support can also provide opportunities to pick up new coping skills and practices that can help individuals manage stress and prevent relapse.
Reduced Isolation
Addiction can often be overwhelming and cause to feel isolated or lonely. It can provide opportunities for individuals in recovery to build new relationships, reconnect with loved ones, and build a support system.
Sober Living Guidelines
- Abstinence: Residents must remain sober and drug-free while residing in the house.
- Attend recovery meetings: Residents are expected to attend regular 12-step or other recovery meetings.
- Participation in house meetings: Residents may be required to attend regular house meetings to discuss issues related to the house and its residents.
- Curfew: Residents may be required to be in the house by a certain time each night.
- No overnight visitors: In order to maintain the safety of the residents, most sober living houses do not allow overnight guests.
- Respect for others: Residents must respect others’ privacy and the personal space living in the facility.
- Payment of rent: Residents must pay rent and any other expenses associated with living in the house.
- Random drug testing: To make sure residents are keeping their sobriety, sober living homes perform random drug testing.
- Household chores: Residents are usually required to perform household chores to help maintain the cleanliness and order of the house.
- No violence or threats: Residents must agree to refrain from acts of violence or threatening behavior toward others in the house.
The rules of a sober living house are completely with the intention to keep residents in a safe and supportive environment during their recovery. By following these rules, residents can contribute to the upkeep of a healthy sober living setting that supports to their ongoing recovery.
We understand that coming to a decision about addiction treatment can be confusing, which is why we are here to provide you with all the details, support, and guidance you need to make the right choice – call us today to get started.
