Introduction
There is no question that America is struggling with many different types of addiction. 9.5 million or 3.8% of adults over the age of 18 have both a substance abuse disorder (SUD) and a mental illness according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Many go untreated and struggle with addiction daily. The drug problem has become more predominate lately, causing a reaction to receive the help needed to overcome the addiction.
Rehab Center and Sober Housing
Rehab Centers are typically where most people first start their road to recovery. To be in a sober home the individual needs to stay sober. The rehab center helps the individual achieve sobriety. We often find individuals struggle when returning to their normal lifestyle after returning from rehab centers. Sober housing can help people regain their independence in a friendly environment with others who are living sober lifestyles.
Guidance and Support
Sober housing is made to be a place for people who struggle with addiction in their everyday life. Sober homes offer a place that will provide guidance and support. The support comes from other residents and the staff. The staff is there to help with any problems that may arise, as well as offer guidance in your process of becoming sober. Often, staff members are addicts that have become sober giving them an area to help them connect to residents who are going through similar struggles.
Sober Relationships
A sober home can help you build a support system around people who are also wanting to live a sober lifestyle. A sober relationship is the most effective way to stay sober, and living in a sober home can help you find people who have gone through similar struggles and are trying to live clean lives. You can make friends with other members of your house or even start new relationships that will last long into sobriety.
Life Skills
Sober housing allows residents to live normal lives and set them up for success after leaving the sober home, living in a sober home will teach you many life skills. From cooking and cleaning to shopping and budgeting, these skills are very important to living independently. If you learn them now, it will be much easier to live on your own when the time comes.
Independence
Living in a sober home offers you the opportunity to be independent. You no longer have to rely on other people to make decisions or take care of your needs. You can set your schedule and decide what you want to do with your time. You do have a set of rules to help guide you in the right direction but still allows you the freedom to plan your own days.
You will be responsible for paying all bills related to living in the sober home including rent and utilities, which gives you more control over what money comes into and goes out of your bank account each month. This can help reduce financial stress as well as increase self-esteem by teaching responsibility and accountability.
Easier Transition Back to Regular Living Situation
Sober homes make it easier to transition back into a regular living situation.
- Your housemates and the home’s staff will help you get used to having responsibilities again, such as paying rent and taking care of your belongings. This can be more seamless than the sudden change from being in a rehab center to living on your own after treatment.
- Living with other recovering residents in sober homes is like living at home—you’ll have chores, meals together, and other activities just like everyone else! Going back to this type of normalcy can feel less stressful than moving back into an apartment/house where no one else has been through recovery before.
Lower Risk of Relapse
Living in a sober living house is much like living at home, but with more rules to help you stay sober. The support and structure provided by these houses will allow you to avoid relapse triggers, which is a major benefit of this type of housing.
Sober homes also provide many other benefits such as:
- Lower risk of relapse
- Help finding employment
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
Conclusion
It’s clear that substance abusers who go through withdrawal and treatment can benefit greatly from a sober living experience. The chance to reconnect with family members without the stress of temptation or relapse is priceless. Sober living environments also provide an opportunity for recovering people who want to continue their education, find employment, and/or improve their mental health by joining a community of like-minded individuals who support each other’s recovery efforts. If you have any other questions about sober housing, contact us to learn more today.
