Sober living homes and recovery-focused homes – An effective and affordable residential
Sober living homes and recovery-focused homes
Simply put, sobriety homes, also known as sober living homes and recovery-focused homes, are residential facilities that offer structured, safe living conditions and supportive, supervised living arrangements for individuals exiting drug addiction programs. SLHs are intended for long-term stays, in which an individual is attempting to conquer substance abuse problems and learn how to lead a sober life. People who enter an SLH have at least one major addiction – drugs or alcohol – that they need to overcome before moving into the more permanent stages of recovery. In an environment that encourages this sort of change, residents enjoy the benefits of being in a controlled environment focused on achieving lasting recovery.
An effective and affordable residential treatment center offers an integrated whole-life recovery process for their patients. Most of these programs provide both the basics of therapy and residential treatment services. The recovery process needs to be both comprehensive and integrated, and residential treatment centers make this possible. By staying in a clean, comfortable environment, addicts learn how to live an “addict-free” lifestyle, and engage in daily activities like work, volunteering, and spiritual growth.
A majority of individuals entering an SLH are not ready to permanently quit drugs or alcohol, but they do have a definite need for guidance and assistance. After leaving a residential treatment facility, an individual may feel uncertain about where to go to for support. They may also have friends and family who would like them to resume drinking or using drugs, but they are afraid of relapse. A sober living home can provide direct, ongoing support and guidance, helping an addict through the withdrawal process and preparing them for a new life away from substance abuse.
Sober living homes and recovery-focused homes – An effective and affordable residential
A number of factors can contribute to relapse, including the environment in which the person lives, behaviors, habits, and circumstances. The environment is a large factor, as relapses are more frequent in a surrounding that is emotionally stable and has low levels of stress and anxiety. In a sense, a person who is sober at a residential facility “returns” to their daily life after being away from it for a period of time. Many times, they will begin to associate “relapse” with being away from friends and family, but this need not be the case. Relapse prevention programs are available to help those who enter a sober living home from relapsing, and it is important for these programs to be in place in order to ensure a high success rate. In addition, aftercare for individuals who enter these programs is often highly regarded, providing proof of how much can be accomplished after leaving a facility.
Aftercare for an individual who has entered a SLH is essential to maintaining successful sobriety, as relapse can occur after leaving this type of program. In order to maintain successful sobriety after leaving a residential alcohol or drug treatment facility, attending 12-step programs is recommended. Those who have gone through the process once and are returning home are encouraged to participate in one such program in order to get off of the path that brought them to drug or alcohol addiction in the first place. In addition, a support system in place in the community is necessary in order for these individuals to maintain recovery and keep the path of sobriety that they started out on clear.
The goal for each resident is to go “beyond the 12-step” and make a positive change in their lives. By participating in a residential alcohol or drug treatment program and adding a 12-step program to their already healthy lifestyle, the residents agree to commit to making positive changes in their lives. The residents must also agree to be sober on a daily basis, and they must follow the program’s advice and rules. With the help of an SLH staff, the residents can commit to staying sober and can begin to enjoy life as a new, sober, well adjusted individual.
