What is a Sober House and How Does it Work?
Moving toward recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction necessitates changing behavior patterns and transforming a person’s mindset. The goal of this long journey lies in abstaining from substance abuse and embracing a healthy lifestyle. However, when going through the recovery stage, many individuals fail to deal with challenges. In this guide, we will examine why staying at a sober house is crucial if you want to transform your life. Learning more about the potential effects associated with this rehabilitation approach and discovering how to amplify the impact of such practices facilitates achieving better health outcomes.
What is a Sober House?
The term describes an organization providing housing services for individuals suffering from alcohol or drug misuse. Such facilities are widely used by people who are currently in rehab and those who have already completed such programs and are interested in effective outpatient treatment practices. They allow clients to test whether they will be able to continue to abstain from alcohol without the support provided by rehab specialists.
Most individuals are expected to stay at a sober house for at least 90 days. However, achieving sustainable results requires individuals to live in such an environment for 6 months or more. Throughout this period, they prepare to resume their daily activities and embrace their responsibilities. Students and working professionals use this time to enhance the effect of addiction treatment. It allows them to learn how to become well-functioning members of society and contribute to it meaningfully.
Begin your journey to recovery and take back control of your future.
Common Types of Sober Living Facilities
Achieving success requires joining a community and using time-rested tools to achieve full rehabilitation. There are different kinds of sober living houses (SLHs):
- Managed by peers;
- Supervised by at least one paid employee;
- Managed by certified professionals;
- SLHs with credentialed staff.
Such organizations enable people with addiction to recuperate and find their ground again. Learning how to function independently and discovering the resources that can be instrumental to achieving long-term recovery is pivotal for those who want to regain control over their lives.
SLHs are different from halfway houses, as the latter provides services for people who were previously incarcerated or had to live under supervision due to the probation condition. Staying at an SLH is an act of free will made by a person who recognizes the need to find support to minimize the occurrence of relapses.
How Does a Sober Living House Function?
A person who has never stayed at a SLH should learn how it operates to make the most out of it. Most people live in such residences after completing inpatient treatment programs. While the rules differ depending on the service provider, SHLs aim to maintain a safe environment. They enable people to get ready for an independent life.
The idea behind an SHL is that people are capable of maintaining sobriety provided they master the crucial skills allowing them to remain abstinent. The support of peers is invaluable in situations when people need to maintain healthy connections with individuals sharing their plans and goals.
Some SHLs offer career support services and masterclasses, helping clients to acquire new skills. Many residences organize support groups to assist individuals on the pathway to recovery.
There is no rule requiring clients to stay at a sober house. Addicted people should freely decide to stay there. It allows them to get used to doing routine tasks and embracing responsibilities. Nevertheless, most residences still require customers to follow some rules:
- Enroll in 12-step program;
- Stay sober;
- Establish friendly relationships with peers to reinforce positive habits;
- Remain accountable;
- Participate in educational programs;
- Agree to undergo regular drug screens.
By following such steps, addicts can battle alcohol and drug addiction, knowing that they won’t become judged or isolated. After rehab, many people feel increasingly vulnerable, so finding a place where everyone accepts them is an essential component of the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from Living in a Sober House?
Specific audience segments can especially benefit from staying at such facilities. Below, we have outlined the main categories of clients:
- People without a supportive environment at home: If family members do not recognize the importance of following a non-judgemental approach, a person should find a sober house with a positively-minded community of peers sharing the same aspirations.
- Patients with diagnosed mental health disorders or physical disabilities: These conditions exacerbate the effect of alcohol addiction. Without addressing them, it’s impossible to achieve sustainable results.
- Individuals who went through multiple inpatient treatment programs: Dealing with relapses is a necessary skill for everyone who wants to remain sober. Achieving a lasting effect requires communicating with those who have already gone through a similar experience.
The decision to spend several months at a sober house is up to an individual. Those who feel that traditional treatment programs do not affect their lives can consult a medical professional regarding the best ways to achieve enhanced results and select the most suitable option.
Why is It Critical to Stay at a Sober Living House?
Finding a recovery group independently may be arduous. People who live at SLHs enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment by default. Below, we have listed the main reasons to choose the services provided by SLHs:
- Helpful community members: Finding positively-minded people with similar goals helps individuals with addiction problems to gain confidence and deal with challenges effectively.
- A choice of programs: By participating in various activities, people improve their mental health and develop coping skills to achieve the set objectives. Training programs are invaluable for those who want to find a new job.
- Seamless transition: Sober house helps people to stay sober and adapt to a healthy lifestyle, leveraging a powerful support network.
- A safe place to stay: Many people do not have a place where they can recuperate without being distracted. To avoid relapse to bad habits, they should change the environment and find a place where they do not feel threatened or misunderstood.
Addicts who are unable to eliminate negative influences from their lives tend to stay longer in SLH to maintain their commitment to long-term recovery.
The Duration of Staying at a Sober Living House
Before enrolling in SLH programs, one should consider how long they are going to remain there. The goal is to return to a well-functioning state as quickly as possible. The average duration of a stay at such facilities is 210 days. In some cases, it may take a person longer than a year to fully recover. If a medical professional who supervises a person decides a prolonged stay may bring positive yields, it is worth considering their advice.
According to NIDA recommendations, a person with an addiction should stay in a recovery program for at least 90 days for the first signs of positive outcomes to manifest. Leaving before a person is ready may result in disastrous outcomes.
How to Choose a Sober Living House?
After completing an inpatient program, it’s time to start thinking about the most suitable SLH. Following the best practices is pivotal to taking care of a person’s health. People with a long history of substance use are prone to relapses. However, with peers’ support and professional assistance, it becomes possible to avoid temptations and remain sober and healthy. Consider the following features when choosing a SLH:
- Location: It’s recommended to find a sober house not far from work, as it will streamline the transition process and make it easier to adapt to a new life.
- Extra services: Some residences offer a variety of services or activities to choose from and have helpful community support programs.
- Core values: An organization should clearly outline its policy, including information about the methods it uses to assist clients during recuperation. It should be committed to making a lasting impact on a person’s life.
Before moving to an SLH, consider whether it aims to achieve a long-term effect and has a history of successful recovery cases. Using these criteria, you can reach the desired objectives and change your life for the better.
Recovering is a long and challenging process, but you don’t have to be alone. We are here to guide you and offer a safe and substance-free environment to regain control of your life and create a new path for your future.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a safe place to stay after an inpatient treatment or want to avoid relapses, the services offered by Eco Sober are what you need. We understand the significance of finding a secure environment where an individual can find aid from peers. Instead of dealing with challenges on your own, find a group of people who know how to achieve sustainable results through unwavering commitment to a healthy life. Get in touch with our sober house today and join our community.
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