Sober living functions as transitional housing for those who are recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. Safety Net Recovery understands the difficulty of rebuilding a normal life after addiction and provides a structured environment and supportive community for men over the age of 18 who have completed a treatment program. If you’re ready for a transitional situation that will help to prepare you for a return to independent living, Safety Net Recovery can help.
What Is Sober Living?
Sober living is a system of residential facilities and programs that are set up for individuals who are recovering from addiction. The goal of sober living centers is to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who have received treatment and who are re-learning the process of how to live independently, free of addiction to alcohol or drugs.
The success of the facility relies on the experience of others who have overcome addiction and know the problems of dealing with issues of rebuilding relationships, overcoming cravings, finding employment and managing everyday stress.
Who Uses Sober Living Facilities?
Individuals who have completed an addiction treatment program and who might not have a stable and supportive home environment to return to can benefit from the sober living environment. These facilities are supervised by addiction specialists who have experience with the unique problems individuals face when attempting to rebuild their lives after addiction.
Each resident has a part to play in the successful operation of the facility, and they are encouraged to participate in group meetings and support services. Residents of the center must abide by strict rules of behavior and conduct, and they are required to participate in the running of the center. Facilities may offer a number of payment options, and insurance coverage may apply. In general, residents stay for a 6-month period, although in some cases, a longer stay may be needed.
How Sober Living Can Help Individuals in Recovery
A number of studies show that sober living communities can help recovering adults to maintain sobriety, sustain employment and continue support services1.
The ability to spend time with others who understand the problems of addiction recovery and who can offer practical advice and meaningful encouragement can make a significant difference in the ability to remain drug or alcohol free.
- Residents of the facility hold each other accountable for their actions, which helps to keep individuals sober and provides an environment where they can ask for help when needed.
- Residents are encouraged to attend 12-step meetings2, counseling and other community services that help them to remain sober.
- All of the residents have a voice in the running of the facility, which encourages a sense of responsibility and encourages residents to work together for group goals.
If you or a loved one have completed a treatment program and are ready to tackle the issues of returning to an independent lifestyle, contact a sober living program that can provide the structure and support that can help you rebuild a normal life.
References:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057870/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556949/