Are you feeling at a crossroads having just finished rehab? This can be one of the hardest times during addiction recovery, and the next steps are some of the most important.
It might be time to consider moving into a sober living home. Sober living homes offer a structured environment free from any temptations. A sober living home is managed by a house manager responsible for ensuring the house rules are followed. They conduct various activities that provide physical and mental stimulation to the residents who stay there.
Still unsure? Here are some of our top reasons to move into a sober living home following rehab.
Constant Guidance and Support
Usually, a sober living home is managed by an on-site manager who resides in the house with the residents. They support residents’ recovery journey and hold them accountable for their actions every day.
An on-site manager is accessible round the clock to assist residents with any challenges they may face during their recovery. Typical examples include intense cravings, emotional lows, or difficulties finding employment. They are always eager to lend an ear and a helping hand.
Often, sober living homes work closely with people who have struggled with addiction themselves and as such, know what residents are going through. They understand the trials and tribulations of addiction recovery, the challenges faced in rehab, as well as challenges of maintaining sobriety. They are equipped to guide residents when they need it the most.
A house manager keeps residents accountable. They strive to maintain a healthy, substance-free house environment by enforcing house rules such as a ban on alcohol or drug use on the premises. They may set a specific curfew each night and conduct surprise drug tests to ensure all residents follow house rules. If a resident repeatedly violates the rules, they may be asked to leave. This helps maintain a consistent environment.
Relearn Life Skills You May Have Forgotten
When an individual’s body becomes dependent on a substance, obligations such as healthy eating, exercising regularly, maintaining a clean-living space and good personal hygiene can go out of the window.
In a transitional home, you’ll have the opportunity to relearn how to create a routine you’ll stick to and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You’ll rebuild essential life skills such as doing laundry and cleaning your living space. And accomplish major life goals such as gaining employment and becoming the healthiest version of yourself.
In a transitional living home, you will also develop and utilize interpersonal skills, effectively managing any challenges that arise. You’ll learn financial skills, such as handling bills and program fees, and acquire other practical skills required to care for yourself independently.
Opportunities to Build Meaningful, Sober Relationships
One of the most obvious advantages of Napa County transitional housing for recovering drug addicts is that residents get numerous opportunities to build healthy relationships. In a sober living home, you live with other people on the path to recovery.
The individuals you meet in a sober living home understand what cravings feel like. They know how it feels to be alienated. Most importantly, they share a common goal and are determined to change and become the best versions of themselves without relying on drugs or alcohol.
Addicts often sever connections with family and friends. Isolation can make matters worse. In addition to exacerbating the symptoms of addiction, social isolation can elevate the risk of mental health issues.
In a sober living home, you reside with others who have embarked on a journey quite like yours. They can relate to the daily struggles you encounter. As time passes, you form connections with fellow residents, and they become your extended family.
Reduced Relapse Risk
Many individuals return to their homes after rehab, not realizing that their home environment may be filled with temptations. When a temptation arises, a recovering addict may give in and go back to their old ways. Moving into a sober living home is an effective way to steer clear of triggers, as these homes have strict rules prohibiting residents from consuming addictive substances.
Having too much free time can lead to feelings of boredom. When an individual in recovery feels bored, they crave the adrenaline rush associated with using the substance to which they were addicted. Sober home managers regularly organize house parties and events to keep residents engaged. Constructive engagement helps reduce the risk of relapse.
Helps Ease the Transition Back to Mainstream Life
It’s one thing to talk about transitioning back to everyday life after battling addiction, and another thing to do it. Many individuals who have won their battle against addiction feel anxious and frightened about going back to their normal lives, due to the fear that they might fail.
Sober living homes offer a secure and substance-free environment to return to every evening. They provide residents the opportunity to adapt to independent living, without the continuous and formal care they receive in a treatment setting. These homes offer a glimpse into what a sober life is like, beyond the confines of a rehab facility.
Sober Living Homes Foster Accountability
Individuals living in a sober home must attend regular house meetings to discuss their progress and the challenges they are facing. House meetings provide excellent opportunities for residents to connect with their peers and share their experiences and can help them stay motivated and foster accountability.
Every individual living in a sober living home is expected to follow house rules. House managers conduct routine drug tests and ensure compliance with curfew guidelines. The consequences of nonconformance can be severe, which encourages responsibility and reinforces the desired behavior.
The Life-Rock team is committed to supporting recovering addicts’ transformational journey. Our sober living homes offer a substance-free, healing environment. To learn more about our program, call 707 575 9100 (men’s helpline) or 707 575 9599 (women’s helpline).