Those who have completed a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program may find it hard to live their life like they used to without the support and structure of the treatment center. That’s why it is better for them to consider living in a sober living home. What are sober living homes?
Sober living homes, which are also known as sober houses or halfway houses, are defined as transitional residences that provide a safe and supportive environment for those who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. There are a number of benefits offered by these homes. These benefits can help them to maintain their sobriety and work towards a healthy and good life.
10 Benefits of Sober Living Homes
For those who are wondering about the benefits of sober living homes, there are a lot of them. feel free to check out 10 of them below:
1. Sober living homes are safe environment
Sober living homes provide a good environment for residents. The good environment here refers to the one that is safe and free of drugs. These places are perfect for those who are in the early stages of recovery as the temptation to use drugs or alcohol can be removed. In addition, there is a space in these places where residents can focus on their recovery.
2. Sober living homes provide supportive community
One of the benefits of living in a sober living home is getting support from the community. It has been known that these places are safe and individuals who manage, work, or just around these places are supportive. These people have the ability to connect with those who are in recovery. With such a supportive community, the residents will feel loved and supported, making them eager to recover faster.
3. There are no temptation in sober living homes
If those who have just finished rehabilitation programs live in sober living homes, they will be away from drugs and alcohol. It is clearly good for those who are trying to maintain their sobriety and have a hard time with cravings or triggers. By living at sober living homes, they will be able to focus on their recovery without getting distracted by others.
4. Accountability
Usually, there are rules in sober living homes. Apart from the rules, they also have guidelines to follow. Some of the rules may include attending support group meetings or joining in house chores. Both rules and guidelines are important as they can help the residents to stay accountable to their recovery goals. They are useful, especially in the beginning of the recovery.
5. Sober living homes have structure
Sober living homes are structured homes. They have a program that should be followed by the residents. With the structure and the routine provided by these homes, the residents can improve their self-discipline. Besides, it is also good for them to improve their time management.
6. Those who just finished rehabilitation can continue treatment
Usually, the residents who live in sober living homes are required to attend outpatient treatment programs or counseling sessions. These things can be important for their recovery. They will be assisted to fix their basic issues that may have contributed to their addiction. Plus, they will also be given the tools that they need to keep them sober for a long time.
7. Living in sober living homes can improve health
If the residents are sober, they will be able to have good physical and mental health. Without drugs or alcohol, they will be able to improve their health by consuming healthy food, doing exercises, and doing something that can make their mental health better.
8. Living in sober living homes can reduce stress
Living in sober living homes can get rid of stress and anxiety. Every resident who lives in a sober living home does not have to worry about the pressure that comes from their surroundings. Aside from that, they also do not have to worry about being around people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. By living in such a place, they will be able to calm and have a stable mind.
9. Sober living homes offer access to connections
Those who have finished their rehabilitation may have a hard time to make connections and to succeed at several things such as career or education. Fortunately, there are sober living homes that are equipped with many resources to help them find their way after rehabilitation. Even though the residents will not be handed everything they need on a silver platter, they will be able to get help in the right direction. Plus, they will also be provided with a reference. After they get the reference, the decision is up to them.
10. The residents can learn life skills in sober living homes
When those who have completed their rehabilitation program were still addicted to drugs or alcohol, they had a hard time keeping up with obligations and maintaining their health. Now that they are sober, they will be able to learn skills that are important for them to continue their life. These skills are usually taught by the staff and the residents have to complete them. Some of these skills include going to work every day, going grocery shopping for the house, doing laundry, finding and keeping a job, exercising, maintaining their hygiene, and so on.
Learning these skills is important for these residents so that they can establish a routine that they will use in their daily life. Apart from that, they will learn interpersonal skills and how to apply them by living with other residents. For instance, they will not always be on good terms with others so they need to learn these skills to face the challenges and remedy issues before they blow out of proportion.
Conclusion
As stated before, sober living homes offer a number of benefits for those who are in the phase of recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. These places provide a lot of things, including a supportive community, structure, accountability, a safe environment, continued treatment, reduced stress, opportunities for socialization, no temptation, improved health, and preparation to live independently. For anyone who looks for long term sobriety, living in sober living homes is recommended as they can be an important part of their recovery journey. By living in such places that provide a safe and supportive environment as well as resources and services, they will be able to achieve your recovery goals. Besides, they will also be able to build a healthy and good life.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
