Going into an excellent treatment facility is the most effective way to succeed against addiction. However, leaving an inpatient program does not mark the end of addiction. Once the patient goes back to the real world, they encounter triggers that create cravings for their substance of choice. Inpatient programs offer strict yet nurturing environments with qualified professionals who support, monitor, and encourage recovery.
Sober living homes (SLHs) or group homes offer recovery a bridge into a substance-free lifestyle. When individuals move into sober living halfway houses after leaving rehab, they can practice new skills and lessons in a safe environment, hopefully diminishing the chances of relapse. Some statistics estimate that 60% of those recovering from opiate addiction tend to relapse at least once after treatment. Consider these factors when choosing a sober living home.
Benefits of Sober Living Homes
Sober housing provides recovery-focused environments for those serious about committing to sobriety after leaving a substance use treatment center. Graduating from the best halfway houses improves the chances for long-term recovery because the client accesses support systems and a safe home. The residents can also use 12-step programs, group meetings, on-site sponsors, and other accountability programs that facilitate sobriety.
Sober living home residents should act according to specific rules, e.g., abstinence from substance misuse, doing household chores, and sticking to a delegated curfew. The household shares responsibility for all expenses; therefore, residents must have a steady job. A house manager supervises the home to ensure a sober living facility that encourages recovery. The mentioned responsibilities prepare our clients to live without substance use with liberty.
Individuals in a safe and sober living environment have a solid chance to avoid relapse. Most luxury sober living residents risk being evicted for drug or alcohol use or breaking other house rules.
Considerations When Choosing a Sober Living Home
If you’re searching for an SLH environment for a loved one or yourself, avoid the homes that convey the following red flags:
- Claims to have free services and accommodation – remember, you get what you pay for.
- Rundown, dirty, or otherwise unsafe building or neighborhood.
- Little to no standard of neither admission requirements nor record keeping.
- Little to no abstinence or drug testing requirements.
- Lacks house rules.
- Lack of clear ethical standards.
- Untrained or uncertified staff.
- Lack of regulatory inspections.
While transitional housing is a crucial tool for long-term recovery and sobriety, this environment is not sufficient for all individuals. Some may require the rigid structure of a treatment center, while some may choose to stick with their supportive family members, and others may thrive within the boundaries of a halfway house.
SLHs offer a vital transition phase for those leaving a rehab facility who are not entirely ready for the complete freedom of continuing with everyday activities without limitations. They offer accountability, social support, and understanding critical to preventing relapse and encouraging healthy living. The most important thing is to research the best facilities that can maximize patients’ chances of recovery.
America´s Sober Living Campus has helped many people struggling with addiction to maintain sobriety. Please call us at 866-668-9624 for admission details.