Guest Post: All About Sober Living Homes!

Hi guys! Today I’d like to welcome Whitney Robinson who is going to talk about sober living homes. Relatives of mine have had issues with drugs and alcohol and have spent time in rehab. I’ve seen how tough it can be to readjust to life outside without falling in with the same old people and into the same old habits. This should be an informative article for anyone dealing directly or indirectly with drug or alcohol abuse, or for those simply interested in the subject. Enjoy!

All About Sober Living Homes

Upon completion of a residential rehab program, many recovering addicts are recommended to a sober living home. Sober living homes can provide addicts with the extra stability and support they need as they get their feet back on the ground in the real world.

What is a Sober Living House?

Also known as a halfway house, sober living homes are a stopping point between an inpatient, residential rehabilitation program, and an addict going home or living on their own somewhere. Sometimes these are buildings similar to hotels or dormitories, where residents have their own rooms, or share a room with a roommate, but where the kitchen and living areas are shared. Sometimes a sober living home will be set up in a house where less than 10 people live together. Other times a sober living home will be more like an apartment complex, where each resident has their own complete living space.

Those who wish to live in a sober living home have to apply and be accepted as a resident. You will be expected to follow certain rules while living on the premises, or face being discharged. Common rules include:

No drugs or alcohol on the premises
You must participate in your aftercare program and/or attend 12-step meetings during the duration of your residency.
You must attend resident meetings.
You must submit to random drug testing.
You must maintain employment.

The only incentive for following the rules is that you will continue to be allowed to be a resident at the facility. Most residents will do their best to follow the rules, because getting kicked out could mean returning to a dangerous situation at home, or becoming homeless.

Bridging the Gap

There’s a big space between a residential treatment program and going back to the situation you were in before seeking help. This space is filled with old habits, triggers for substance abuse, stress, and an inability to make sound decisions. You’ve spent your time in rehab learning how to care for your body, mind and spirit in a very controlled environment, but it’s a whole different ball game once you head home. A sober living home can help to bridge the gap between the two extremes by providing extensive structure and support, while still allowing you to engage in some of the activities of your daily life in the real world. This will allow you to ease into life at home and help stave off relapse.

Making Progress

The time you spend in a sober living home can be full of recovery successes as you set new goals for life on your own and begin to achieve them. You will have the opportunity to get into the swing of your aftercare program. You will be able to take advantage of employment resources, and find a job that will work with your new lifestyle. You will be able to make some friends who have the same standards of living that you have, and who will offer encouragement as you progress. A sober living situation can also give you a little distance from your family as you work to make amends and repair damaged relationships. All of these benefits will work to make you strong enough to continue on a good path when the time comes for you to be on your own again.

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