Benefits Of Choosing A Sober Living Home
For those facing problems with addiction, recovery is half the battle. It isn't as easy as completing inpatient treatment and then getting right back to everyday life. Because of this, going right back into the real world may not be a good idea. Ongoing help and support is essential for a successful recovery. Here are some major benefits of choosing a sober living facility.
Accountability
A sober living home is set up to accommodate other adults who are just out of rehab. Most are independently owned and operated by trusted adults who may be recovering addicts themselves. They allow for a designated amount of tenants to stay for an allotted time frame. The main goal is to keep individuals accountable for their whereabouts at all times. Everyone is routinely drug and alcohol tested to ensure there is a sober living environment.
Less Temptation
Choosing sober living as opposed to going back home involves less temptation for the recovering addict. Family members and friends are not always supportive of keeping drugs and alcohol out of the home. This can lead to temptation and peer pressure. One minor slip-up can easily erase all the hard work someone did to remain sober. Sober living homes instill a strict no-use policy. This allows for a nurturing environment for everyone living there.
Around-the-clock Support
Sober living homes offer a lot of support and security, something most recovering addicts need. Sober living is the next step to independence after rehab. Showing responsibility is important in order to maintain a place in a sober living home. This may include:
- Maintaining educational commitments
- Steady employment
- Paying for rent and food
- Cleaning and helping out with household chores
- Community service
Most sober living homes will help with transportation costs and finding steady employment. This allows for transitional recovery from rehab back into society a lot less stressful.
Counseling and Life Skills
Another perk is group and one-on-one counseling. When temptation strikes, being able to easily talk to others in the home as well as counselors can help provide the right coping mechanisms. It prevents many people struggling in their recovery from turning to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
Sober living can also teach some recovering addicts basic life skills that they may be lacking. This includes creative thinking, self-control, and effective decision-making tips. This can mean the difference between using drugs and alcohol to cope or finding full-time employment to become more self-sustainable.
For those struggling with addiction, the road may seem unending. Taking small steps now on the path of recovery can help lead to a life that is satisfying and successful.