Transitioning Out of Inpatient Treatment into a Sober House

Many individuals who leave inpatient care realize they are not ready to be completely on their own and choose sober living as an alternative and a potential aftercare option. While this is a particularly underused alternative compared to the many individuals in inpatient care, there are many ways you make the transition smoother.

Tell Your Loved Ones––and Your Clinicians

This is actually a very beneficial option, as a study from the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs states, “Individuals completing treatment who return to substance using environments are more prone to relapse than clients living in environments supportive of sobriety.” But both your friends and family members at home and the individuals who have been taking care of you at the inpatient center should know about your plans to move into a sober living facility.

Your clinicians will need to know where you are going after treatment so they can reach out to you if necessary or follow your progress if this is agreed upon in your treatment program. Your family will want to come and visit you at the facility, which can be extremely beneficial to your overall recovery, as you will know you have their support. Telling the important people in your life where you are going can help your recovery continue as safely and beneficially as possible.

Understand the Differences

Many sober houses require regular 12-step meeting attendance.

Before you move into a sober living facility, you should already understand the differences between this type of program and an inpatient care facility.

• Sober homes ask their residents to pay for their rooms. Most will also insist that you have a steady job.
• You are allowed to leave the sober home when you need to work, want to visit friends, etc., but there is usually a curfew in place for when you need to return.
• Most sober houses ask residents to attend 12-step group meetings regularly. This is because these facilities do not provide a formal treatment regimen for the most part.
• Weekly meetings between residents are usually mandatory as well.

Get to Know Your Housemates

Though you may have preferred to keep to yourself in treatment, it is necessary that you get to know the people you are sharing your space with in the home, especially your roommate if you have one. This is because the house is usually run by the entire group or by a house council, and decisions are made together. You will need to be involved in the household as well and participate in chores, household decisions, etc.

Balance Change with Lessons Learned

You will likely be conscious of your new freedoms right away (like being able to leave the facility) but remember what you learned in treatment as well. Do not get caught up in these changes and forget that you are still healing. If you start to feel overwhelmed or begin to experience cravings, reach out to your housemates or use the coping mechanisms you learned at the inpatient center. Remember to take things slow and you will make the transition much more easily.

The Difference Between Sober Living and Inpatient Rehab

Want to Find a Sober House in Your Area?

Call 1-888-460-6556. We can also answer any questions you may have about these facilities and their benefits as an aftercare option.