The Benefits of Having a Sober Community

When someone has been or is going through a recovery program, there is fear for many that they might get back to using drugs or alcohol. Having a sober communitycan help those that successfully complete an inpatient treatment program transition safely back to their home, and become productive members of their communities.

The idea of having a sober community and living with others facing the same issues is to provide guidance in a social setting that allows former addicts to successfully stay sober. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, sober living houses are alcohol and drug free environments that offer peer support for recovery outside the conditions of treatment.

What Are the Benefits of a Sober Community?

Living in a sober house can provide the necessary guidance that a former addict needs. For many, getting back to the same environment they lived before or to live alone may not be a good option. A sober house offers the essential support that you or a loved one early in recovery needs. Having a sober community provides many benefits including:

A sober support network and community can greatly help your recovery.

• Fellowship support from others in a clean and safe environment
• Guidance to help make the right decisions and stay sober
• A sober community is free of drugs or other harmful substances
• Helps facilitate a healthy and sustainable long-term recovery
• Increases the opportunity of sustaining employment
• Chances of relapse decreases dramatically
• Helps you develop the confidence in the ability to stay sober
• Helps awaken you or a loved one’s true potential
• Group activities to participate in -which make you feel better about sobriety
• Learn important life skills and attend personal development workshops
• Share the struggles and victories with like minded people who want to stay clean and sober

Everyone in a sober house is committed to support each other stay sober. The list of benefits are not limited to the ones mentioned above, there is much more in having a sober community. Knowing that overcoming addiction does not have to be accomplished alone can give individuals a sense of assurance.

How Long Can Someone Stay in a Sober Community?

The length of stay at a sober house depends on the commitment to stay free of drugs or alcohol, and meet the house’s requirements. While some may leave earlier, you have the option of staying longer if you feel you are not ready to leave the structured environment. Some have stayed just three months, while others are still living in a sober community after a year. As long as rules are followed, most sober living communities have no limit on the length of stay.

What Choices Do I Have in Sober Living?

The choices available in sober living to meet your needs can vary. Depending on your individual situation, you may find one or more types of programs with the sober living environment you seek. Some types of programs in sober living include:

• Christian beliefs
• Luxury style sober living
• Sober living for men only
• Sober living for women only

It is your choice to pick which type will benefit you most. In all cases, having asober community offers the opportunity to remain clean and sober, while building special bonds with fellow members. It is a proven way to accomplish the goals of living a sober life.