What is Recovery Housing?

As a person who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, there is nothing more important than implementing a recovery plan. While there are many strategies to consider, it goes without saying that you will only follow one path at a time.

Many people opt to check into a rehab facility. There are many benefits of doing so, including the fact that you have access to medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means there is always somebody available who can answer your questions and give you the guidance you require.

Here is one of the biggest problems with the entire recovery process: figuring out what to do once you leave rehab.

Living in a recovery home will help you get back on your feet after rehab.

You have made your way through detoxification. You have gone through counseling and therapy. Now, you are sober and it is time to take on the rest of your life. As good as it will feel to be in this position, you may be scared about what the future holds. More specifically, it is common to have concerns about relapse.

You put in a lot of time to become sober. You don’t want to blow all this work by making one mistake.

Many people look into recovery housing as they begin to consider their options after rehab. You have the opportunity to move home, going back to your life the way it once was, but this may not be the best decision for you at the present time.

At a recovery house, you will be surrounded by people who share the same goals as you. They all want to live a sober life while continuing to reclaim control of their life.

What is a Recovery House?

While the name pretty much says it all, it is important to dig into the finer details to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting into.

A recovery house, also known as a sober house, is a place for you to continue your treatment. But rather than spend most your time on your addiction, you are now in position to move on with your life.

This is more than a place for you to live while you think about the future, waiting and hoping that things get better. Instead, you have a place where you can hang your hat while you make decisions for the better. Some of the things you can do include:

• Adjust to your new life. Now that you are sober, it goes without saying that you will have to make some changes. This may be hard at first, but your past counseling and therapy sessions will have you on the right track.
• Make friends. The last thing you want to do is surround yourself with bad influences. You want to live amongst people who are going through the same thing as you. This is one of the biggest benefits of recovery housing.
• Start the process of searching for a job. If you truly want to regain control of your life, you need to find a job that provides you with structure and financial security. You have the tools you need to find a job. Now all you have to do is go out and find it.
• Arrange for housing. Many people who move into a recovery house don’t have any other options. During this time it makes sense to start a search for future living arrangements, such as an apartment.
• Fix broken relationships. Like many, your addiction may have damaged relationships with friends and family. Now that you are sober and looking towards a better future, it is time to get in touch with these people and show them that you are taking steps in the right direction. Putting together a support network is a great idea.

What to Look for in Recovery Housing

Depending on where you are located, you may find several recovery houses in your area. While some of them may be full, others are likely to have space for a person like yourself. As you compare your options, here are a few things to look for:

• Features and amenities. Since this is where you will be living, comfort is of utmost importance. This doesn’t mean you should expect to live a luxurious life. It does mean that you want access to basic features and amenities, such as cable and internet, which can help you get on with your life.
• Location, location, location. Just the same as buying a home or renting an apartment, location is extremely important. Is the recovery house close to transportation? Is it close to establishments in which you may be able to secure a job?
• Access to ongoing support. You want a recovery house that will assist you in attending counseling, therapy sessions, and 12 step meetings. This type of support will help you stay on the straight and narrow.

Just because your time in a rehabilitation facility has come to an end it doesn’t mean you are now back on the street, fending for yourself. You have the ability to live in a recovery house for an extended period of time, which will give you the opportunity to continue making progress in terms of your sobriety.

There are many benefits associated with recovery housing, which is why so many people live in these establishments. If you are considering this type of living arrangement, learn more about your options and then make a decision based on your findings.