10 Tips for Getting Along with Others in a Sober House

According to a report by the Connecticut General Assembly, sober houses are places where people recovering from substance abuse disorders can practice living in society, and prepare themselves for life after treatment. These facilities have been shown to be very helpful for those that take advantage of all that they offer, and learn how to live without their addictive substances. One of the most important things you will learn is how to get along with others.

1. Remember that they are in the Same Situation as You Are

Everyone is at a sober house for the same reason. That reason is to continue their addiction recovery, and build the necessary skills to reintegrate into society. By remembering this it will help you deal with the quirks that others might have.

2. Be a Positive Person

It is easy, when dealing with all of the negative effects of drug abuse, to have a negative attitude. However, maintaining a positive attitude has been proven not only help you feel better and be more successful, but help those around you become more positive, as well. It also helps to keep conflict to a minimum

3. Remember that you Do Not Have to be Friends with Others in the House

Ultimately, you are not in a sober house to develop friendships. You are there to improve yourself and your situation, and should focus on that. Although friendships are nice, they are not necessary for your treatment.

4. Follow the Rules

Maintaining a positive attitude will help you to get along with others as well as aid in your recovery efforts.

Sober houses have a number of very strict rules, and they exist for a reason. That reason being that experience has shown those rules to beneficial to everyone staying there. Following the rules keeps you out of trouble, and helps you get along with other residents.

5. Listen and Try to Understand Their Point of View

Even if you disagree with someone, it is important to listen to, and understand, what they have to say. This is an essential skill in all of life, and a sober house is a great place to work on it.

6. Try to Keep an Open Mind

Everyone has a different opinion and a different point of view. By maintaining an open mind you never know what useful things you can learn to help yourself.

7. Do not Judge the People you Live With

Remember that everyone you meet in a sober facility has done many of the same things you have. Also, everyone deserves the opportunity to change and better their lives. Judging others only makes you miserable.

The Importance of Relationships While Living in Sober Housing

8. Communicate with the Others

Communication is key to interacting with all people, not just people in a sober house. It allows the exchange of ideas, feelings, and advice. By communicating with others in the sober house you can understand their position and help them to understand yours.

9. Establish Boundaries

While communication and teamwork are important to succeeding in a sober house, and in life, establishing clear boundaries helps you maintain your sense of self and not be taken advantage of. Remember that the other people in a sober house are former addicts themselves. One of the hallmarks of addiction is manipulative behaviors. This is preventable with clear boundaries.

10. Work on Yourself

When all else is said and done, you are where you are for you. This is your opportunity to make the changes in your life and habits that will help you maintain a drug free lifestyle, and take full advantage of this opportunity that has been presented to you in order to make yourself better for the ones that you love. If you are considering a stay in a sober house, call us at 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?). We can answer any questions you have, and even help you find a facility that is right for you.