Qualities of the Best Sober Living Homes

Building a social network that encourages sobriety and abstinence is a primary element of recovery in rehab. But what happens when the person returns to the environment they inhabited prior to rehab? Will it be safe? Are they ready to be reintegrated with society? Will it foster their newfound substance recovery? Do they even have a home to return to?

These are all questions that relate to the difficulty of many addicts trying to maintain their sobriety after formal rehab treatment is over. Without support or a sober living home to go to, chances are that many people faced with these issues will end up back where they started or worse.

What is Sober Living Home?

You should find a sober home where you can feel safe and supported.

There are different types of sober living homes that foster ongoing abstinence and recovery by providing a sobriety enforced living environment. The main strategy is to give the person time to regain their independence and learn to adjust living free from drugs and alcohol while encouraging stability through others who actively support their progress.

These homes are not funded or licensed by state or local governments. They rely on charitable donations, communities, and the residents to pay rent or other fees. Residents are able to stay as long as they abstain from drugs and alcohol and comply with other requirements of the facility.

Safe and Stable Environment

According to an article published by the Nation Institutes of Health, “Lack of a stable, alcohol and drug free living environment can be a serious obstacle to sustained abstinence.” Strict monitoring over abstinence and a safe environment to call home can allow the addict to focus on their recovery while learning how to manage pressures in their daily lives.

Enforced Sobriety

Enforced sobriety is a main part of living in a sober living home. The management of these homes relies on that compliance measure in order to be beneficial to the recovery of all residents.

Structured Living

The resident is responsible for paying rent and other fees and they may be put on a schedule for job search, or other requirements as defined by the house rules. As a requirement to live in the sober living home, the residents should attend home meetings, participate in chores to maintain the home, and foster positive and productive activities between each other.

Group Support

Studies show that the longer a person remains abstinent, the greater their chance of avoiding relapse and relapse prevention involves a combination of factors that each person must cope with, but, they should not have to do it alone. Sober living homes should encourage involvement in 12-step groups and peer support.

Resource Access

The best sober living homes will work with communities and local agencies to ensure that the person has access to resources, counseling, education, employment, medical, and other support that will promote their ability to live independently and productively.