What Christian Sober Living Homes are Really Like

People who’ve abused alcohol or drugs for a long time often reach a point where addiction has swallowed up any sense of self, soul and purpose. Drug treatment programs can only go so far in terms of breaking the hold of addiction on a person’s life. At some point, recovering addicts must learn to reconnect “self” with life and others in order for drugs to cease to be a threat to their daily existence. Christian sober living homes address two essential needs recovering addicts face after completing drug treatment: adjusting to “normal” life without drugs and establishing a sense of inner strength and grounding as individuals.

Christian sober living homes place a heavy emphasis on the importance of developing a personal relationship with God. From there, residents of Christian sober living homes gain real-world experience in drug-free living while applying biblical principles in their everyday dealings with self and others.

Christian Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes based in Christianity often involve Bible study or going to church together.

Within the wide range of drug treatment services and programs available, Christian sober living homes fill a gap in providing needed transitional living for people with limited economic means as well as those wanting a more spiritually based recovery experience. According to the National Institutes of Health, the Christian sober living approach centers on employing Christian principles as a means for recovering from the effects of addiction. Christian sober living programs offer different forms of assistance in addition to drug rehab services, some of which include –

• Job skills training
• Job search assistance
• Liaison with parole and court systems
• 24-hour supervision

Transitioning From Treatment to Everyday Life

People recovering from long histories of drug abuse often require some form of treatment help as they transition to normal, everyday life. Continued support, encouragement and guidance can make all the difference in terms of helping ensure a successful recovery. Living in a Christian sober living home entails following a set of rules designed to provide the type of structure and routine best conducive to building healthy lifestyles. Though each home sets its own guidelines, house rules may include –

• Remaining drug-free
• Obtaining a sponsor
• Attending 12-Step support meetings on a regular basis
• Drug and/or alcohol screenings
• Bible study
• Attending church services

Personal & Spiritual Development

Most drug treatment programs use the 12-Step support group model as an essential part of the recovery process. Traditional 12-Step model principles encourage addicts to look to a “Higher Power” as a source of daily support and strength. Christian sober living homes make the addict’s relationship with God and Jesus Christ a central component within the overall treatment process. In effect, the Christian bible becomes the guideline for living in terms of the choices and decisions recovering addicts make from day-to-day. This broad stroke approach makes it possible for addicts to replace the old addiction lifestyle with a Christian-based lifestyle. Likewise, the 12-Step support group model used in Christian sober living programs centers around this way of life with each step drawing from biblical principles regarding healing, spiritual strength and gratitude. As the recovery process can be challenging and even disheartening at times, the Christian sober living experience provides recovering addicts with the emotional and spiritual supports needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.