Options for Recovery: Where Sober Living Fits In

For someone going through the difficult process of recovery, it is important to consider all the possible options that could be open to them. Recovery is a highly personal journey that, according to SAMHSA, “may include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other approaches.” But where does sober living fit into all of this?

Call 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?) toll free anytime for help finding a sober living house for you.

As an Aftercare Program

Sober houses help people transition from rehab back to everyday life.

According to the NIDA, “Following stays in residential treatment programs, it is important for individuals to remain engaged in outpatient treatment programs and/or aftercare programs. These programs help to reduce the risk of relapse once a patient leaves the residential setting.” A sober living home can actually be an extremely beneficial type of aftercare program for individuals transitioning out of inpatient treatment and back into their everyday lives.

Because sober living homes provide structure without the tightly controlled environment that is necessary at an inpatient facility, it is a positive step that allows patients leaving treatment to move forward without completely removing their safety net. They can then live in a facility that allows them the freedom to work, see friends and family, and come and go as they please yet still be supported by individuals who are also living soberly.

In addition, residents also are asked to pay rent, attend support group meetings, remain drug and alcohol free, and be involved in the management of the home. This is a great way to help someone transition back into their regular life after treatment.

As an Alternative to Treatment

Some individuals need more structure than an outpatient facility provides but not as much as an inpatient one does. Therefore, living in a sober home can provide a solution to this problem and an alternative to traditional treatment. This is usually only beneficial for certain individuals, however, who have jobs and social obligations and can follow the rules of the home while still needing the support of its social structure.

“Individuals can typically stay as long as they wish,” specifically if they are able to follow the rules associated with residency (NCBI). This also avoids placing a definitive timetable on residents, while traditional treatment centers typically only allow individuals to stay at a facility for a certain amount of time (30, 60, 90 days, etc.) based on their needs and/or insurance. Because sober home do not require insurance (only an agreed upon monthly payment), this is another reason why they can be a beneficial, traditional treatment alternative.

Call 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?) toll free anytime for help finding a sober living center for you.

As Help for Those Experiencing a Setback

Relapse does occur during recovery, which is why individuals must have a way to deal with setbacks positively and continue to move forward. Someone may decide to stay for a few months at a sober living home to get back on track after a relapse or another type of setback in their general recovery.

According to the NCBI, “Lack of a stable, alcohol and drug free living environment can be a serious obstacle to sustained abstinence,” which is why sober living homes can be an extremely beneficial option for recovery at several different stages, depending on the needs of the individual. Because of this, there are many ways sober living can fit into your overall recovery.