Sober living is a recovery stage that occurs after a person completes detoxification (detox) and when they are ready for a treatment program. It offers a period of transition in which a person with substance abuse issues receives the tools and guidance that can help them return to a fully independent lifestyle without abusing drugs. These homes offer a variety of benefits.
There are a number of issues that often result in a person not having the tools to immediately return to their old home after treatment or to reside on their own at a new location. Aftercare is a necessity for maintaining sobriety and continuing on the path to a successful recovery at Westwind Recovery®.
Ten Ways Sober Living Homes Strengthen Recovery
While sober living homes offer a number of benefits, there are ten primary ways that they can strengthen recovery. Those who are in the early days of recovery will find that sober living is an invaluable resource for their journey to long-term sobriety.
These homes provide all of the following:
- High expectations
- Increased feelings of security
- More structure for daily living
- A strong sense of community
- A substance-free environment
- 24/7 support
- Connection to an addiction treatment center
- New sober habits and hobbies
- Easier transitions back to everyday life
- Lower risk of relapse
High Expectations
In a sober living home, everyone there is committed to the same goal–to stay sober and to develop healthy coping skills for a lifetime in recovery. This leads to high expectations from both staff members and housemates, which can be a motivating force in recovery.
Increased Feelings of Security
When a person walks out of the door of a residential alcohol addiction treatment program, they can experience feelings of fear, especially about returning home. Home could be a situation where the individual started abusing alcohol or other drugs. A sober living program helps to alleviate the fears associated with returning to mainstream society.
More Structure for Daily Living
Residing in a sober living home or a drug addiction treatment program provides structure. There are rules to follow, group activities to participate in, and clear expectations for behavior. Having this structure available provides a sense of safety while reintegrating back into an independent setting, whether a person returns to their own community or starts a new life.
A Strong Sense of Community
The community provides a feeling that someone else understands the importance and the struggles of staying clean and sober. Other residents are in the same boat, so to speak. Having that support from other residents of the home, along with support from staff, likely helps build confidence.
A Substance-Free Environment
It goes without saying that a sober living home will be free of drugs and alcohol. This can help strengthen recovery as those in treatment will not have the temptation of being surrounded by others who are using.
24/7 Support
Isolation can be a risk factor for relapse, but in a sober living home, residents find 24/7 support. Late at night or early in the morning, there will always be others close by who residents can turn to for encouragement and accountability.
Connection to an Addiction Treatment Center
Many sober living homes are part of a treatment center that might offer inpatient or outpatient care. Having this connection can be invaluable in case an individual relapses or needs to return to a higher level of treatment.
New Sober Habits and Hobbies
While in a sober living environment, residents spend time learning how to enjoy life without drugs or alcohol. Game nights, cooking meals together, watching movies, and simply getting through the day while sober can give those in recovery a strong foundation for when they return to life outside the sober living home.
Easier Transition Back to Everyday Life
Luxury rehab and recovery centers can feel worlds away from regular life, as there are typically many rules in residential treatment. However, a sober living home feels more like normal life, as residents enjoy a higher level of independence. This more gradual transition back into regular responsibilities can make it easier to avoid relapse.
Lower Risk of Relapse
The early days of recovery can be the most challenging. After completing detox or a residential treatment program, some individuals can struggle to stay sober. Relapse can be dangerous, but a sober living home provides the structure and support needed to get through these difficult times.
How Do I Choose the Ideal Sober Living Home?
Look for a sober living home that is connected to a high-quality addiction treatment center. Westwind Recovery® offers support, structure, and a sense of community as a person continues their recovery after treatment. The benefits of sober living homes continue even after the person returns to living independently in their community.
Contact Westwind Recovery® Today
Contact Westwind Recovery® at 855.340.8832 to learn more about our sober living homes. We are available to answer your questions and to help you continue along the path to recovery. Contact us today and let one of our caring, professional staff members discuss sober living homes with you so that you continue getting the structure and support that you need.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
