Research has demonstrated that “addictive drugs change the brain, genetic studies show that alcoholism has a substantial heritability, and addiction is a persistent, destructive pattern of drug use.” Consequently, the weeks following in-patient treatment can be challenging, which is why many addiction specialists encourage drug and alcohol addicts to find a suitable transitional living home as a way to prevent relapse.
At Westwind Recovery®, our sober living programs help the transition away from an addiction treatment program while keeping people on the right track. If you or someone you care about might benefit from sober living and drug and alcohol recovery, contact our team online or at 855.340.8832 today.
Sober Living
Studies show that recovering addicts have a lower chance of relapse if they live in a sober living facility. One of the many benefits of sober living and drug and alcohol recovery is the opportunity to fully realize potential triggers, harmful influences, the origins of addiction, and boundaries that need to be set.
There are a wide variety of sober living homes. But regardless of their offerings, they all serve as a home that requires substance-free living. Through strict rules on keeping the home substance-free, visitors, relapse, and random drug testing maximize residents’ potential for holding onto their sobriety. Even if a sober living home is located within a bustling city, the staff makes sure that the atmosphere is controlled, quiet, and stress-free.
Learning About Triggers in Sober Living
After treatment, stress may be one of the most significant challenges for a recovering drug or alcohol abuser. Sober living offers a residential environment that cannot be found anywhere else. Even returning to a family home where members are sober does not provide the same rules, support, and therapeutic offerings that sober living offers.
Triggers are critical to address because many of them are unknown by addicts. A person is completely different under the influence of drugs or alcohol versus when they are sober. Transitional living also provides another element that cannot be found anywhere else, which is a community of support. Residents who live in sober living homes will find a support system in one another. Additionally, group therapy and twelve-step meetings provide this, too.
Recovery is a full-time job that must be addressed every day. Housemates and recovering peers can also help recovering addicts cope. This kind of support cannot be found in people who are not familiar with chemical dependency. Even if parents or family members have never had a substance addiction, they are not equipped to deal with the ins and outs of recovery and the challenges that it presents. People who choose alternative arrangements, like returning to their former homes, may face increased risks of relapsing.
The staff and mental health professionals that work within sober living homes are familiar with the specifics of chemical dependency and what it takes to recover. They enforce rules, provide round-the-clock support, and do everything in their power to keep residents and the home drug and alcohol-free. Sober living is the safest place to heal and change lives for the better.
The Transition
The transition back to the outside world can be daunting. More extended stays at sober living are recommended as a way to increase sobriety. However, people may choose to stay for as little as a few weeks.
Sober living facilities help people:
- Create new routines
- Learn alternative coping tools
- Restore their physical health
- Participate in frequent therapy
A calm environment is not a matter of chance. There are firm rules that are enforced that help establish this environment. Residents must attend regular twelve-step meetings, therapy sessions, and house activities. Peer support is a part of the recovery process that is established through communal interaction.
The transition to independent and sober living occurs through the encouragement of routine. Residents are often urged to keep a schedule. They may rise at an early hour, and depending on the home and individual, they may be permitted to leave for school or work. Homes provide a fully equipped kitchen. Residents may prepare their meals and may also be encouraged to have certain meals together. The homes usually offer entertainment and Wi-Fi. Communal areas promote engagement among house residents.
Residents will notice shifts in their minds and bodies during this time. Sober living is a chance to change harmful behavior for good and learn how to live in a healthy way. However, these changes do not come without challenges. The inclinations to use are always present due to the relentless nature of chemical dependency. But the home provides safety and the chance to practice the principles of twelve-step programs so that people will have no trouble adjusting to life once it is time to leave sober living.
Sober Living Is a Crucial Step
Sober living provides numerous opportunities to understand the root causes of a person’s addiction. Individual counseling, twelve-step meetings, and the nurturing atmosphere of sober living provide a safe place to work on all aspects of psychological and physical recovery. Residents learn how to cope with potential stressors through challenging conversations in therapy, positive support, and physical activities like gym usage, yoga, outdoor excursions, or sports.
Sober living is a crucial step in drug and alcohol recovery. Its offerings cannot be found anywhere else. And within the halls of the home is the opportunity for residents to create their own path for recovery that will serve them for the rest of their lives. While addiction physically affects people similarly, the way they heal varies. Sober living helps each individual find the activities they need, the kind of therapy that suits them, and the tools to learn how to live in a new way.
Discover Sober Living and Drug and Alcohol Recovery at Westwind Recovery®
Our Westwind Recovery® team understands the importance of sober living to addiction recovery. Sober living and addiction treatment are essential aspects of a successful recovery. Learn more about sober living and drug and alcohol recovery at Westwind Recovery® today by calling 855.340.8832 or filling out our online contact form.
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.
