There’s a reason why children whose parents gave them plenty of structure grow up to be psychologically healthy. The rules and guidelines of the family help the child develop and grow. The structure provides a sense of safety for the child. When a child feels safe, he or she is more able to explore, learn, and play. While it may seem strange, leaving treatment is similar. Although you’re an adult now, you still have the same basic needs. Fortunately, in our sober living homes, individuals who are finishing treatment can explore, learn, and play with their peers as they discover new and healthy ways to live a life of sobriety.
Structure in Sober Living
Treatment facilities and sober living homes that address addiction to drugs and alcohol have plenty of structure. From morning until night, you’ve got somewhere to be, and every activity you do is in support of your recovery. For instance, the following is a typical schedule for someone in addiction treatment:
- 5:30 am Medications
- 6 am Breakfast
- 7 am Meditation
- 8 am Morning Support Group
- 9 am Group Therapy
- 10 am Discussion: Healthy Relationships
- 11 am Discussion: Recovery Thoughts and Behaviors
- Noon Lunch
- 1 pm Walk/Exercise
- 2 pm Family Therapy
- 3 pm Relapse Prevention Discussion
- 4 pm Individual Therapy
- 5 pm Self Care Time
- 6 pm Dinner
- 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
- 8 pm Peer Support Group
- 9pm Medications/Bedtime
At first, someone who is used to living life under their terms might struggle with this sort of structure. They might fight it, rebel, or even refuse to be a part of it. However, if a person recognizes that the structure is meant to be supportive, then perhaps they might accept it. Some recovering addicts might even enjoy the structure. They might like the feeling of having somewhere to be. They might enjoy knowing that someone is expecting them. Some men and women in recovery might appreciate knowing that the structure is there for their psychological well being.
Stability in Sober Living Homes and Treatment
Although having to be somewhere at a specific time each day can feel stifling, it can also provide feelings of stability. It’s common for those struggling with addiction to have instability in their lives. They might have a hard time finding housing, securing a job, or staying in a relationship. For many addicts, getting their basic needs met, such as a stable home, income, clothing, and even love is hard. This is yet another reason why structure in sober living homes can be supportive. On the one hand, it might feel limiting. And yet, you might see that it’s there to provide support.
It’s common for struggling addicts to know anxiety and fear as a way of life, especially if they were raised with anxiety or suffered early childhood trauma. Yet, when they have stability and safety in their life, they don’t have to spend their energy on constantly trying to survive. Instead, they can focus on their emotional and psychological needs. They can perhaps even explore what they’d like to do with your life and dive into what activities, people, and places make them happy.
This is the purpose of the structure found at addiction treatment facilities. Whether you’re at a sober living home or in drug rehab treatment, you’re going to find rules. However, you should not let them get in your way. Those rules are there to help you along the road to healing, health, and happiness.
Westwind Recovery®
Once you’ve completed treatment, finding the right sober living homes is your next step. Give yourself the time to heal fully. Don’t rush your recovery. Contact Westwind Recovery® at 855.340.8832 to learn more about our various sober living homes:
No matter which location you choose, you’ll find a supportive and caring environment. In our sober living homes, you’ll be able to practice the coping skills and techniques you learned in treatment but the real world. You’ll get feedback and develop the good, positive habits you need to make a recovery lasting.
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.
