While a large majority of recovering addicts thinks there is no need to move into a sober living housing after receiving any treatment, you can certainly increase your chances of staying sober by choosing this option. Sober living homes are basically transitional homes and help make the transition of being an addict to a sober individual rather easy. The option certainly has its perks, but before you go any further, you need to learn a bit about it first.
- Your stay in a sober living housing depends heavily on the type of assistance you require. If you have been smoking weed or drinking alcohol for decades, you won’t be able to recover simply by spending a week or so in a sober living facility. In this case, you may have to live in one such facility for up to 6 months or even longer.
- Your stay will keep you from having a relapse soon after receiving your treatment. Statistics show that a large majority of recovering addicts relapses during the first year of recovery. In fact, it is found that more than 75% of alcoholics end up of having a relapse in the first year of recovery. By staying in a sober living facility for the first few weeks after recovery, you will significantly increase your chances of complete recovery and living a sober life. Living in a transitional home is in your benefit because it disconnects you from old places, friends, and memories that can trigger cravings and not being able to deal with a craving can lead to a relapse.
- You will learn to be disciplined when staying in a sober living facility. Every sober living home has certain rules and regulations that you need to follow to maintain your place. For instance, you need to pay attention to keeping your living area clean. You have to undergo periodic drug tests – you may get rusticated if you fail one of those tests. You will be required to attend house meetings that help you learn a more stable and sober life. It is worth mentioning that you will be living in a clean environment, and to keep it clean, you will not be granted access to drug paraphernalia, pornographic magazines, and even clothing that promotes alcohol or drug use. By following these rules, you will be in a much better position to return to your family as a new person.
The fact of the matter is that sober living housing is a perfect place to prepare yourself to deal with the challenges waiting for you in the outside world. It keeps you away from the risky environment and at the same time provides you with safety, structure, and support needed to start a new life. So, if you think you are sober but may not be able to control your temptations in your life, you may want to take a break from your old life and spend time in a sober living facility to handle everything with a clearer mind.