Transitioning from an addiction treatment program and back into daily living is a difficult process. Long-term sober living programs are designed to make that transition easier. Treatment teaches individuals the skills they need in order to successfully navigate life sober, but it is recommended that you enter into a long-term sober living program while you implement these new tools into your daily routine. Long-term sober living programs greatly not only reduce the risk of relapse post-treatment, but they also have a multitude of other benefits as well.
What Is Long-Term Sober Living?
Sober living, also called sober homes, are structured programs that offer safe and supportive living environments for individuals who are in early recovery from addiction. The goal of long-term sober living homes is to help support the difficult transition for individuals from treatment back into daily living. It is hard to face life as a sober individual, especially in the beginning. Long-term sober living homes offer the safety and guidance needed in order to set individuals up for the best success possible.
Should You Go To Sober Living Following Treatment?
It can be difficult to determine what the next steps should be following the completion of an addiction treatment program. Sober living homes, also referred to as sober homes and halfway houses, are the ideal option for individuals in early recovery. Returning back to the previous living environment after treatment is not easy, and for some individuals, it is not even possible. The stress of daily living can put someone in a very vulnerable position when they are first beginning their journey with sobriety. Sober living homes provide the two key factors that are vital in an individual successfully achieving long-term recovery which are, accountability and support.
The Benefits of Long-Term Sober Living
There is a multitude of benefits to living in a sober living program. The residents of long-term sober living homes are provided with support, structure, and safety. Here are some of the ways in which long-term sober living can be helpful for those beginning their recovery journey:
Fellowship Through Peer Support
Isolation is a very common behavior that normally will lead to relapse. Sober living homes encourage residents to offer each other peer support. They have weekly meetings with the residents in which they can go over issues and offer each other support and guidance. The staff of some sober living facilities may also be in recovery themselves, which allows residents to relate and seek support from them as well.
Safe Living Environment
One of the most beneficial things a sober home has to offer is a safe living environment. Residents of sober living homes are expected to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Drug testing is used in order to keep clients accountable, and prohibited substances are not allowed on the housing property. These rules keep clients safe from temptation and help prevent relapses. They also allow for early intervention if a relapse does occur. It can be difficult to step outside of the safety of an inpatient setting and back into a society where drugs and alcohol are readily available. Sober livings offer a safe living environment for addicts and alcoholics as they learn to say no to the temptations of the outside world.
Structured Living
Long-term sober living also offers an extensive amount of structure for residents. Due to the fact that individuals in early recovery are learning to live an entirely different lifestyle, the structure is extremely important. Long-term sober living sets basic rules that allow clients to form healthy habits including curfews, assigned household duties, weekly meetings, and job requirements. These rules are meant to help residents adjust to their new lifestyle and create new, healthy routines.
Accountability and Guidance
Another benefit to long-term sober living programs is the accountability and guidance that the staff offers clients. In addition, many individuals create unhealthy behavioral patterns such as remaining unemployed and avoiding cleaning up after themselves. Clients are expected to follow the house rules and they are kept accountable through consequences if the rules are broken. It is important for the clients to understand that there are consequences for making the wrong decisions as they begin to navigate life sober. Sober homes also offer clients an exuberant amount of guidance. Residents and staff normally have a wide range of time sober and those who are in early recovery have access to individuals with long-term sobriety in order to seek guidance from them.
Long-Term Sober Living in Atlanta
At Creekside Recovery Residences, our long-term sober living options go beyond the scope of a thirty-day halfway house or sober living option. We follow each client through the transition process from treatment to sober living, as they acclimate back to the real world. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or are looking for support, give us a call today at (470) 470-6479. Our dedicated admissions coordinators are ready to assist you back to freedom from addiction.
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