In previous years, researchers have explored the aspects of sober living homes and how much they can contribute towards successful recovery options. Sober living homes are typically considered a place in-between residential treatment and returning home.
For many people, they are an excellent place to transition. Sober living homes aren’t just for anyone – they’re typically for those who have completed a residential treatment program and are ready to start transitioning into independent living.
Sober living homes generally provide more support than, say, an outpatient treatment program. They provide just enough to help those in recovery develop the confidence they need to move back home and take on more responsibility.
If you’re considering a sober living home, it’s time to look at some of the fantastic benefits it can offer, such as:
Enhanced Employment Outcomes
Previous studies have found that sober living homes can actually increase a person’s odds of employment. This is often because sober living homes can reinforce sobriety goals and remind individuals of why they sought out recovery in the first place.
Sober living homes still reinforce structure (such as a substance-free living environment, 12-Step support groups, house rules such as paying rent and completing household chores, and more), which is needed for those in recovery to feel safe. By having this structure, they’re better off in the long-run.
The Opportunity to Build Community
By having those around us who believe in our recovery and want the best for us, we’re more likely to succeed in achieving our sobriety goals. Sober living homes provide several social components that aim to foster sobriety:
Support – family, love, and consistency in a safe environment can only lift those in recovery up to new heights
Education – services provided help many in sober living homes allow for greater information to be acquired that could assist in future volunteer and paid work experiences
Empowerment – food, clothing, and housing are basic needs for some in addiction recovery. This can make a world of difference to someone nervous about their transition
Directions – 12-Step programs, therapy, and other structured activities can help those in recovery continue living out the daily structure they’ve started setting for themselves. The goal is for them to implement this structure in their personal life once they return home – and it’s nice to have that reinforcement.
Achieving One’s Goals
One of the most common fears of those returning home from rehabilitation is becoming triggered and ultimately relapsing. Relapse is possible no matter who you are or how long you’ve been in recovery, but your home life can make or break your recovery goals. Previous studies have found that having supportive peers enhances a person’s chances of sobriety.
With support, you are more likely to feel understood, recognize the vulnerability in others, and identify with recovery paths that other people are taking. You’ll become better able to handle confrontation and hold each other responsible for their actions. In fact, social support can be one of the strongest factors of motivation. Having people believe in us can mean a world of difference, even if we’re going through some truly challenging times.
Sober living homes provide genuinely unique settings for those in addiction recovery to thrive. For individuals who aren’t quite confident enough to return home and take on responsibilities, sober living homes can be the perfect in-between phase for that transition.
The people we spend our time with, our daily structure, the hobbies and interests we surround ourselves with, and the goals we set for ourselves mean a lot when it comes to carrying out these things daily. Sober living homes can serve as a beautiful example of how to do this as we become more independent.
12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), further strengthen opportunities for those in recovery. These programs help build reliable support systems while reinforcing a solid structure and routine for those who may still be working on this in recovery.
For example, 12-Step programs find success when individuals actively participate. That participation can create a sense of routine for someone to turn to. That reliance on a Higher Power can remove some of the stress and control associated with being human.
There’s no one right way to get sober; everyone has to walk their own path, but it always begins by asking for help. A lot of people have found that structure, community, and partnership make a huge difference in whether they’re able to get and stay sober. If you’re that kind of person, a treatment program like Rancho Milagro Recovery is right for you. Sober living homes are a great way to transition back to the “real world”, but it all starts with asking for help and accepting the treatment options you’re given. At Rancho Milagro, you’ll have all the treatment options you need – from animal therapy to group therapy, yoga, art therapy, and much more. Everyone has to experience recovery that feels right for them, which is why we aim to provide services that cover all bases. Once you complete treatment with us, we’ll even help you find the best way to transition out of treatment into the wide world of recovery. It’s an exciting journey and we’re excited to help you out, so give us a call when you’re ready for change at (951) 526-4582. It’s never too late to change your life.