What Is an Alcohol-Sober Living Program?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that as many as 60% of people with a substance use disorder relapse. After completing inpatient treatment or while undergoing an intensive outpatient program or standard outpatient program, it’s essential for those battling alcohol addiction to receive support and guidance in a safe, sober environment. Sober living houses offer accommodations for people who can benefit from continued support after treatment.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
A sober living home, also called a halfway house or a sober house, is a transitional living arrangement for people with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders. These homes are a possible next step after inpatient and outpatient programs.
A sober living home can offer continued structure and emotional support for your substance use disorder while providing flexibility and freedom. It allows you to apply your newly learned skills and tools to real-world scenarios, giving you the confidence you need to go out on your own.
What Happens in a Sober Living Environment?
At a sober living facility, you are required to respect the facility rules and stay sober. You will need to follow your recovery program and attend treatment sessions for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Some halfway houses allow people with an alcohol addiction to remain for as long as they need to, while others have limits on how long residents can stay.
Although federal and state agencies don’t monitor these halfway houses because they don’t offer formal treatment programs, many sober living facilities are part of coalitions and associations. These can guarantee that the halfway houses follow health, safety, and quality guidelines.
To be able to reside in a sober living home, you will usually require a referral. These referrals can come from various sources, including a dual-diagnosis treatment program, substance abuse treatment programs, the criminal justice system, and family or friends.
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Who is a Good Candidate for a Sober Living Home?
If you have a substance use disorder, you may need additional time after completing inpatient treatment or an outpatient program to strengthen your skills for maintaining sobriety. Halfway houses and sober living homes can provide the support you need during this crucial period.
The supportive environment, the emotional assistance for mental illness, and the strict rules in sober living homes can all offer the kind of positive structure you need to remain on your recovery journey. Some sober living homes require residents to complete treatment of some sort, but some only require that you have the motivation to end your substance abuse in a sober environment.
Sober Living Arrangements for Addiction Treatment
Each halfway home has a different structure and set of rules to help you with your addiction recovery, but they all require that you abstain from all substances, attend house meetings, and do chores around the facility.
Some sober living homes can help residents find a job and may have connections that can help them find a volunteer position. In some instances, sober living facilities may have a connection to local treatment programs. Although not all halfway homes require residents to participate in 12-step programs, they do strongly recommend it.
Those struggling with mental disorders as well as substance abuse may need to attend therapy sessions to address their dual diagnosis during their stay. Going through a mental health treatment process can be vital to maintaining sobriety.
How to Choose a Sober Living House
There are many sober living houses to choose from, deciding on which one to turn to a complex one. Transitioning into supportive accommodations is often the last step before returning to normal life after addiction treatment, so it’s vital to take some time to make this decision.
Looking for an alcohol rehab near you? We can help. Check out our directory or contact Quit Alcohol directly to learn more about rehab centers that can help you recover from alcohol addiction.
Consider the Location of Sober Living Homes
Safety is key when choosing a sober living house. You want to choose a facility in a location that is conducive to recovery, where you will not have easy access to triggering substances.
You may also want to consider the location in relation to your job, school, treatment programs, or other responsibilities.
Research Regulations at Sober Living Houses
You need to ensure that the sober living house is one that has accreditation and licensing if that is a requirement in your state. Accreditation and licensing show a commitment to providing the best quality care for people with substance use disorders.
You also want to read about their house rules. They must have:
- A strict no-tolerance policy for substance use
- Clearly stated residency rules
- Safety and cleanliness rules
Recovery support services are another important aspect of a sober living home, especially if you intend to be there for a number of weeks or months. These services can include employment assistance, educational planning, volunteer placement, and even access to intensive outpatient programs and mental health services.
Make sure you know what the conditions for residency are. You want to ask about whether you need to be in a 12-step program like AA, whether there are a certain number of treatment hours you need to complete each week, which house chores you will need to do, and anything else that might impact your stay at the sober living house.
You also want to ask about whether there are social events and what the policies are for relationships between residents.
Financial Requirements at Sober Living Homes
If you’re part of an outpatient treatment program, you may be able to get coverage for a halfway house through your health insurance, but you always want to make sure that is the case. If you don’t get coverage for sober living, make sure that you know exactly what the costs of the facility are and what assistance from a mental health professional or treatment provider you may be eligible for.
Watch for Red Flags at Sober Living Homes
There are a few red flags that can tell you a particular halfway house or sober living home may not be the right one for you. These can include:
- No admissions requirements
- Under-qualified staff or no staff
- No rules
- No drug-testing requirements
- no outlined treatment programs
- Dirty or unsafe structure
- No fees
The right sober living environments will have a clean and safe set-up to help you polish up your life skills and get the drug and alcohol addiction treatment you need, and will clearly state its living cost, fees, and rules.
Transition to Alcohol Sober Living and Heal from Alcohol Addiction
After undergoing treatment for substance abuse, you want to be able to find your way back to a healthier way of living while remaining sober. Treatment providers typically recommend sober living homes to help you with this transition. Sober living environments can help you get the medical help and peer support you need to get your life back on track and break free from drug and alcohol addiction.
Get the help you need to find a great sober living home by contacting Quit Alcohol today.
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FAQ: Sober Living For Long-Term Recovery
What is the difference between a sober home and a traditional treatment facility?
A sober living home is designed as a transitional environment for people in addiction recovery, providing a supportive atmosphere where residents can practice crucial life skills learned during their addiction treatment. Unlike traditional treatment facilities, sober living homes focus on peer support and accountability instead of intensive therapy. This makes them ideal for people who have completed an inpatient treatment program and are ready to transition back to everyday life while maintaining sobriety.
Are sober living houses suitable for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders?
Yes, many sober living houses are equipped to support individuals with both substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Sober houses provide a supportive environment, encouraging residents to participate in individual therapy sessions and group therapy to address their mental health needs while focusing on their recovery journey. A mental health professional may be available to provide additional support, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
What should I expect from life in a sober living environment?
Living in a sober environment typically involves sticking to house rules, attending regular house meetings, and completing household chores. Residents are expected to stay sober, participate in support groups, and may be encouraged to engage in medication-assisted treatment if necessary. This structure provides a supportive community where individuals can practice their recovery skills, build self-esteem, and develop strong peer relationships that enhance their ability to maintain sobriety.
How do recovery residences support long-term sobriety?
Recovery residences or sober living homes provide essential addiction support for addicts seeking to maintain long-term sobriety after their treatment. These homes often offer structured daily life routines, including set meal times and responsibilities, which help residents develop crucial life skills. Many recovery residences also connect residents with resources for medical detox so they receive the comprehensive care necessary for a successful recovery. By fostering a supportive community, recovery residences empower patients to build new lives, free from the grip of addiction, and establish a foundation for lasting recovery.
