About a third of people who are abstinent for less than a year will remain abstinent. With people who achieve a year of sobriety, less than half will relapse. Meanwhile, people who complete five years of sobriety have less than a 15% of relapsing.
After completing rehab, it’s important to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Research sober homes in the area could help.
What is a sober home, exactly, and how can it provide the sober support you need? Keep reading to find out!
After reading this guide, you can make a more informed decision for maintaining your life sober. Discover how to find sober living options with this helpful guide today.
What is a Sober Living Home?
First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what are sober homes?
Sober homes are called halfway houses, too. They create a bridge between inpatient rehab centers and the real world. If you’re concerned about sober living after rehab, moving into a sober home could help the transition.
Many people struggle during the adjustment period after leaving rehab. Remaining in a sober home offers an environment for active recovery. You can learn how to adjust back into daily life while remaining in a sober environment.
Sober homes reinforce the lessons you learned during inpatient rehab. You’ll have easy access to the sober support you need.
Meanwhile, you’ll live among other people who understand what you’re going through.
Remaining in a sober living facility will provide you with more independence than you had in rehab. You can start working and building the skills you need to remain sober. Meanwhile, you’ll have easy access to the tools you need to maintain your sobriety.
Once you feel ready, you can move back home and re-enter the real world.
What to Expect
What exactly can you expect by moving into a sober living home?
Inpatient rehab keeps you completely focused on the rehabilitation process. You’re completely monitored throughout the day. For the most part, your schedule is planned for you.
You don’t have much independence while you remain in a rehabilitation center. Moving into a sober living facility can help you gain your independence.
You’re not limited to remaining in sober homes during your stay. Rather, you can come and go as you see fit. You can start easing back into your old life (without the temptations of drugs or alcohol).
For example, you might decide to start working again. Maybe you want to start vocational training or school again. Either way, you have that choice.
At the end of the day, you can return to your sober home. If you struggle after your alcohol or drug rehab, you can gain support from those around you.
While you’ll have more independence staying in sober homes, you will need to follow rules. For example, you might have regular drug checks. You’ll likely need to follow a curfew.
Following these rules can help you maintain structure in your life.
How to Find Sober Homes in Your Area
Sober living homes increased the likelihood a recovering addict could maintain long-term sobriety. Many people who live in sober homes remain sober with few or no relapses.
If you’re interested in active recovery and sober support, it’s important to find the right sober homes based on your needs. Here are a few tips that can help you during the search.
1. Consider the Level of Care
Sober homes are available at different levels of care and intensiveness. You can choose a sober living facility based on the level of care you need.
Each level shares:
- Full-time living spaces
- House rules (therapy, random drug and alcohol tests, chores, etc.)
- Peer support
- Drug-free environments
- Shared costs (utilities, rent, etc.)
Level 1 houses have the lowest amount of oversight. Most of the time, decisions are made democratically. You are required to attend counseling sessions, though.
Level 2 houses elect supervisors to ensure residents follow house rules.
Level 3 homes offer some aspects of clinical treatment. They often offer access to paid counselors and staff.
Level 4 homes have a more structured, clinical environment. These sober homes are full-service. If you require more intensive care, consider a level 3 or 4 home.
2. Research the Location
Research “sober living facility near me” and start researching each option based on their location. Make sure to choose a home that’s in a safe area.
Make sure it’s away from any temptations, too.
3. Look for Licensing
Most sober homes aren’t regulated or monitored by an agency. Consider finding a licensed and accredited home. These homes meet higher standards of care.
You can choose a home that’s backed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences.
4. Schedule a Tour
Schedule a tour with one or two sober living facilities on your list. Make sure the home is neat and organized. Can you imagine yourself living there?
If the sober living home doesn’t seem safe, scratch it off your list. Instead, choose a place that fosters a positive living environment.
5. Review the Rules
Remember, each home will have its own list of rules you need to follow. During your tour, ask about the house rules. Choose a home that’s structured and designed to help you succeed.
For example, some homes require participants to follow an AA or NA program. A 12-step program might help you maintain your sobriety.
In addition to participating in a program, you can ask about:
- The visitor policy
- Random drug tests
- One-on-one peer accountability
- Access to sober living coaches
- Social activities for residents
- Policies regarding romantic relationships
- Policies regarding prescription medication use
These rules can ensure you complete your active recovery.
6. Research the Staff
Find a qualified staff that can help you maintain your sobriety. Look for a staff that’s trained and prepared to hold you accountable. Consider their qualifications, too.
Sober Homes: Your Guide to Beginning the Road to Recovery
To recap, what are sober homes? They’re your chance to complete active recovery as you transition back into the real world. Sober living facilities offer a gateway between rehab and reintegration.
Eager to start on your road to recovery? You don’t have to go through it alone.
Discover our programs today to get started.
