Addiction often makes you do things that you wouldn’t normally do, and it is common for a family to split apart. Your family may have given you rules such as that you can’t live with them until you have been sober for a certain amount of time. Or, you may know that you can’t return home since the people living there still use drugs or alcohol. You may also just be ready to give independent living a try. After all, getting sober means that you will be better able to manage responsibilities such as holding a job and keeping up with household maintenance.
However, you know that you still have things to do before you can live on your own. It is normal to be nervous about what will happen after you leave drug or alcohol addiction treatment. Many people are still working on finding a job at this point, or you may need to feel stronger in your sobriety before you strike out on your own. Either way, sober housing is a possible solution when you need somewhere to live while you continue to make positive changes in your life.
Learn How to Enjoy Sobriety
Sober housing does far more than just keep a roof over your head. During your time in a sober house, you can continue to receive treatment services such as counseling that help you manage the transition to independent living. While residential rehab programs provide you with recreational opportunities such as swimming pools and gyms, you now get to expand your enjoyment in life by going out into the world. However, you will need to abide by some rules to help ensure the comfort of the other residents and to preserve your sobriety. These include some or all of the following:
• Agree to drug testing
• Attend house meetings
• Be home by a specific curfew
• Help with housekeeping tasks
• Continue to follow your treatment plan
Although sober living houses have rules, you will be allowed to go out into the community each day where you can begin to enjoy new interests such as going for a hike or watching a movie. Some sober houses also follow a tier program where you receive additional privileges as you prove your ability to be responsible. For instance, you may receive a later curfew to help accommodate for a later work shift.
Start Forming Positive Relationships
One of the biggest benefits of going to sober housing is that you are placed within a home that is filled with other people who prefer to avoid drugs and alcohol. For many people, this is the first time in a long time when they feel free to talk about their struggles with addiction and know that they will not be judged. When you have had to let go of friends because of their negative influence, it is reassuring to know that you can rebuild your social network with honest, caring people who will never pressure you to do drugs or alcohol.
In addition to making new friends, you can also work on renewing the relationships that you had with your family members. If they have kicked you out of their house or refused to talk to you until you were sober, then this is the time to begin making amends. While you are in sober housing, you can attend family therapy sessions and talk to your counselor independently about things that are affecting your personal relationships. You will also learn things such as positive communication skills that help everyone to heal. Keep in mind that rebuilding relationships takes time. Yet, being surrounded by support helps to make it happen.
Find Out How to Get Into Sober Housing
There are several routes that you can take to get into sober housing. If you have been sober for a while but had a minor relapse, then you may be able to go straight into a sober living situation. However, you may need to prove that you are going through treatment or agree to start once you move into the house.
For others, a sober house is a stepping stone to independent living after the completion of a drug or alcohol program. If this is the case, then your treatment program can help you identify a residence that works for you. For instance, some people prefer a coed house while others prefer it to be gender-specific. Once you find the right housing, you will then apply for admission and begin the process of moving in and getting to know everyone.
Do you need a safe place to live that prioritizes sobriety? Give us a call today so we can help at 844-639-8371!