The journey to creating the right sober living environment is transformative filled with challenges and triumphs. As more Americans embrace the sober curious movement and strive to drink less, it becomes increasingly important to provide guidance and support for those seeking a sober lifestyle.
The statistics speak volumes about the effectiveness of alcohol treatment programs. With nearly 89% of individuals remaining sober for the first month after rehab, it is clear that these programs can be life-changing.
However, it is important to note that entering detox before treatment can significantly improve success rates. With a success rate of 68%, detox serves as a vital stepping stone towards long-term sobriety. While family and friends play a crucial role in introducing individuals to the sober curious movement, social media has become an influential platform for spreading awareness.
What is Sober Living?
Sober living, also known as transitional living, provides a stable environment for those recovering from substance use disorders. It helps people reintegrate into everyday life without the use of drugs or alcohol.
In a sober living home, you live with other individuals committed to sobriety. You follow house rules like curfews, chore schedules, and random drug testing. This structured and supportive environment helps prevent relapse.
Many people move into sober living after completing an inpatient rehab program. It allows you to ease back into independence without returning to your previous living situation immediately. But how do you go about creating your little piece of heaven?
Establishing Structure in Your Sober Home
A routine helps fill your time with positive habits and less idle moments. Wake up and go to bed simultaneously each day, even on weekends. Eat meals at regular times. Schedule in exercise, hobbies, socializing and self-care. The more you repeat a routine, the more second nature it becomes.
Creating a structured and supportive environment is challenging but important. Put in the effort to set yourself up for success, and your home can be an oasis of recovery and renewal. Staying committed to your sobriety is a lifelong effort that gets easier with time and practice. You’ve got this!
Fostering a Supportive Community
Seek out others in recovery and join support groups, either in-person or online. Having a tribe of people going through similar challenges will help keep you accountable and provide empathy during difficult times.
Look for local recovery community centers, 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or online forums. Lean on family and friends who support your recovery. Let them know how they can best support you and be there for you when times get tough.
Ask them to avoid drinking or using drugs around you, especially in early recovery. Their encouragement and help in avoiding triggers can make all the difference in overcoming addiction.
Removing Temptations and Triggers
Go through your entire living space and get rid of anything related to your addiction. Pour out any alcohol, and flush away any drugs. This includes pipes, bongs, needles or any other drug paraphernalia. Ask a friend to help search areas you may have forgotten or hidden stashes.
Stay away from people, places and things that trigger cravings or memories of using. This could be certain friends, bars, parks or neighborhoods. Change up your routine and habits to avoid running into triggers.
Call a sober friend instead of passing by the bar on your way home from work. Take a different route or mode of transit. The more you can limit triggers, the less temptation you’ll face.
Promoting Healthy Habits and Self-Care
Make sure also to nurture yourself in other ways. Try meditating, journaling or yoga. Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. Taking good care of yourself boosts your motivation and resilience, which you need to maintain your sobriety.
Creating the right environment and developing new self-care rituals are key to successful recovery and sober living. Staying committed is challenging, but with the proper support and coping strategies, you can do this. Ensure you are:
- Exercising: Exercise is essential for both physical and mental health. Walking, doing light exercise like yoga, or riding a bike can release feel-good hormones and reduce stress.
- Eating healthy and staying hydrated: A balanced diet is important for your health and recovery. Focus on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Promoting healthy habits and self-care daily helps create an environment conducive to sustained recovery and sobriety. Make your health and sobriety a priority each and every day.
For More Information on Creating a Sober Living Environment, Reach Out To Riviera Recovery
At Riviera Recovery, we believe that wellness stems not just from correcting old behaviors, but from creating new and healthy lifestyle changes. Our mental health housing and transitional living programs help young adults recover from substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders while helping them reintegrate into the community.
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety or other issues, we provide compassionate support. Our team of licensed professionals, counselors and staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to offer guidance and help build coping strategies.
Don’t go through this alone. Recovery is a journey, not a destination. By choosing to get help, you’ve already taken the first step. We’ll walk with you each step of the way. Call us at 855-207-9708.
