How Recovery Residences Enhance Addiction Recovery
After investing sometimes months in treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, too few give much thought to the potentially difficult transition back to regular day-to-day living. It is understandable that after being in a treatment environment for an extended period of time one would clamber for the familiarity and comfort of home. But, alas!, that is exactly the place where a relapse could be triggered. Family members who actively use substances, or memories of cultivated habits like using alcohol or drugs in a particular room or at a certain time of day, or lingering interpersonal issues at home can all trigger a return to substance use.
Recovery residences offer a kind of safe retreat that act as a transitional living environment that bridges the super structured days in treatment and the full freedom of normal life. Sober living allows the needed time to develop new sober lifestyle habits and friendships. Spending a few months in a sober living home can help the newly sober individual rediscover the benefits of living an orderly existence versus the chaos in active addiction, and embrace it.
Why a Recovery Residence is Beneficial to Addiction Recovery
It is no secret that the individual new in recovery is particularly vulnerable to relapse. Following the completion of an inpatient program, the newly sober individual is still emotionally fragile and still in the process of restoring overall health following active addiction. By spending some time in a sober living recovery residence, they will be surrounded by other adults in recovery who share the same goal. This social support is essential to developing a fulfilling sober lifestyle.
Going hand in hand with the fellowship found in sober living is the newfound sense of responsibility to others, of getting outside of self and learning how to be of service and also accountable to the other housemates. Establishing a healthy daily routine is supported in a recovery residence, where the house schedule usually sets a time for rising as well as a curfew in the evening. This helps prepare the individual for returning back to normal daily responsibilities and obligations by establishing a daily routine.
What to Expect in Sober Living
In most sober living environments there are posted house rules that are expected to be abided by, the most important one being the zero tolerance policy for the use or possession of drugs or alcohol. Adherence to the house rules provides a sense of safety and order for all residents during the early phase of recovery. A well-managed sober living home will provide regular drug and alcohol tests to deter substance use, and enforcement of the house rules.
When looking for a sober living recovery residence it is advisable to seek a program that offers mentoring toward reestablishing a productive life. This might involve support for seeking work or teaching life skills and goal setting. The expectation or requirement that residents actively participate in both the weekly house meetings and regular 12-step meetings is also an important feature in sober living.
Different Types of Recovery Residences
Recovery residences run the gamut when it comes to varying philosophies, structure, and amenities offered. Some sober livings are pet-friendly, some are faith-based, some are high-end luxury facilities, and some offer regular group outings and trips, to name just a few examples. Because of the wide variety of sober living accommodations available, things like personal preferences, lifestyle, and financial resources will help narrow down the best match for the individual.
As far as what services are offered, that can also vary from house to house. The support services all revolve around the essential mission to help residents achieve stability in their new, sober life. Most will offer transportation to and from 12-step recovery meetings, and other services might include assistance with legal matters, transportation to court dates as well as to outpatient counseling services and doctor’s appointments.
Riviera Recovery Offers Luxury Recovery Residences
Riviera Recovery has created a sober living environment that is a unique blending of order and fun. Yes, a certain degree of structure is needed for the overall health of the recovery residence and its occupants, but Riviera Recovery’s program emphasizes the joy discovered in embracing an active, sober lifestyle by offering a wide range of healthy activities. These include swimming, yoga, group sports, surfing, and hiking the local Malibu hills. Riviera Recovery is also pet-friendly. For more information about Riviera Recovery, please contact us today at (866) 478-8799.
