If you struggle with the disease of substance abuse, getting sober may be one of the hardest things you ever do. Many alcoholics and drug addicts will enter a medical facility to safely detox from their drug of choice. Residential treatment is a logical next step, but what do you do after you’ve completed your inpatient stay?

You’re probably excited to get back to the comfort of your own home; the thought of being surrounded by family and friends is appealing, but is it too soon?

A sober living home PRO is a safe option for transitioning back to daily life, but you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for you. Going home after 30-90 days in a structured environment isn’t always the best idea. The stress of daily life and the possible temptation of going back to your old environment could be disastrous without the proper foundation.

What is a Sober Living Home?

A sober living is a house for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. It’s designed to offer a safe and stable environment, while you lay the groundwork for lifelong sobriety. Most of these homes have a live-in house manager who ensures everything runs smoothly. Residents work together to share chores, as well as provide peer support while navigating the challenges of early recovery. There is often a curfew; however you are allowed to come and go during the day.

Is a Sober Living Home Right for You?

If you’ve been using your drug of choice for some time, the majority of your day probably revolved around getting and using drugs or alcohol. Learning to fill that time with healthy activities, while processing the feelings you’ve been numbing, can be challenging and takes time. It’s important to focus on your recovery and a sober living home is a great place to start building that foundation.

Your loved ones fantasize about how wonderful everything will be when you return home drug free.

They may have expectations and feel hurt or let down when those expectations aren’t met. Healing any damage done with your family relationships will be easier when you have the life skills to effectively communicate your feelings. Living in a home with people who understand what you’re going through is important; everyday stress and feelings of guilt are huge contributors to a relapse.

Here are a few pros to moving into a sober living home:

• Personal Responsibility – You’ll be expected to pay rent, do your own grocery shopping and will be assigned household chores. Reorganizing your priorities and building a routine is an important discipline to learn in recovery.
• No Rehab Required – Although you must be sober, most sober livings do not require that you come from a treatment program. If you’ve safely detoxed from drugs and alcohol you can move into a sober living and further cultivate your journey in sobriety.
• Communication Skills – Living with several roommates will allow you to practice setting healthy boundaries and utilize proper communication skills.
• Structure – Most recovering addicts and alcoholics need some structure to stay sober. A sober living home provides accountability, support, curfews and random drug testing. Remember, recovery is a marathon, not a race. It’s all about transitioning back into your normal routine.
• Safe Sober Environment – This is probably the most important benefit if there is drinking or using in your home. Being around other people with similar goals, in a substance-free environment, will ensure you stay on the right track.

Sober Living Homes Aren’t for Everyone

If you or your loved one require a higher level of care with increased monitoring and detox is required, a sober living home may not be the appropriate place to start.  We invite you to call Riviera Recovery today to learn more about sober living and request a free confidential assessment to determine if is right for you. In the case that you may need more help, Riviera Recovery also works with local detox centers that can help you get started. 866-478-8799