Be Safe and Supported in a Sober Living Environment

Recovery is not just about the time spent in a treatment program. There is an adjustment period needed to learn how to function in the real world once again and a sober living environment reinforces the lessons learned while in a program. Sober living is an excellent transitional option that allows you to resume your work or your school life while residing in a safe residential situation so that you will work towards maintaining sobriety and be less likely to suffer a relapse back into addiction. Learn more about staying in a sober living house.

What to Expect

Sober living provides a structured environment that allows you to re-enter your life while providing you support. There will be supervision and rules. Random drug and alcohol tests are required, as is individual and group participation in therapy sessions and recovery meetings. You will not be allowed to have drugs, alcohol, or overnight guests and you will be held to a mandatory curfew. Violence is never tolerated. It is expected that you will return to your previous work or school schedule or you will become involved in a new work, school, or outpatient program while staying at the Sober Living House. At the house, there may be assigned chores you are responsible for, as well as monthly fees or rent you would pay, just as you would if you were living independently.

Being in the sober living environment means you are committing to starting your life over, altering everything about your former lifestyle that you lived at the height of your addiction. Your focus is on removing elements and people who are toxic and detrimental to your sobriety, whether it’s your former occupation, friends, or family. You will need to demonstrate that you are actively working towards making your recovery last.

The sober living house provides the tools and resources you need. The more highly structured the sober living environment, the more likely you will maintain your sobriety. Besides recovery, you will learn how to live a more fulfilling, satisfying life. Peer support and attendance in 12-step programs are major features of the living environment. Residents who have been in the sober house and in recovery the longest are encouraged, and likely expected, to serve as mentors to new residents. This intermediate phase between treatment and returning to the outside world provides a controlled place where someone can be close to a network of peers in case they have some setbacks and face difficulties handling sobriety on their own.

The social structure also helps prevent possible bouts of boredom and isolation, which could be triggers for someone to relapse. You will be contributing as a member of this community on many levels, which will boost your self-discipline. Whenever you do need personal assistance, there is always someone available to help youat the sober living house, whether it’s a housemate or a professional staff member. You may remain in the sober living environment for as long as you feel you need in order to reintegrate into larger society, though 90 days is often recommended. Take advantage of the positive setting and rebuild your life at your own pace, without outside distractions, so that you can achieve sustained recovery.