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Today, we’re going to talk about sober livings: the importance of sober livings, what their purpose is, why people go to sober livings, what kind of sober livings are out there, and what kind of sober livings people should be going to.
What are Sober Livings?
Sober livings are basically homes where people are required to go for a while after they’ve gone through treatment or if their lives aren’t working for them to stay sober.
Types of Sober Livings
There are various types of sober livings out there. However, not all of them are effective. Some homes labeled as sober livings might have residents actively using drugs, or the house managers themselves might not be sober. Any house that allows people to smoke weed or isn’t completely sober isn’t a good sober living.
Structured Sober Living
Structured sober living involves various elements, such as requiring residents to be out during the daytime for job searches. These homes emphasize the importance of recovery and require residents to engage in activities like 12-step meetings, getting mentors, and building a support network. Staying in a sober living environment for a while is crucial before moving out on one’s own to prevent relapse.
A structured sober living environment means the management is very serious about their own recovery if they’re in recovery and they oversee a house where they hold people accountable. Definitely, drug testing is of great importance. People are usually going to sober livings because they’ve been to treatment centers before, they’ve been incarcerated, or they’ve been homeless for a while and their lives aren’t working due to drug addiction or alcoholism. They need a sober environment where they’re held accountable.
Integrated Sober Living
Integrated sober living takes a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on long-term strategies. These homes support residents in continuing outpatient treatment, attending 12-step programs, and finding mentors or sponsors. They emphasize building a strong support system, developing life skills, and ensuring a successful transition to independent living.
For some people, integrated sober living means continuing to be an outpatient while living in a sober environment. For others, it means finishing their treatment process and then integrating into a community, building a support group, and going to meetings. 12-step meetings, getting a mentor, or some kind of spiritual advisor (sponsors) are crucial for long-term sobriety. Staying in a sober living environment for a while before moving out on one’s own is key to maintaining recovery and preventing relapse.
Flop Houses
Places that aren’t adequate sober livings are called flop houses. These are basically houses with no rules where people aren’t required to do chores and just exist without any real support for long-term recovery. When there’s no structure within a sober living, residents don’t have a good influence or community support, leading to isolation and a higher risk of relapse.
When people don’t have friends in a sober community, they become isolators, which can lead to relapse. No one wishes relapse upon anyone, but without a good community and a recovery program, the risk is high.
The Role of Family
Families play a significant role in supporting their loved ones’ recovery. It’s crucial not to bring loved ones back into the home where they previously used substances. Instead, families should encourage and support their loved ones in finding a reputable sober living environment.
Choosing the Right Sober Living
Choosing the right sober living is vital. Scout out sober livings, go by reputation, and know who is overseeing them. Make sure the management is serious about recovery and that the sober living is well-connected to recovery programs. It’s important to choose a sober living with solid management and a strong connection to recovery programs. Knowing who oversees or owns the sober living, their recovery status, and how seriously they take their recovery is important.
Overall, sober living homes are essential in the recovery journey, offering a structured, supportive environment and a sense of community for those overcoming substance abuse. If you or someone you care about needs housing for addiction recovery, explore the advantages of sober living homes like Resilient Home Living.
Reach out to us at (316) 749-8029 or email contact@resilienthomeliving.com to learn more about our program and how we can assist in your sobriety journey.