Difference Between Residential Treatment and Sober Living

Substance use treatment has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Now, you have many options, whereas previously, it was seen as a moral failing, and there was undue emphasis on “sheer willpower.” While residential rehabilitation (rehab) is among the most sought-after care options, there are many other options for those who decide to embark on their recovery journey. This is where sober living comes in. In this article, we will explore sober living and residential treatment and the differences between the two.

Sober living or transitional housing offers you a substance-free, structured environment away from all those familiar triggers and temptations, where you can relax and focus on your recovery, along with an understanding, sober community. You can avail yourself of sober living services after rehab when you are still navigating the early stages of recovery and not yet ready to completely transition to independent living.

Residential treatment centers are rehab centers where you are supervised 24*7 in a non-hospital setting - like a home or an apartment. You are taken away from the familiar triggers and temptations that permeate substance use. Residential rehab involves detoxification (detox), psychotherapy, medication management, skills development, and 12-step recovery meetings. It is mainly for severe cases of substance use disorders where a person is in need of round-the-clock supervision. Typically, residential rehab lasts for three months on average. However, depending on the severity of the condition and other unique factors, it can take longer.

Now, there is some confusion between residential treatment vs inpatient treatment; residential treatment is a longer-term treatment, while inpatient treatment is shorter albeit more intensive in that it takes place in a clinical or hospital setting.

While every phase of treatment is integral to your substance use recovery, understanding the differences between sober living and residential treatment is crucial in making informed decisions. Here are some key differences between the two:

Residential treatment is focused on ongoing care involving therapy, counseling, and medication management. Meanwhile, sober living facilities focus on bridging the gap between rehab and independent living; it offers a pathway for you to establish structure and routine in your life. .

Residential treatment is structured and rigorous. It is for those who require 24*7 supervision. Sober living homes have rules and structure, but they offer more freedom in doing daily chores, attending mentoring and therapy, attending college or an office, and so on.

Residential treatment is longer than inpatient treatment in that it can last for 3 months. But sober living facilities have no set time - it can be prolonged.

Residential treatment and sober living are both crucial to substance use treatment. But they serve different functions.

Residential treatment is for those who need intensive 24*7 supervision - involving detox, therapy, counseling, medication management, and other social support services. It is a stable starting point for those who are struggling with severe substance use disorders.

Meanwhile, sober living is for those who are looking to transition to independent living after rehab or treatment. Even after residential treatment, sober living can be your option, as transitioning right back to daily life after rehab can be quite confusing. You may still need some structure and support, and sober living offers just that. This is especially true when you are struggling with stable housing or do not have a loving, secure home environment to go back to just yet. Sober living can even assist you in finding stable housing and a job as well.

Residential treatment and sober living both support your recovery in different ways. When you choose to embark on your decision to recover, residential treatment seeks to stabilize your condition. It also offers therapy and medication management that change the underlying patterns of substance use and alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms to uplift your quality of life while also laying the foundation for your recovery.

Sober living allows you to strengthen and sustain your newly established sobriety while also providing you with a platform where you can build routines and habits to rebuild your life going forward. It also supports you in your efforts to find stable housing and employment.

Choosing the right recovery option for you depends on where you stand in your recovery. Depending on your condition, you can get into residential treatment if you need 24*7 supervision. It is the right recovery option for severe substance use disorders where your condition needs to be stabilized. For better clarity, you can consult your primary healthcare provider or a licensed mental healthcare practitioner.

Sober living homes, meanwhile, will be suggested to you in your aftercare plan. If your rehab center (inpatient, residential, and outpatient) suggests this option, then your team will help you find the right sober living facility for you.