Sober Living Nebraska

Nebraska, a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, is bordered by Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. This landlocked state in the middle of the country is a true exemplar of Americana and American history. For thousands of years, different indigenous peoples called this land their home, including Ponca, Pawnee, Missouria, Omaha, and Otoe. The state was crossed during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and countless historic trails run through it.

Nebraska’s land consists of two distinct regions, the Great Plains and the Dissected Till Plains. The former is mostly treeless prairie, while the latter is characterized by gently rolling hills and also contains the state’s largest cities. Nebraska’s capital is Lincoln, though its largest city is Omaha, which is located alongside the Missouri River. Nebraska is not a highly populous state. Its population barely reaches 1.9 million, and most of this population lives in either the capital or in Omaha. Nonetheless, the people of Nebraska are warm-hearted and the state itself offers many natural attractions.

Unfortunately, Nebraska is currently experiencing an addiction crisis. Its population has been severely affected by the country’s opioid epidemic. While traditional drugs of abuse like alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth remain problems in Nebraska, prescription painkillers have driven death rates up. In 2018 alone, there were 138 recorded drug overdoses in the state, and more than a third of them were attributable to opioids. As doctors in Nebraska currently prescribe 50.6 opioid prescriptions for every 100 residents, it is likely that these overdose rates will continue to rise with each passing year.

Individuals who suffer from drug or alcohol addictions in Nebraska may feel like they lack options. Those living in small towns or communities may have never met another person who has successfully recovered from a substance use disorder. It may be tempting to try to manage one’s substance abuse on one’s own. However, without seeking outside help most people find that their conditions worsen, leading to damaged relationships, ruined families, devastated communities, and even loss of life through overdose.

Help is available. By enrolling in a sober living house in Nebraska, or even in a sober living home outside of Nebraska, it is possible to get the support and resources you need. Not only is getting sober possible, but it can also be enjoyable. True recovery isn’t just about shutting the door on drugs and alcohol — it is a lifelong process that opens doors and continually enriches one’s life. Sober living homes help people develop the tools and support systems they need to not only get sober but stay sober.

What Are Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes are properties that are designed to facilitate long-term recovery for individuals with substance use disorders. They do so primarily by providing a safe environment. During early sobriety, most people are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of triggers. Triggers can vary wildly from person to person, but the most common types of triggers are direct exposure to substance abuse and indirect causes that remind a person of substance abuse. Sober living houses are residences where all housemates agree in advance to stay away from drugs and alcohol, ensuring an environment that is clean and sober.

However, sober living houses are not merely places to crash for the night. Residents of a quality Nebraska sober living home are not only expected to abide by basic house rules, but they are also supported as they take active steps toward addiction recovery. To facilitate the addiction recovery process, sober living staff provide scheduling, structure, and a wide variety of resources to help residents develop the tools they need to stay sober over the long term.

One of the most critical elements of a sober living house is the community aspect. Residents support one another by offering feedback, advice, experience, and strength. They also keep each other accountable. One study on sober living homes demonstrates that the peer support that people find in sober livings is an important factor that keeps people sober even years after graduation. Many graduates continue to make use of this social support system for the rest of their lives.

As part of the recovery process, quality Nebraska sober living homes also support residents as they rebuild their lives. Simply quitting drugs and alcohol is rarely sufficient to guarantee an improved quality of life. As such, sober livings encourage residents to seek employment and take steps toward long-term goals. Ultimately, the purpose of a sober living home is to provide residents with an entirely new way of life and help them develop a sense of independence, joy, and freedom in sobriety.

Sober Fun in Nebraska

Many people successfully get sober in Nebraska. Sober livings in Nebraska provide environments that are removed from the usual triggers of everyday life, where residents can focus entirely on the recovery process. Throughout that process, they develop a new set of coping skills and learn to find joy in everyday experiences without having to rely on the crutch of mind-altering substances. Residents also develop strong friendships. Surrounded by sober companions, it isn’t difficult to enjoy life in sobriety.

Nebraska offers a wide variety of events, activities, and attractions aside from drugs and alcohol. While often overlooked as a travel destination, the landscape in Nebraska has plenty to explore, as do the rich and vibrant cultural scenes in the cities. If you are looking for sober fun while living in a sober living house, a few ideas can be found below:

Old Market in Omaha

Located in downtown Omaha, the Old Market is a historic area dating back to the 19th century. The old buildings have been renovated but their character is well preserved. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter a diverse range of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. While you’re there, be sure to check out Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the Durham Museum.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

The Chimney Rock formation was formed sometime between 25 and 24 million years ago. It towers over 480 feet above the landscape. It is a dramatic rock spire that pioneers used to use to mark the westward way during the early 19th century. Stop by and take some pictures, have a picnic, and if you are curious about the science and the geologic history behind this formation, stop by the visitor center.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Another natural structure that is perhaps even more imposing than Chimney Rock is the Scotts Bluff National Monument. This structure can be seen for miles throughout the Nebraska prairies. It is a 3000-acre monument that visitors can hike. Each trail leads to a different viewpoint. If you’d rather relax, however, you can also take a summit shuttle up to the top of the bluffs. This monument has a long history, being used as a landmark by Native Americans for thousands of years. To pay respect to its storied history, rangers sometimes wear period costumes as they roam the park to share insights.

Haymarket District, Lincoln

The Haymarket District is one of the best places to visit in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska. This major thoroughfare contains excellent dining, restored historical buildings, and a lively atmosphere. Eclectic shops line the brick streets, as do coffee shops filled with young people. When the local university has sports games, the Haymarket District can be chaotic — but very exciting.

Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland

Located in Ashland, Nebraska, the Strategic Air and Space Museum is a must-see, especially for people interested in aircraft technology. The museum is enormous, occupying over 300,000 square feet. Inside you can find diverse spacecraft, airplanes, and special exhibits displaying artifacts and technology related to aviation. The museum also includes a planetarium and special motion rides that provide visitors with the experience of being on a roller coaster or flying in a helicopter.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha

Yes, every state and most major cities have a zoo, but this Omaha zoo is utterly unique. The Henry Doorly Zoo features the world’s largest indoor jungle, indoor desert, and even the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. In the indoor desert, guests can ride a camel. The aquarium provides opportunities for guests to touch stingrays. The enormous complex also includes an IMAX 3d theatre with a constantly changing line-up of films that are both educational and entertaining.

Carhenge

You’ve probably heard of Stonehenge. But have you heard of Carhenge? Located a few miles north of Alliance, Carhenge is a bizarre, humorous, and fascinating attraction. It is a fairly accurate replication of Stonehenge, except instead of being made of stones, the structures are composed of automobiles. Thirty-nine cars in different positions stand tall in the prairie, providing Nebraska locals with an experience similar to but quite different from the real Stonehenge in England.

Benefits of Nebraska Sober Living Houses

Sober living houses offer countless forms of support for residents as they work to recover from their drug and alcohol addictions. Perhaps the greatest benefit that sober livings provide is the gift of time. Residents are under no pressure to leave and return to the outside world, and they are encouraged to take all the time they need to develop independence and autonomy. Many people stay for a few months, though many opt to stay for a year or even somewhat longer. During this time, residents build and reinforce their coping skills, develop strong social support systems, and begin new careers and lives in the outside world.

Recovery does not happen in a day. In fact, there is no medically recognized “cure” for addiction. It is a chronic condition — but it can be managed. The recovery process is a lifelong process, and sober living homes help individuals learn how to tackle it over the long term. Some of the many benefits of attending a quality sober living home in Nebraska include:

Staff Support

Staff members at sober living homes are quite familiar with the addiction recovery process. In fact, most of them have been through it themselves. They are proof that recovery can indeed change your life. Staff members and sober living house managers live with residents, so they are always available 24/7. Staff not only enforce the rules and administer drug tests, but they also serve important mentorship roles, providing moral support and guidance to all residents.

Social Support

Residents develop strong bonds with their roommates in sober living. These relationships help them stay accountable, and they are also valuable sources of emotional support, feedback, advice, and strength. For most people, addiction is a lonely condition — and it is common for addicts to feel like no one in the world understands their plight. Living with other people with similar experiences and working to overcome addiction together are essential components of the recovery process.

Life Skills Training

For people who’ve spent their formative teen years and 20s abusing drugs and alcohol, it is common to quit drugs and alcohol only to realize that their lives are a wreck. Many lack the basic life skills that most people their age take for granted. For this reason, sober livings make it a priority to support residents as they develop these skills, which can range from grooming habits to writing a resume. Getting sober isn’t just about becoming abstinent — it’s about building a future and developing a new way of life.

Aftercare Planning

Sober living houses are frequently recommended to individuals who are graduating from acute addiction treatment programs, such as residential rehab programs. While sober livings are not clinical treatment programs, they are essential elements of an aftercare plan for people who need continued support. Research shows that people who continue to take part in recovery services after rehab, such as sober living, have drastically reduced rates of relapse down the line. Why jump back into your old life after getting sober in rehab — when you can build a new life and develop autonomy at your own pace in a sober living?

Is Nebraska Sober Living Right For Me?

For most people in recovery, a change of environment is critical for getting sober. All too often, relapse triggers come in the form of a surprise encounter with an old drinking buddy or a visit to a street where one used to purchase drugs. While it is indeed possible to recover from addiction anywhere, even in Nebraska, it is often better to choose a sober living home somewhere new. This can allow you to start on a clean slate. In a new city, you can develop new habits, build new relationships, and approach recovery with fresh eyes.

California is a popular recovery destination for people throughout the United States. Southern California’s beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, and comfortable climate can make recovery feel like a vacation. But it is the area’s strong recovery community that makes it such a popular choice. 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, as well as other support groups, have a strong presence in the city. Moreover, Southern California is the birthplace of a specific type of sober living, structured sober livings. These houses are designed to offer more structure and support than most other sober living houses, helping residents fully overhaul their lives in this glamorous city of opportunity.

Recovery is Possible at Design for Recovery

Design for Recovery is a structured sober living home for men that is widely considered Southern California’s top sober living home. Design for Recovery supports residents as they take daily steps toward addressing underlying issues, developing new skills, and forming support systems. Expectations are high at Design for Recovery; in our home, residents not only quit drugs and alcohol but also develop a blueprint for living.

It is our philosophy at Design for Recovery that continued sobriety depends on significant behavior changes. Our residents — and staff as well — strive to live their lives according to strong principles and values, among them accountability, honesty, humility, and integrity. Living by these values makes long-term sobriety possible. It also prepares our residents to encounter any possible challenge that life may throw their way. As they strive for inner development and outer behavioral changes, residents also form deep relationships with each other, ensuring them a source of support for years to come.

If you are ready for a change, Design for Recovery can help you develop long-term sobriety and a new way of life. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.