Structured Sober Living: An Effective Solution
Structured Sober living homes are an extremely popular and effective variety of recovery residence programs for people in addiction recovery. They are useful for both men and women at a variety of stages in the recovery process.
These homes can be used very effectively by those who are transitioning out of more intense rehab facilities. Instead of graduating and immediately jumping into the harsh realities of the “real world,” someone can enroll in a sober living home and continue to receive assistance in their recovery.
Studies have shown that recovering addicts who take the time to remain in a recovery program for longer periods of time are less likely to relapse than those who limited their length of treatment. Residents also benefit from a social support system and the inherent benefits of rooming with other sober addicts and alcoholics with whom they might share a mutual understanding.
Sober Living Homes and Addiction Recovery
Sober living homes can also be used as a recovery option in and of themselves, not just as a helpful transition. This is because residents of have the opportunity to pursue a program of recovery through 12-step meetings and other alternative methods. While these methods are of course available options outside of a sober living home, residents are uniquely advantaged because they are removed from the triggers that might normally trigger drug use.
It is often important for recovering addicts to remove themselves from their accustomed social milieus, especially in the early period of recovery. After a more solid foundation is in place, it often becomes safer to reconnect with old friends, though this is usually best after taking time to reassess the roles these relationships played in addiction.
Recent research has shown that the social support system that sober living homes provide dramatically reduces people’s chances of relapsing over the long term. Because they provide people with immediate access to an alternative social support system, they are guaranteed to have people to talk to who understands their unique situation during the first few months of sobriety.
How Structured Sober Living Helps in Addiction Recovery
While it can’t be denied that sober living homes provide a number of benefits to residents, they are often no more than places to spend the night. While they do provide a sober environment, the vast majority do not provide the resources that people need to tackle their substance use disorder. These resources must be sought out elsewhere, either through an outpatient program or through regular attendance of 12-step meetings. Young men who want a complete program of recovery are often best served by enrolling in a structured sober living home.
Benefits Of Structured Sober Living Homes
Structured sober living distinguishes itself from other programs by setting a daily schedule every day for house residents to follow. The daily schedule serves two purposes. It requires residents to perform tasks that directly aid their recovery, such as going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. It also encourages them to take responsibility and accountability for their actions.
It is not uncommon for structured sober living homes to guide their residents on key aspects of living, such as going to work, managing money, and even dealing with interpersonal relationships within and outside of the house.
Many aftercare programs and traditional sober living homes offer people high levels of freedom that leave them sufficiently prepared for “real life” upon graduation. Structured sober living homes make sure residents are living and recovering to the utmost degree.
Common Elements of a Structured Sober Living Programs
While every structured sober living home varies in its daily routine and expectations for residents, there are a number of common elements that one is likely to find among them all. These include but are not limited to:
- Drug and alcohol tests
- Meditation Sessions
- Mandatory daily attendance of a 12-step meeting like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
- Regular communal dinners
- Networking events that bring together current and former members
- Career and academic guidance (and sometimes job placement assistance)
- Assistance with obtaining necessary behavior modifications
- Legal aid, if necessary
Finding a Structured Sober Living Near Me
Maybe you’re looking into structured sober living as part of an aftercare plan after finishing a residential treatment program. Or maybe it seems like the best initial option for recovering from your substance abuse problem. No matter what your circumstances, Design for Recovery is happy to tailor its program to your recovery needs.
At Design for Recovery, we understand that dealing with a substance use disorder isn’t merely about abstinence — it’s about recovering the complete person and giving them a new design for living that actually works. Doing so is often the first step, not just to long term sobriety, but to a new approach to career, personal health, and even relationships with family members. If you want to learn more about what a day in the life of our structured sober living looks like, give us a call today!
