Sober Living: Another Step to Sobriety

What is sober living?  The term “sober living,” applies to transitional housing options for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics that have previously completed a rehab program and become sober.  Sober living is a group home setting which provides support for recovery residents that feel ambivalent about returning to the previous living environment, lest it may lead to relapse.  Sober living homes are located all throughout America and provide an invaluable service for those needing extra supportive services before reentering society.

Sober living communities can also be referred to as half-way houses, which are designed to provide transitional living for people coming out of a treatment program, but not quite ready to go “home” again.  Because of the nature of substance abuse, an addict may lose touch with how to cope with problems and stress, which are things which can be addressed within a sober living home.  Being a recovering substance abuser means a person is subject to new and potentially dangerous situations in the outside world and it can lead to relapse if the individual is not strong enough to cope.  However, within a sober living community a person is given support and guidance which can help them to make better choices and stay true to the vow of being clean and sober.

The average drug and alcohol treatment program lasts for approximately 30-days, but for some individuals it is not enough time to transition back into society in a healthy way.  Generally, the job of a rehab program is to get the person clean and sober and provide them with counseling and therapy to break the cycle of addiction and once complete, the individual is given a relapse prevention plan and released.  However, most treatment programs now work exclusively with sober living homes in order to give a client extra support and nurturing while living in a substance free environment in which there are no temptations to relapse because drugs and alcohol are not allowed.
Sober living homes can be in an apartment-style or a group home environment in which the person will reside and share space with other recovering substance abusers.  Many sober living environments have strict rules about what is acceptable behavior and what is not and if the person engages in using drugs or alcohol, it is grounds for immediate expulsion.  There are rules and regulations within a sober living home which are to be adhered to and if not, the person will have to face any number of negative consequences.
Sober living communities are exclusively reserved for a person that has successfully completed a drug and alcohol treatment center.  The goal of a sober living home is to provide each resident with structured living, job services, supervision and motivation to remain on the path of sobriety.  Sober living homes often have a staff which resides on the premises to ensure each member is keeping up with their expectations and moving forward in the healing process.

In most sober living communities, a resident is required to not only hold down a job and participate in ongoing counseling and therapy, but also to submit to random drug and alcohol testing.   Total and complete abstinence is expected and required of every member, if not, it puts the other residents in jeopardy of slipping back into substance abuse and having a relapse.  It is the responsibility of staff members at a sober living home to provide a safe, substance-free environment for all residents and if one is found to be abusing drugs or alcohol, he or she will be removed from the home.
One of the requirements for residents of a sober living home is for residents to obtain a job or return to school for furthering education.  These particular requirements are expected of all residents, in order to ensure the person has filled their time with constructive activities.  Through working or going back to school, a recovery client can begin to improve their life, feel positive about themselves and have a much better chance of staying clean and sober.
Sober living communities can also have an evening curfew every week night and it is generally no later than 9 pm.  Shortly after curfew, staff members will conduct a roll call to account for residents to make sure everyone is present and has remained free from drugs and alcohol throughout the day.  Residents are also expected to continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings in order to stay focused on recovery and to receive continued education about the importance of staying clean and sober.
Some sober living homes will allow residents to have a pass for the weekend to go home and visit with friends and family.  The object of a weekend pass is to help the person remain in contact with loved ones and to form a positive support network for when they leave the facility.  The privilege of a weekend pass is not something extended to all residents and the decision to grant one is left to the discretion of the staff after considering many factors and determining what is in the best interests of the resident.
Not every sober living home has these types of restrictions, so it is a good idea for a person to have a complete understanding of expectations prior to committing to a certain facility.  While many people believe sober living homes are expensive, it is a good idea to check with these facilities in order to determine if it is an affordable option for an individual.  With the combination of staff members, supervision and support, curfews and other responsibilities, a sober living community is the best place a recovering addict can go in order to slowly reintegrate into society again, without becoming likely to relapse due to environmental stresses or unhealthy influences.
As with any part of the recovery process, a person should fully check into the benefits associated with a sober living community to see if it will help them stay focused on sobriety.  When in doubt about returning to a former living environment, a sober living home can be a life saving option for those recovering individuals that need additional services after leaving rehab.  The transition from rehab into a sober living home and then back into society are all steps which can help a recovery client have an easier time adjusting to life without substances and it is an option well worth considering.