Now more than ever, sober living homes are quite prolific in almost every area of the country. Often operated by alcoholics and addicts in recovery, sober living homes are communal living arrangements that provide structure, accountability, and support to those who are new in recovery. The goal of sober living after drug treatment is to assist those in recovery to transition from the treatment center into living a normal, drug-free life within a structured, supportive environment.
Sober living homes are known by several different names, mostly based on what part of the country you’re looking. They’re also known as sober living environments (SLEs), recovery residences, transitional living homes, and 3/4 houses. Often, sober living homes are mistaken for halfway houses. This is incorrect as most halfway houses are focused on reintegrating parolees and those released from prison back into society.
The purpose of sober living is to help people who have finished a drug or alcohol treatment program to be successful and find true, lasting recovery. Often, it is not a good idea for someone new in recovery to return home, where friends and family members who are still struggling with addiction may still live. Additionally, family members are not able to provide the care and accountability needed ensure growth in an individual’s recovery. Sober living provides people with a stable home where they can live with other recovery addicts and alcoholics as they put what they learned in treatment into action in the real world.
Sober living homes also provide support in that the other residents are people who are also in recovery and experiencing a similar situation. Sober living homes are places of comradery and structured support. They give residents a foundation of hope and self-worth, playing a huge role in long-term addiction recovery.
Sober living homes give recovering alcoholics and addicts a time to engage in counseling and outpatient programs, where many problems can be worked out during the transition from a treatment center. Sober living residents not only draw support from the staff, but also from each other as they work through the obstacles in their new sober lives.
If you’ve just completed a treatment program, you should seriously consider a sober living home or other transitional living arrangement as you become accustomed to your new life. Sober living offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities for the newly clean or sober individual that will support long term sobriety. If you’re questioning whether sober living is right for you, or you would like more information about our treatment and aftercare options, please call us at 602.346.9142 or visit our website at www.scottsdalerecovery.com.
