If you recently completed a drug treatment program, congratulations!
You put in the hard work needed to address and overcome your substance abuse issues. While completing a drug treatment program is cause for celebration, your journey in recovery is not over. In fact, the real work in recovery begins once you complete a rehab program and are looking to transition back into your normal daily life. To strengthen your motivation and confidence in your newfound sobriety, it is highly recommended that you continue your recovery in an aftercare program such as sober living.
Sober living homes are an excellent way to put into practice the life and coping skills you learned in treatment. This article will discuss further what sober living homes are, what happens in sober living, and the benefits of sober living homes in your recovery. If you want more information on the benefits of sober living, contact the Nook today to learn more about our sober living homes in Los Angeles.
What are Sober Living Homes?
Simply defined, sober living homes are substance-free environments where those new in recovery are able to abstain from drugs and alcohol in a supportive environment. Commonly known as halfway houses, sober living is more loosely structured than traditional drug treatment. While there isn’t formal programming, those who live in a sober living home are strongly encouraged to attend 12-step meetings, work on their program of recovery, and see a counselor on a regular basis. Additionally, people who are in sober living must help with the upkeep of the facility, pay monthly dues, and must attend regular house meetings.
What Happens in Sober Living?
When people enter a sober living home, they are putting into practice the life, and coping skills learned in drug treatment. While in this environment, people will learn how to get along with others and deal with conflict in a healthy manner. People will also learn to hold themselves accountable to themselves and others. Since people in sober living are working or actively looking for work, sober living helps teach budgeting and time management.
Not everybody can take part in a sober living program. Those who wish to enter sober living, they must have successfully undergone detox. They must also follow a strict set of rules, including the following:
- No substances on the premises
- Residents must actively be in an outpatient program
- Subject to drug screening
- No firearms or weapons
- No sexual contact or intimate relationships
Those who violate house rules are subject to strict disciplinary action, including expulsion from sober living.
What are the Benefits of Sober Living Homes?
For those who choose this type of aftercare program, the benefits of sober living are tremendous. One of the obvious sober living benefits is the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with others who are in various stages of recovery. You are able to learn from your peers and integrate what works for them into your recovery program. Secondly, sober living provides a structure through regular house meetings, adhering to house rules and guidelines, and holding you accountable for your actions.
Another one of the huge sober living benefits is learning valuable life skills such as grocery shopping, budgeting and paying bills, finding and keeping employment, and keeping up with your personal hygiene. Most importantly, sober living homes reduce the risk of relapse and make the transition back into your regular day-to-day routine much easier. While you may think you are ready to dive in feet first into normal daily life after treatment, sober living gives you a firm footing to stand on.
Finding Sober Living Homes in Southern California
You are in luck if you are ready to reap the benefits of sober living. Many rehab facilities operate sober living homes on or near their premises. It is important to note that not all sober living homes are created equal. The best sober living houses have strict structure, experienced and compassionate team, and feature evidence-based programming and access to treatment services and care if needed. The Nook is one of Southern California’s premier men’s sober living homes. Located in beautiful Venice Beach, The Nook offers a large comfortable home, state-of-the-art amenities, and quality sober living programming that focuses on support and the building of essential life and coping skills training. In addition to sober living programs, the Nook also offers clinical and case management services.