Sober Living – The Ultimate Way To Avoid Addiction
Among all types of alcoholism treatments, sober living is a pretty extreme method. A sober living home is essentially exactly what it sounds like: a home for living without drugs or alcohol. If you have a drug or alcohol problem, you may want to consider checking one out and seeing what kind of help can be offered. Most people that are trying to get past a drug habit find that their old life patterns often suck them back into a habit of addiction, but a sober living home can make the difference by changing the environment they contend with.
In a sober living home, a group of people who are in a similar situation live together. The exact rules and level of structure vary between individual homes, but every sober living home follows, at minimum, one basic rule: no drugs or alcohol are permitted. Many sober living environments are modeled on a twelve step approach, allowing new housemates to arrive at any point in their sobriety and giving those who are further along in the program the chance to become peer counselors. This combination approach provides some of the benefits of inpatient drug rehab or transitional living, while allowing much more freedom.
Studies and facts about alcoholism show that sober living homes provide the safety and security that comes with living in a monitored environment. Relapse is much more difficult when drugs and alcohol are forbidden in the home. Additionally, the sober living house provides a sort of continuation of inpatient drug rehab therapy. The 24 hour a day access to others who share your difficulties can be the support you need to transition back into the struggles of daily living.
Certainly a sober living environment isn’t going to be for everyone. The cost of the program can be quite expensive, for one, and this can be an expense that those with drug issues cannot provide for. Many insurance companies are in no hurry to cover the expense that goes with such a program, either, so many wanting to use such a facility need to come up with the money on their own.
Some people do not need or want a sober living home. If you have friends or family with whom you can live, who do not use alcohol or drugs, you may prefer to live in a familiar environment. If you have a good income, you could also consider living alone. If you make that decision, however, be sure to plan out coping mechanisms for the times that you are lonely, bored or upset. It is easy to relapse during stressful situations, but much easier to fight the cravings if you already have a plan.
Especially during drug and alcohol addiction recoveries, making the most of the time spent in a sober living home is important. Many people choose to focus on finding new jobs, getting new friends and learning new skills. Continuing drug treatment is also a part of living in such a place. Many people are fully capable of returning to their lives with the strength to “just say no” after living in a sober living home.
