When combating any type of addiction, the most common challenge anyone faces is finding an environment that motivates sobriety. Even during treatment, people are advised to avoid anything that can coerce them to relapse. Relapses, especially substance abuse relapse, are most common among those who completed months of therapy but fell prey because they didn’t have an environment that demands accountability.
This is why sober living houses are gaining traction. It is a middle phase between a rehabilitation center and complete sobriety. Different sober living houses offer various programs for the inhabitants to remain an active part of society while becoming completely sober. Choosing the right sober home is much more than choosing one with the most positive reviews. You need to consider many things when selecting your sober living house that may affect your recovery process.
Why opt for a Sober Living Home?
When a recovering addict completes their 12 step rehabilitation program, they can fight the urge to abuse to an extent under external control. When they return to a familiar setting, specific behavior patterns may resurface that tempt them to relapse.
In the case of sober living homes, you begin your baby steps towards being a part of society under lenient monitoring conditions. The houses are part of a gated community and may be privately owned and managed or owned by an individual. They operate the house as landlord-tenant living arrangements. Most of the time, the landlords are someone who has completed their rehabilitation program and has been sober for years. They may also undergo specialized training to help the tenants become accountable.
Factors to choose the right Sober Living Home
While most sober living Phoenix claim to be the best, never take their word for it. Read the brochure and conduct your own investigation to grade the different sober living houses based on the following factors. A brochure is a traditional marketing tool that can be designed using a brochure maker or hiring a designer.
Facilities
For any sober living house to be effective in its purpose, it needs to have the right tools and environment to coax a positive attitude. Understand the different facilities available in the house.
- What are the no-tolerance policies in place? Are there periodic drug tests?
- What is the counseling/meet-up schedule?
- Room occupancy
- What are the short and long-term goals of the existing tenants?
- What accreditations/licenses do the homes have? (look for accreditations from National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and its affiliates)
- What recovery support services do they provide?
In a nutshell, the sober living house you choose should be concerned about the patient’s wellbeing at every stage of recovery.
Location
When checking into a sober living home, your life is restricted to a radius around the sober homes for a time period. So, the location of the sober living home is another crucial factor. Not only does it determine your safety (explained shortly), but it also determines your quality of life in the house. Consider the following aspects when zeroing in on the ideal sober living home for you:
- Vicinity to your school or workplace
- Ease of access to a grocery store or healthcare providers
- Different activity centers in the walking distance
- Access to transit options
- Economy and job requirements available
This is especially important if you are relocating to another state for your stay duration.
Safety
Safety is a top priority when you are considering safety. While on the road to recovery, we are very vulnerable. Your recovery journey should not jeopardize your physical safety. Physically visit the house to get a better understanding of the management. Check for the different security measures in place. Check for door locks on private rooms, Ground camera surveillance, and any safes for personal belongings.
Other Tenants & Support Staff
Since you’ll be staying with others, undertaking the same journey as you, it is very crucial to study them closely. A robust support system makes the journey easier to cover, and it relies on the atmosphere in the house and the overall energy of those living in it. Similarly, the staff employed in the house for management, maintenance, or surveillance should also balance empathy for the tenant while being strong enough to lay down the law for anyone stepping out of the line.
Costs
While the cost of staying in a sober living home won’t break the bank, it is essential to know them. This will help you manage your finances and assist you in finding relevant jobs.
Benefits Of A Sober Living Home
A sober living home allows you to continue your recovery process in a sober living environment(Sober Living Nashville). Living with roommates with a similar vested interest in remaining drug- and alcohol-free, you expand your social circle. Regular monitoring and monthly rent make you accountable for your life and make you responsible enough. You take advantage of the newfound independence to bring your life back on track and mitigating the risks of relapse. Some of the other benefits of sober living homes are:
- Alcohol and drug-free environment.
- Social environment that encourages long-lasting sober friendships.
- Residents become self-supporting and emotionally healthy.
- Additional activities such as meditation, yoga, and 12-step meetings to strengthen the resolute.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, stay away from institutes that demonstrate the following red flags:
- Rundown, dirty, or unsafe structure.
- No adherence to regulatory inspections.
- No admissions requirements or House rules.
- Claims to be free.
- It does not require drug testing for residents.