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Benefits of Sober Living in Recovery

Getting sober is easily one of the most difficult challenges someone with a substance use disorder faces in their life. One of the primary reasons for this is because getting sober often means that drastic and sweeping life changes need to be made. When it comes to change, not everyone manages it well, especially when there is a disease component contributing to the change. Therefore, several supports may need to be put in place to help guide individuals away from the chaos of addiction and towards a life of sobriety. One of those supports is a sober living program. You might be wondering, “what is a sober living program?”, and for the right reasons. Sober living is a highly beneficial option for those who are in early recovery and who can benefit from continued support and care. 

What is a Sober Living Program?

Developing your sobriety is one thing, but maintaining it for a lifetime is another. It is common for people in early recovery to need more guidance than those who are a few years into their recovery, which is why sober living programs are excellent support options. 

A sober living program houses a handful of individuals who are fresh out of treatment and who need assistance transitioning back into their everyday lives. These individuals live in one residence, usually with separate rooms and shared living spaces. A set of rules is applied to each sober living program and tends to include curfews and a full ban on all mind-altering substances in the home. Individuals who are residing at a sober house can continue to receive therapeutic care during their stay, as well as participate in community support groups like Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous. Depending on their treatment needs, some residents may uphold a job. Generally speaking, a sober living program incorporates all of these elements and more to provide newly recovered individuals with a proverbial safety net as they transition out of treatment for good. 

What are the Benefits of a Sober Living Program for Early Recovery?

Even though the question “what is a sober living program?” has been answered, the full benefits of this specific program have yet to be covered. If you are curious to know if a sober living program is an ideal choice for you, learning more about how helpful this type of program can be for you is key. 

Accountability

Being accountable is something that everyone in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can benefit from focusing on. When caught in the chaos of active addiction, accountability often goes right out the window, usually unintentionally. But when in treatment, being accountable for your actions is a vital element. You can continue to flex your accountability muscles while in a sober living home, especially because you will be provided with much more freedom in this setting. You will be accountable to your housemates when it comes to shared responsibilities and you will also be accountable to yourself to keep from using drugs or alcohol. The more you incorporate holding yourself accountable for your actions, the more firm your recovery becomes. 

Kinship

You will be living among others (likely of the same gender) when in a sober living program. Not only will you be living together and engaging in daily tasks, but you will also be jointly focused on the same goal of staying in recovery for the long term. You and your housemates can establish a strong bond as a result of your shared experiences both in the past and in the present moment. A sense of camaraderie can quickly develop and eventually turn into a bond that is more closely related to that of family. This bond increases your support, helping to keep you focused on staying sober. 

Life Skills

Depending on where you are in your life, you may or may not have the best handle on basic life skills. This is extremely common in young adults, as they have been dealing with an active substance use disorder instead of learning and applying basic life skills. When in a sober living program, however, great emphasis is placed on learning life skills, as doing so creates confidence and independence. You and your housemates may benefit from spending time with your house manager who can help you with topics such as business, finances, employment, and everyday housekeeping. 

Many people often say that the hardest part of getting sober is reaching out for help. And while doing that is extremely difficult, learning how to stay sober can also be just as challenging. Sober living homes provide these and other benefits, allowing for you to begin building on the strong foundation you have created while in treatment. 

Drug Rehab in Tennessee

Being addicted to drugs or alcohol is no way to live a life. At Tennessee Valley Recovery, we understand just how difficult it is to break the cycle of substance abuse and addiction and get the vital help needed to survive this ugly disease. However, by reaching out to us, we can begin helping you set and achieve your goals so that your active addiction is a thing of the past.

To learn more about our programming and resources, contact us right now. We can help.

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