Many people are under the impression that addiction recovery is a “one-and-done” proposition. This is not the case. Recovery is a life-long choice that one makes to live their life to the fullest. It is also due to this fact that recovery often happens in stages. It is a process rather than a “procedure.” Part of that process may include sober living. Many people ask, “What is sober living?” The answer is that it is often a step toward living a more fulfilled life.
What Is Sober Living?
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. Yet, many of these people will miss out on getting the help that they need. Often, this is because they don’t have the proper information regarding what recovery looks like and what treatment options are available.
Many people push back against treatment because they feel like there is only one option, and that option will take them away from their life and loved ones. The reality for some is that this type of residential treatment may be the right option in the beginning. After all, it may require completely getting away from your lifestyle for a while to get better. Yet, it is important to remember that residential treatment is only temporary and can soon lead to an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and/or sober living facility.
So, what is sober living? Sober living is a drug and alcohol free residence that focuses on recovery. It is often the step that people take between some form of treatment and integrating back into their everyday lives. Sober living frequently offers the structure that one needs to establish a healthy routine in their recovery. It also offers many other benefits.
Who Benefits From Sober Living?
The reason that people utilize sober living is that it offers a myriad of benefits. These benefits can help you establish your new sober life and begin anew on a stronger foundation of recovery. The following are just a few of the benefits that sober living has to offer:
- Direct access to doctors and addiction professionals from treatment
- Facilitates a healthy daily routine
- Often requires regular drug and alcohol testing for accountability
- Offers a safe space free of alcohol and substances
- Helps you make healthy connections
- Offers time for the family to adjust to the new situation
- Keeps people connected to recovery groups like 12-Step recovery
- Has set safety protocols
- Can help as a financial footing is reestablished
The Steps Leading Up to Sober Living
A stay in sober living is rarely the first step that someone will take in their recovery. Depending on the situation, one may need to begin with a stay in a safe and secure detox. This is important because it can keep an individual safe when they are first getting sober, as well as reduce the chances of a potential relapse.
As previously mentioned, the next steps usually involve going into residential treatment or participating in an outpatient program. This is where an individual connects with their set plan of recovery. This may include counseling, therapy, work with other people in recovery, and, in some instances, pharmacological treatments. These programs usually last between 30 and 90 days and can connect you to a safe and secure sober living facility, if that seems like the next best step for long-term recovery.
What Is Sober Living? A Focus on Long-Term Recovery
The goal of sober living is to set you up for success in the long term. This is why essential life skills are often a focus. This can be as simple as learning to make the bed in the morning and as complex as long-term financial planning.
Sober living is also a great way to stay connected to other people in recovery. Working with other people who have also gone through the pain of addiction is a keystone of many people’s recovery. It can be critical because it shows you that you don’t have to go through life alone. There are people who have your back and are looking out for you.
Working with others in recovery is also one of the best ways to avoid having a potential relapse. The primary text of 12-Step recovery (also known as the Big Book) states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.” This is a connection that sober living offers.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to help you recover by any means necessary. This is why we ensure that all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on your future. This includes sober living as needed.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You don’t have to go through this process alone. You can do this! We can help.
Sober living environments support individuals in their recovery journey. It is beneficial to understand the advantages of sober living homes for maintaining ongoing sobriety and receiving community support. These benefits include accountability and the ability to ease back into everyday life without getting overwhelmed. Sober Living can also aid in reducing the chances of a relapse. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
