An intensive treatment program is essential for assisting a person to attain sobriety, but ongoing treatment participation is necessary for long-term sobriety. A treatment program that provides a high degree of care, such as residential rehab, can help individuals with substance abuse issues create a solid foundation for recovery. However, recovery is not complete upon completion of a treatment program. Once a person completes a treatment program and is prepared to assume greater responsibility and independence for their sobriety, true recovery commences.
The transition from a residential treatment program to navigating life outside of the treatment setting can be a significant one. Fortunately, numerous treatment resources are available to facilitate this transition. Sober living and sober living facilities are one of these resources. Choice House Colorado is committed to providing the highest quality addiction treatment services, and our client’s success is our top priority.
What Are Recovery Residences?
Individuals striving to abstain from alcohol and other substances can find a secure living environment in sober living homes. These facilities do not offer formal treatment services, but they frequently encourage or require residents to participate in continuing treatment resources and mutual assistance groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. (AA). To remain a resident, one must adhere to the house norms, which include abstinence, payment of rent and other living expenses, participation in tasks, and attendance at all house meetings.
How Does An Individual’s Living Environment Influences Substance Abuse And Recovery?
The domestic environment is essential for promoting substance use and sobriety. As a juvenile, the following environmental risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing a substance use disorder:
Positive Parental Attitudes Toward Substance Use
- Exposure to substance use by parents and siblings
- Stressful or tumultuous home environments
- Childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect
- A family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
Inadequate Parenting Or Absence Of Parental Supervision CoexistingMental Health Disorders
When someone receives treatment from a highly-structured program, they will learn how their life experiences contributed to their initial and repeated substance abuse. Upon completion of their program, they must confront the actuality of whether or not their living environment is healthful. As an adult, the following environmental risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of relapsing after treatment: Having companions or a significant other who continues to use substances
The presence of alcohol and other substances in the home environment Isolation and loneliness Unmanaged stress and ignorance regarding healthy coping mechanisms
Lack Of Adherence To Ongoing Treatment Absence Of Social Support
As can be seen, numerous home environment factors can increase the risk of relapse following treatment. Fortunately, sober living facilities can provide several safeguards that assist individuals in maintaining sobriety as their top priority.
Positive Aspects Of Sober Living Homes
Listed below are several advantages of sober living homes:
Reduction Of The Risk Of Relapse
A sober living facility is a supportive environment where residents can recover away from the stresses of daily life. One of the most significant benefits of these homes is that they reduce the risk of relapse by removing alcohol and other substances from the premises.
The normalization of substance abuse by society. Alcohol, for instance, is acknowledged as a social substance that can be purchased in nearly every restaurant and store. Another substance use is frequently regarded as a normal means of celebrating life. Living in sober living facilities, whether temporarily or permanently, allows individuals to navigate these triggers in daily life with relative ease. The separation afforded by sober living homes enables individuals to concentrate on themselves and their recovery without external temptations or stimuli.
Possibility To Develop Meaningful Connections
The importance of social support in facilitating positive treatment outcomes cannot be overstated. The ability to develop meaningful relationships with other sober residents is another advantage of sober living facilities. The residents will cohabit with other individuals who are also in recovery and are dedicated to everlasting sobriety. Residents will feel empowered by one another to become the best version of themselves possible while prioritizing their sobriety through support groups and communal living.
As isolation is a risk factor that increases the risk of relapse, sober living homes combat isolation. These residences will help inhabitants understand that they are never alone in their struggles.
Supporting Independence To Promote
Responsibility and independence are necessary for sustaining sobriety for a lifetime. Residents of sober living facilities are assisted in gaining independence while receiving guidance and support throughout the process. Residents have the opportunity to make healthier decisions for themselves before moving out on their own while living in these residences. Similarly, residents will have access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from housing managers and peers, particularly when mental or emotional issues arise during the recovery process.
