Early recovery is considered a vital period as you begin rehab and start living sober. Unfortunately, many temptations could cause you to relapse and fall back into your former addictive habits. Fortunately, the benefits of sober living in early recovery at a sober living home could be precisely what you need.
What is Early Recovery?
Early recovery is considered the initial 30 days to 90 days after completing a residential or inpatient addiction treatment program. As you are adjusting to living sober, you will face many challenges along the way. Since you are still learning how to live a productive sober life, you could find it hard to face temptations that could cause you to stray and relapse.
What is Sober Living?
Sober living is living your life without relying on alcohol, drugs, or other substances you used to abuse. Sober living is the process by which you put principles of sobriety and sober coping skills to use. For some people, this may require removing themselves from people and places that could be triggering.
Instead of moving back home, where you could be distracted by others that may drink or use drugs, or are put into high-stress situations that could trigger a relapse, a sober living home could be the next step on your road to recovery.
What is a Sober Living Home?
A sober living home is a residence designed for people who want to maintain their sobriety after completing an addiction treatment program. Some sober living homes will also accept people who want to complete an intensive outpatient rehab program and want a sober environment to return to each day.
Most homes are designed for specific age groups and genders. For example, at New Life House, our sober living homes are for young men of specific age ranges. These requirements help young men focus on their sobriety with other men of in their age group As a result, young men in our sober living home tend to have better success maintaining long-term sobriety and developing life-long support and friendships with their peers. Furthermore, New Life House partners with an outpatient treatment program that all house members are required to attend for their first three months in the house. This program uncovers the underlying causes of addiction, which in most cases is an untreated mental health issue.
Upon completion of outpatient rehab, residents can then shift their focus to developing life skills to prepare them for an independent lifestyle after graduation. This includes getting a job, going back to school, attending support groups, and building their sober network.
Common Struggles in Early Recovery
When a person abuses drugs or alcohol, they become dependent on them. When drugs or alcohol are no longer used, it may be difficult to function at first. Some of the more common struggles you face after your initial rehab treatment could include:
- Repairing damaged relationships between family and friends.
- Rebuilding trust with your loved ones.
- Trying to return to school or find a job.
- Attempting to stick to a structured schedule for stability.
- Rebuilding your finances and credit.
- Having to face the consequences of your substance abuse disorder and the damages it caused.
- Having past traumas triggered when they occurred in your home.
The Benefits of Sober Living in Early Recovery
There are several benefits of moving into a sober living home, especially in early recovery. However, it is worth mentioning that you can move into a sober living home at any time during your recovery when you are struggling with your sobriety.
- The opportunity to create life-long solid, sober, and meaningful relationships with your peers.
- Having a caring, supportive, safe and sober environment to kickstart recovery.
- Reduced risks of relapsing, even when you are experiencing cravings or triggers.
- Learning how to cook, clean, and care for yourself so you can live an independent, sober life.
- Having access to ongoing mental health and addiction treatment, group support, individual counseling, and peer support.
- Learning how to develop and practice your coping skills as you uncover your triggers.
- Having a judgment-free environment to call home should you experience a relapse before moving in.
- Having assistance and access to continuing education, career training programs, and job opportunities.
- Having the freedom to work at your own pace on your sobriety and not have a time limit on how long you can stay.
- The opportunity to give back through alumni programs or participate in other events and activities to promote sober living.
How to Tell if a Sober Living Home is Right for You?
If you have the desire to maintain your sobriety after substance abuse treatment but are afraid of relapse, then a sober living home is for you. You should also consider one if you just do not feel ready to return home and to your everyday routines. If you are not entirely sure, visit a sober living home, take a tour, and talk to the residents to see how the home has helped them maintain their sobriety.
Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles for Young Men
Whether you just completed a residential or inpatient rehab program or are just starting an outpatient rehab program, moving into a sober living home could benefit you during early recovery. Sober living homes are also an ideal option if you have relapsed and need a more stable environment to focus on maintaining your sobriety.
At New Life House in Los Angeles and Redondo Beach, CA, we have several sober living homes for young men in specific age groups. Our sober living homes offer a wide array of benefits and provide the structure you need to focus on sober living.
To learn more about our sober living homes for young men, please feel free to contact us at [email protected], or call us at (888) 357-7577. Get started on your recovery journey today!
Last Updated on February 21, 2024
