In the early stages of drug or alcohol addiction recovery, it can be quite challenging to maintain long-term sobriety. After completing an alcohol and drug addiction treatment program, you may not feel entirely comfortable returning to your everyday routines. As a result, it is very common for many young men to transition from a rehab facility to a sober living home.
Living sober can be a daunting prospect for those who struggle with substance use disorders. But the benefits of sober living are immense, both for individuals in recovery and their loved ones. Sober living offers a structured and supportive environment that helps people in recovery build life skills and stay on track in their recovery journey.
The article below will cover many of the benefits of sober living homes to achieve long-term sobriety.
Why Sober Living Can Be Helpful
Long-term sober living is the primary goal of anyone in recovery. However, each young man will be at a different stage of his recovery journey. Taking the time to focus on mental health and enhance the skills initiated in your rehab treatment program at a sober living home will help you better prepare to live independently and maintain your sobriety.
Separation From Triggers
One of the key benefits of sober living is the removal of triggers that can lead to substance use. Home environments can be rife with opportunities for relapse, especially if family members or roommates use drugs or alcohol. In a sober living setting, residents are surrounded by people who are committed to sobriety, creating a safe and sober environment that reduces the risk of relapse.
Treatment Options
Moreover, the treatment setting offers a range of mental health and addiction treatment options, such as therapy, psychiatry visits, support groups, and other activities, which can help individuals address underlying mental health disorders that may have contributed to their substance use. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma often co-occur with substance use disorders, and treating them can be critical to long-term recovery.
Life Skills
Another important benefit of sober living is the opportunity to develop life skills. Many people in recovery struggle with basic tasks such as finding employment, managing finances, and maintaining a living environment. Sober living provides a supportive environment where residents can learn and practice these skills under the guidance of house managers who ensure adherence to house rules, such as regular drug tests and household chores.
Community and Support
Sober livings can also provide a sense of community and support that is critical to the recovery process. Recovery can be isolating, but in a sober living setting, residents have the opportunity to connect with others who are going through a similar experience. This can help to build a sense of belonging and reduce the risk of relapse.
Family Support
Finally, sober homes can be a valuable resource for loved ones who may be struggling to support someone in recovery. Family members and friends often feel helpless in the face of addiction and may not know how to provide support. Sober living provides a structured environment that can help individuals in recovery build a foundation for a successful recovery journey, and it can also provide resources and support for loved ones who want to help.
Benefits of Long-Term Sober Living Programs
The longer your stay at a sober living home, the more you benefit in numerous ways, such as:
- Access to one-on-one 24/7 support from onsite support staff and managers
- A structured living environment where you will know exactly what you will be doing and when
- Access to ongoing mental health counseling, therapy, and outpatient addiction treatment to further benefit your recovery
- The opportunity to develop and build a solid support system
- Learning how to enhance your coping skills for better resilience to deal with triggers and cravings
- Learning how to care for yourself and maintain a healthy, sober lifestyle
- The opportunity to form new friendships with your peers that can develop into life-long bonds and additional support for when you are ready to leave the sober living home
- Assistance with returning to school, job training, or finding a job
- Safe and sober environment surrounded by like-minded peers who support each other in staying sober
Sober living offers many benefits to individuals in recovery and their loved ones. By providing a supportive and structured environment, sober living can help individuals build life skills, address underlying mental health issues, and reduce the risk of relapse. For those who are struggling with substance use disorders, sober living can be an important part of the recovery process.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Sober Living
It is vital to remember you are never under any time constraints when it comes to long-term vs. short-term sober living. The length of stay depends on multiple factors, such as:
- The extent and duration of your active addiction
- Whether you have a co-occurring condition
- The level of support you will have when you return home
- Your confidence level in being able to maintain your sobriety
- Your ability to cope with triggers and cravings
Furthermore, there is a higher likelihood of lapses and relapse associated with short-term sober living. This is the result of not allowing oneself the time needed to live a sober and independent lifestyle.
Unfortunately, when they move out of the sober living home, they are not fully prepared to face the day-to-day challenges of recovery. Sadly, they may quickly find themselves struggling with substance abuse once more.
It is better to focus on the recovery process and take the time to lay the groundwork required to maintain long-term sobriety. Long-term sober living can help a person lay that groundwork and prepare for life after leaving the program. So, if you do not feel comfortable or ready to move on, it is worthwhile to remain at the sober living home and continue developing the skills to maintain long-term sobriety.
How to Prepare for Life After Leaving Your Program
Again, it is worth stating you can remain at a sober living home for however long you want. Even though your friends may be moving out and moving on with their lives, if you do not feel confident in your abilities, they will not judge you if it takes you longer.
But, once you feel you are ready to return home and move on, it is essential to make sure you are prepared by reviewing the following:
- The living situation will provide a safe, supportive, and sober environment
- Laid a solid foundation for your sobriety
- Developed a structured schedule on how you will live independently
- Confident in your abilities to manage triggers and cravings
- Have a solid support system in place should you find yourself struggling
- Established short-term and long-term goals to continue to work towards
- Prepared to continue your recovery by attending support group meetings, individual counseling, and more
- Have a sponsor or peer support specialist available when you need added support and encouragement
- Maintained your sobriety for more than six months
- Plan for preventing relapses should you find cravings or triggers to be too overwhelming
It can also be very beneficial to join the alumni group for your sober living home. Being an alumnus allows you to remain in contact with friends you have made. In addition, you can participate in alumni events that can help reinforce long-term sober living and even serve as a role model for other young men just starting their recovery journey.
Sober Living Homes for Young Men in Los Angeles, CA
After completing a treatment program for a substance use disorder, if you are not confident in your abilities to maintain your sobriety, you should consider moving into one of our long-term sober living homes for young men in Los Angeles and Redondo Beach. At New Life House, our sober living homes provide a caring, safe, supportive, and structured living environment for young men to continue to focus on long-term recovery. At the same time, they develop the skills to live independently.
New Life House Sober Living For Young Adults
New Life House offers safe and comfortable structured sober living homes serving the greater Los Angeles area. Since 1985, we have successfully guided countless young men to long-term recovery. With the help of our caring and supportive staff, as well as our extensive sober community, your loved one can overcome substance abuse and mental health and live happy and healthy lives.
To learn more about our sober living homes or how you can move into one, please feel free to call or visit our admissions page today.
Last Updated on September 11, 2024
