Sober livings have not always been around and neither were drug rehabs. But when the recovery industry started getting larger and larger over the past few decades, the need for an interim environment between the rehab and a patient returning to their former lives grew to be more of a necessity.
There is an unfortunate misunderstanding about addiction and alcoholism that is prevalent in modern society. The misconception a person’s decisions revolving around drugs and alcohol are derived from the substances themselves, and that 30, 60, or 90 days at a rehab can help abate this issue, even solving it completely. Fortunately or unfortunately, this is simply not the case.
Working in recovery, I often hear the question “What is the difference between rehab and sober living?” It is a common misconception and unfortunately both institutions are plagued by a variety of stigma and misconceptions. But both are instrumental, especially for young adults getting sober, and it is important to note what each of them facilitate and why.
“Should I trust my child after rehab?” A mother asked me the other day. “Don’t take this personally,” I replied, “but, absolutely not!” This may seem harsh, but evidence shows it’s true. Trusting your child immediately after they get out of rehab is still too soon.
Getting a loved one sober can be an extremely emotional affair – hope, fear and anticipation are often all felt simultaneously. There can be a fear that if one thing is said or done incorrectly, the chance at helping your son or daughter will disappear and this fragile and hopeful opportunity for a new life could be lost.
Wilderness Therapy is an effective introduction into recovery from addiction. It allows an individual to be separated from their old environments while learning to live drug free with increased self-esteem and self-insight. In the isolated and supportive setting that wilderness therapy centers provide, individuals are given the time to focus on themselves and their recovery.