Tragically, millions of Americans across the country suffer from some sort of addiction. Thankfully, as a result, a variety of treatment methods have emerged that are designed to help these Americans find new ways to live a good and healthy life. Sober living homes are one such example.
Sober living is a form of addiction treatment, sometimes referred to as a halfway home or recovery home. In a sense, it is a step-down facility, one designed to serve as a bridge between someone’s treatment and returning to the real world. If done right, sober living homes can be highly beneficial in returning someone to a path of sobriety and recovery after a time in treatment.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
Sober living homes are designed to help someone reacclimate to the real world. After an intensive stay at in-patient treatment, someone may turn to a sober living facility. Unlike a treatment facility, these homes do not provide full-time treatment options. There are no regulations on when you can stay or go. Instead, they serve as safe spaces for people who are looking to slowly return to the real world. They will have rules – with abstaining from drugs or alcohol usually being top among them – as well as a supportive atmosphere that is designed to help people recover from their addiction.
Of course, these homes are not just homes with no rules, supervision, or support. They are usually managed and maintained by experts in this area who can provide counseling services, job retraining supports, and more. This helps to keep people in recovery together and in a supportive environment. Different sober living homes will have different rules, regulations, and treatment philosophies, as well as different resources and amenities available. Furthermore, depending on your financial or insurance situation, you’ll need to check and make sure that your sober living home is actually covered by insurance. Otherwise, these can get very expensive, very quickly!
Does Sober Living Work?
When done right, sober living can be an important part of someone’s recovery program. Studies conducted on this subject have explicitly shown that sober living homes can help to keep people from relapsing, ensuring that they stay healthy, sober, and safe. For vulnerable people who are in recovery, the services and support provided by recovery homes can be absolutely critical.
However, it is important to realize that “sober living” can mean many different things to many different people. Not all sober living hones are created equal. Unfortunately, the term “sober living home” has been abused by some badly intended actors who are seeking only to separate people from their money. Sober living homes, done right, can work, but it is important that you don’t just settle for a quick google and pick the first website that comes up.
What Should I Look for in a Sober Living home?
It is incumbent upon all patients – and their families – to fully investigate what sort of sober living options someone is pursuing in order to make sure that their picks are right for them. This means many things. First, not all states license sober living homes, but if yours does, you should absolutely check with the appropriate licensing body and make sure that the home you are looking at has been fully inspected and licensed. This likely means that they have met minimum legal and programming requirements.
However, a license is not, in and of itself, sufficient for your family. You should also inquire about the various rules and regulations that the potential home adheres to. What is expected of the individual, and what is expected of their family? What is their treatment philosophy? What supports do they provide, and what supports might your loved one need? How do they protect the home from individuals who may be bringing in contraband, like drugs or alcohol? How do they create a supportive atmosphere that is geared towards recovery? Make sure that you get the answers to these questions.
If you are ready for a sober living home, don’t wait. The life you deserve – one free of addiction – may be within your grasp. Call us today at 614-705-0611 or visit our website at website.