Continuum of care is a healthcare model that guides and tracks patients from the initial point of contact with medical assistance, through diagnosis and treatment, to an end where they can live as independently as possible. Most sober living homes have been used to help people addicted to drugs and alcohol, but some have also been used to help people with other mental health problems or disorders. This common-sense model of care can be incorporated into all treatment programs to help patients achieve long-term sobriety.
Sober living is a housing model for those currently in recovery from addiction but does not need the intense oversight that goes along with full-time treatment facilities or intensive outpatient services. It usually consists of people in the same stage of recovery from addiction who have yet to progress past that stage. These houses typically involve little monitoring or supervision. In other words, there needs to be a 24-hour staff present. Therefore, these houses usually require little to no maintenance from healthcare professionals.
Substance Abuse Care
Sober living arrangements are among many types of substance abuse treatment facilities. However, they are not typically considered drug or addiction treatment facilities. The term drug treatment facility has been used to describe sober living arrangements because they provide a similar service to that of formal drug rehabilitation centers. Still, they are much less regulated by the state and federal governments. Therefore, there is no governing body comparable to the state department of health services that oversees sober living homes as there are formal rehabilitation centers.
Addiction and Alcoholism Treatment
While sober living may not be considered drug treatment, it is an appropriate care model for alcohol and drug addiction. Most sober living facilities do not offer the same degree of supervision regarding medication and mental health therapy traditionally offered in state-run rehabilitation centers. It is important to note that sober living homes can still be considered addiction treatment facilities because they are designed to help with addiction.
Treatment of Addiction/Alcoholism
Studies have found that sober living homes are effective in helping people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs be able to live a sober life. The benefits of these programs only last for those who choose to live in the facilities or participate in self-directed treatment. Alcohol addiction and alcoholism are chronic conditions that cannot be cured in the same way that a cold can be cured with antibiotics. A person addicted to alcohol may relapse, and progress just as they would if they were to deteriorate due to other types of addiction. Still, certain aspects of alcoholism differ from different kinds of addictions. The steps are designed to better equip the person with the tools and life skills necessary to handle their addiction.
Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol
A lot of research shows that the longer a person is sober from their drug of choice, the more difficult it becomes to abstain from using, or even using again. Therefore, working with a professional and learning to stay sober is essential. There is also evidence to support the fact that certain demographics and situations suggest an increased risk of relapsing on drugs or alcohol. Sober living facilities are designed to help people maintain sobriety by providing structure and support. The goals of any recovery program should be to make positive life changes, improve the quality of life and improve the individual’s lifestyle habits.
This is a progressive treatment model, meaning that the individual needs to go through various stages and phases of care before they can recover from their substance abuse problem. Sober living is a distinctly low-intensity treatment program that can help people seeking to better their lives and improve their quality of life. It works with traditional addiction treatment services and can be a useful tool for overcoming addiction. The success of sober living homes depends on the individual’s motivation and ability to self-manage their treatment. Ready to get started? Call us at 614-705-0611.