Sober living is a supportive environment where you can live free of alcohol and drugs. Typically, people enter sober living after completing drug treatment.
It can also be helpful if you’ve already completed drug rehab and are struggling to maintain your sobriety at home. Sober living provides distance between you and friends who still use substances.
Improved Relationships
Sobriety requires support from a community of friends and family who understand that addiction can have far-reaching effects on everyone. The more you stay sober, the easier it is to build and foster healthy relationships, as long as you don’t place your sobriety above others.
If you’re new to sobriety, a sober living community can be the best way for you to cultivate positive relationships. You’ll be surrounded by other sober people, many of whom have similar experiences and goals in life. These new friendships will be based on mutual respect and a desire to live a healthy lifestyle without the use of drugs or alcohol.
In addition to building these new relationships, you’ll also learn valuable life skills from the supportive staff at your recovery home. The best sober homes provide a structured environment and consistent drug testing, as well as mandatory participation in 12-step meetings. They also offer a variety of support services, like job readiness training, housing search assistance and financial education.
Improved Mental Health
Having the support and guidance of a sober living home can help you maintain your sobriety after completing treatment. These homes are a step between inpatient treatment and independent living. They offer a safe, drug and alcohol free living environment. They may offer life skills training and mentoring. They also typically offer 12-step groups, and residents are expected to participate in them. They are also responsible for paying rent and other fees, and participating in house meetings and chores.
When you’re in sober living, you’re around other people who are working on the same things you are – they understand how difficult it can be to live in recovery. This can be a great source of strength and encouragement during the tough times.
You’re removed from the temptations of your hometown and away from family members who might be a trigger for relapse. Being in a new environment can also speed up healing. It can give you a fresh start and a new perspective on your life.
Healthier Lifestyle
Addiction often leads to poor diet and exercise, and it can also affect the quality of an individual’s sleep. When individuals are sober, they can focus on healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, which can help improve their overall health.
Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often spend their money on buying substances, which can cause them to run out of funds quickly. Sober living provides individuals with a safe and stable environment that allows them to build their financial stability over time.
In addition, sober living provides individuals with the opportunity to re-learn the importance of establishing and maintaining personal responsibility for their own lives. This includes meeting with treatment providers and attending support meetings on a regular basis. This can help individuals develop better work and family relationships and improve their overall life satisfaction. It can also reduce the risk of addiction-related health problems and increase feelings of personal pride, achievement and self-esteem.
Less Stress
Once you’ve completed rehab or treatment, it can be hard to transition back into your life. In sober living, you will be able to live in a safe environment with other people in recovery. This helps you build supportive relationships with others who are going through the same struggles as you. These can help you avoid feelings of loneliness and provide encouragement to stay on track with your sobriety.
Additionally, sober living provides a structured and safe environment in which to begin work or school. This can help you be more productive at work or school, and reduce stress from financial responsibilities and other life circumstances.
Another benefit of sober living is better sleep. Substance abuse often interferes with good sleeping habits, so getting enough rest is important for your physical health. Abstaining from substances also improves your focus and memory, which can lead to better job or academic performance. This can help you achieve long-term success in recovery.
