Returning to daily life after completing intensive addiction treatment can be a challenging prospect and may be difficult to accomplish successfully without support. It is well known that going back to an environment filled with the same addictive triggers is a recipe for failure.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), between 40 and 60 percent of those undergoing addiction treatment relapse within the first year. However, studies on the effectiveness of sober living communities find that they do indeed help increase the odds for successful long-term sobriety.
For those seeking housing after treatment, the NIDA recommends at least 90 days of residence in a sober living home for the best outcome. A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that participants who lived in a sober community after competing residential treatment or outpatient treatment achieved the best long-term results.
What is a Sober Living Home?
Sober living homes or communities are group residences that provide a drug and alcohol-free environment for those in recovery from addiction. Most who enter a sober community have completed a drug or alcohol rehabilitation treatment program, however, previous program attendance is not required.
While residents living in sober homes have a high level of independence, the supervisory staff, as well as fellow residents, help keep one another accountable for their behavior and sobriety.
The sober home setting helps residents stay committed to their recovery goals by encouraging participation in support groups while establishing healthy connections with others in recovery. Through this process, residents have the opportunity to better understand and develop coping, communication, and healthy living skills.
Residents in sober homes are free to attend school, go to work, and continue other professional or personal commitments. However, it is important to know that complete abstinence is a condition of continued residency.
The Benefits of Living in a Sober Home
Sober homes are an especially beneficial option for those without a strong, sober support system at home. There may be family members still actively abusing addictive substances, or there may not be a safe environment to return to; there might not be a healthy social network in place, or the individual may have previously relapsed after treatment.
Benefits of living in a sober community include:
- Built-in support group with other residents who are on a similar recovery journey
- Social support structure that helps residents socialize and have fun with others who are sober
- Home-like environment where residents build family bonds and often participate in household duties
- Support for residents when they feel vulnerable or are in crisis
- An environment free of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs on the premises
- Opportunity to solidify new habits of sobriety and healthy living.
If you have recently completed addiction treatment and are concerned that your home environment may not be conducive to recovery, a sober home may be an excellent alternative for you. Turning Point of Tampa can recommend options for individuals in the Tampa Bay area.
Turning Point of Tampa has been offering Licensed Residential Treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis in Tampa since 1987.
