Recovery is a lifelong journey. Now that you or your loved one have successfully completed an inpatient program, you might be wondering what the next step looks like. It’s common for many people to think that returning home is the only option. But jumping from inpatient treatment to your home can be a tough transition.
The regular pressures of everyday life can feel overwhelming. And combined with the stressors of your home environment, it could increase your chance of relapse if you aren’t prepared. But there are options if you’re looking for a natural transition. A sober living house is a place where any temptations of drugs and alcohol are removed.
If you’re looking for a program designed to help people like you transition more smoothly back to every day life, a sober living house could be your best option. We know that moving to a sober living house can be intimidating at first. But know the benefits of sober living can provide you with the motivation and peace of mind to continue your path to lasting recovery.
5 Benefits of Moving to a Sober Living House
1. Forge Meaningful Relationships
When you move from inpatient treatment right back to your home life, it can be easy to feel isolated or alone. With sober living, one the most obvious benefits is the socialization and meaningful connections you’ll forge.
Sober living allows you to be with other people who are also in recovery and understand what you’re going through. From what it’s like to use, to managing cravings and seeing your issues through other people’s experiences, sober living builds a strong sense of community. And as your relationships grow, you’ll come to realize that you’re not alone. And knowing that you have a support system you can go to when you need it can empower your recovery.
2. The Opportunity to Rebuild Life Skills
Many daily responsibilities and healthy habits get tossed aside during addiction. So when you return home, things like preparing healthy meals, home maintenance, work and exercise can feel overwhelming and stressful. At a sober living home, you’ll have the opportunity to transition back to those every-day tasks at your own pace.
A sober living home gives you a safe and supportive environment to rebuild life skills on your own time. From simple tasks like washing dishes to more difficult ones such as finding a job, you’ll learn how to become independent again. Rebuilding these skills in a safe environment is key to lowering your risk of relapse once you return home.
3. Accountability
Arguably, one of the worst things drug or alcohol addiction robs you of is your accountability. Taking responsibility for your actions becomes a foreign concept and you’re driven by your cravings. But that’s where the importance of a sober living home can help because it gives you the tools to regain your accountability.
Through responsibilities like house chores and daily meeting requirements, you start to get a taste of what every-day life is like again. And besides that, you relearn what it’s like to have other people counting on you. Feeling needed and being held accountable for your own tasks can prepare you for returning home.
4. Support is Always Available
Finding a support system you can count on can be difficult if you immediately transition home after treatment. If you experience a rough patch or feel a moment of weakness, you might have to wait for a meeting later in the week or hold out until morning to call someone. But that’s not the case when you’re in a sober living home.
Many sober living homes have on-site managers that live in the house with you and the other residents. If you have any problems, the house managers will be there to help you out 24/7. Whether it’s cravings or negative emotions, you’ll have access to people who know what it takes to keep you on the recovery path.
5. Lowered Risk of Relapse
Lowering your risk of relapse is a consistent theme throughout each benefit we’ve already listed. And for good reason! The goal of a sober living home is to give you a supportive and safe place to continue your recovery without triggering an immediate relapse.
You’ll have the opportunity to focus more of your attention on yourself, free from the temptations of your old life. And without any alcohol or drugs in the house, you’ll slowly adjust to the normal stressors and responsibilities of life without worrying about a relapse.
Discover Expert Florida Sober Living at Footprints Beachside Recovery
At Footprints Beachside Recovery, our sober living homes are located in scenic and relaxing Largo, Florida. Our program strives to give you more independence and accountability over your recovery journey, and reintroduce stability and structure in your every-day life.
Are you ready to ease yourself back into a life free from drugs and alcohol? Our sober living program can help you take the next step in your recovery. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our sober living program and find out how you can get started.
