During the sensitive period of early recovery, it is normal to experience difficult feelings and encounter upsetting triggers. That’s why having the right type of environment post-treatment is crucial for maintaining sobriety. Ideally, the environment clients return to includes those who understand recovery and know how to encourage their success. Unfortunately, not everyone lives in an environment in which they can be vulnerable and avoid relapse triggers. For this reason, many clients turn to sober living homes to safeguard their sobriety. Sober living homes help clients gain skills and confidence during this important transition to everyday life.
When clients complete treatment at First Steps Recovery, they are referred to legitimate and safe sober living facilities. Clients’ well-being is prioritized and First Steps Recovery always ensures they are taken care of in the best possible way. Likewise, First Steps Recovery puts its trust in reliable sources for sober living homes.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
Sober living homes are also known as recovery housing programs. These residences act as transition programs from initial treatment to one’s regular life. Sober living homes offer clean, secure environments, where clients can continue to practice coping mechanisms while not being at their treatment facility.
Often the transition from treatment and supervision into a more chaotic home life can lead to relapse or many triggering occurrences. Sober living homes, however, act as a transition space. Here, clients can learn more about themselves in terms of self-advocacy, responsibility, and how to integrate what they learned in treatment into their daily lives.
In sober living homes, there is no treatment regimen. However, the homes usually support and sometimes mandate 12-Step programs. Some sober living homes also encourage councils and community empowerment among residents. People who are leaving inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), or incarceration may benefit from living in one of these homes. Those leaving treatment may also find it beneficial for their recovery journey to gather comfort in their new lifestyle.
The Importance of a Sober Living Environment for Transitioning
Sober living environments and homes can be crucial to clients’ recovery journeys. As stated before, the transition from treatment to regular life can be challenging and anxiety-ridden. When clients go back to their normal routines outside of treatment, this may include unsupportive environments. They can encounter peer pressure to engage in a destructive lifestyle again. Being in certain environments can cause stress and overwhelming feelings that may lead to relapse.
Fortunately, finding a stable and comfortable sober lifestyle provides resistance to these stressors. Rather than deal with challenges and triggers at home while navigating sobriety, clients can take the time to transition within a sober living home. Clients can find support and serenity in a supportive, substance-free environment surrounded by those who understand the journey.
An Environment With Structure, Rules, and a Sense of Freedom
Sober living homes also allow clients to engage in some freedom in their recovery. While they were in treatment, clients tried out different services – treatments and therapies alike – and had a strict weekly regimen. At many sober living homes, clients are not required to attend 12-Step meetings, observe a curfew, or forgo overnight guests. Instead, clients have an opportunity to experience an authentic sober life without the stressors of their normal home environments. Some requirements can be more restrictive in the first phase, however, before the client can really embrace a sense of freedom.
Sober living homes may initially enforce the following rules:
- Do not drink any alcohol.
- Do not use mind-altering substances.
- Attend five 12-Step meetings per week.
- Attend a weekly house meeting in which residents go over their weekly goals from the week and set new goals.
- Obtain a 12-Step program sponsor.
- Sleep at the sober living home at least five nights per week.
- Be accountable for your whereabouts when away from the property.
Both the first and second phases of sober living require residents to test for drugs and alcohol. After completing the first phase, clients can enjoy more freedom in their sober lives and lead a much more self-directed existence.
Creating a Sober Community at First Steps Recovery
First Steps Recovery works closely with its clients to build strong, trustworthy connections with them. Developing a secure environment with First Steps Recovery, first, helps clients realize that their best interests are prioritized.
Surrounded by a sober community, First Steps Recovery sets a precedent that success in recovery is best done with a support system that values sobriety and recovery. One of the ways this is implemented is through group therapy. Clients learn in group therapy that their experiences are often shared and accepted within a group of those working on their healing journeys. They build a safe environment to be vulnerable in while also giving and receiving constructive feedback.
First Steps Recovery also continues to stay in touch with clients post-treatment. Having this relationship with clients reminds them that there is always a safe space in the facility and that many people are supporting them on their journeys.
First Steps Recovery and Sober Living Homes
Safety, satisfaction, and success are three driving principles at First Steps Recovery. To this end, the facility partners with sober living homes that offer excellent, safe residences for clients looking for a transition space in their recovery. Lasting change and persistent recovery can only be accomplished if clients feel safe and supported in their environments.
Clients require different things in their recovery, and First Steps Recovery understands that. Those who need additional resources, such as sober living homes, are referred to safe and secure places. Everyone is encouraged to use any resources necessary for their ultimate success with sobriety.
Here at First Steps Recovery, we understand that returning to one’s home environment post-treatment can cause anxiety and a sense of overwhelm. Navigating sobriety is already a difficult task, and not having a safe, substance-free place to live in can be another stressor. We are here to help. At First Steps Recovery, we have a number of external resources that support these difficult transitions. One of these resources is sober living homes. Sober living homes act as transitional facilities where clients are able to navigate early sobriety in a safe, sober, and organized way. Clients benefit from being surrounded with likeminded people while enjoying a sense of freedom. To learn more, please call us at (844) 489-0836.
