Sober living is a unique residential environment for those in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. It provides an enviable blend of peer support and structured living, making it a great way to build lasting sobriety.
Sober living homes are often the first step in an individual’s journey towards sobriety, as they allow individuals to gain independence and get back to their daily lives. They can also offer a variety of other support services that are helpful in the transition from treatment to independent living.
It’s a safe environment
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, a sober living home can be a safe place to start your recovery. This type of housing is designed to mimic a normal, healthy home environment, allowing you to transition back into your everyday life without having to rely on substances or triggers.
In addition, a sober living home can help you avoid relapse by distancing yourself from people and places that might encourage relapse. For example, being near bars and nightlife often increases a person’s risk of relapse.
Sober living homes can also help you build meaningful relationships with other residents. This can be especially important for people who struggle with loneliness.
Generally, sober living homes have a set of rules that residents agree to when they move in. These rules include things like curfews and employment and education requirements. These rules help residents learn responsibility, coping skills, and teamwork. They also ensure that everyone stays accountable for their behavior.
It’s a great way to learn new coping skills
When you are recovering from substance abuse, it’s important to learn new coping skills. These can help you cope with emotions, stressful situations, peer-pressuring relationships, past traumatic experiences, mental illness, and other challenges that you might face.
Sober living can be a great place to learn these skills. You will live alongside others on a similar journey to recovery, and they understand what you’ve gone through and the way you think.
You’ll also have a support system to turn to if you need help. In fact, some people find that the relationships they develop in sober living homes stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Healthy coping skills are essential for lifelong health. Without them, you can develop serious health issues like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and physical aches and pains.
It’s a great way to get back to sleep
Sleep is a vital bodily function and one of the many benefits of living a sober life. When you’re abusing drugs or alcohol to excess, it can rewire your brain and rob you of the quality sleep you need to recharge.
However, you can also take steps to improve your sleep patterns. For example, try using deep breathing as a way to calm your nerves and relax your muscles before bed.
Another good idea is to get up and do something light for 20 minutes, such as reading or listening to relaxing music. Doing these things can help break the connection between your bedroom and sleepiness. If you can’t get back to sleep within this time frame, you should move on to the next step of your sleep plan. It might even be helpful to get out of your bedroom altogether and spend some time in a more relaxed environment, such as the living room or kitchen.
It’s a great way to improve your mental health
Living in a sober home is a great way to improve your mental health. You’ll have a strong support network of fellow residents who are also committed to sobriety.
The social support in a sober home will help you combat loneliness and boredom, two common relapse triggers. You’ll also have the chance to practice the coping skills you learned during treatment.
Studies have shown that people who stay in sober homes for a year or longer are less likely to relapse. This is because these homes are designed to mimic a healthy lifestyle, and they help clients re-learn the life skills they lost during their addiction.
You’ll also have a chance to make new friends, which can be incredibly important for maintaining your sobriety. These relationships will continue even after you leave the sober living house.