People with alcohol or drug addiction risk their health and increase the chance of life threatening diseases such as heart problems, stroke, cancer, and mental issues along with long term anxiety and depression. Once a person gets addicted, the road to recovery is a challenging and stressful one as the body gets used to the drug, and alcohol intake and sudden stop can also be fatal. A person may get addicted to drugs or alcohol drinking due to many reasons, but while quitting the addiction, he may feel emotional, mental, and physical difficulties.
Every successful outcome depends on a focused plan, and overcoming addiction also requires the person strictly following the steps and making a decision to change his habits and lifestyle. Addiction is categorized as a disease and needs treatment, which includes taking medicines and participating in therapy sessions. The rehabilitation centers are also known as ‘rehabs,’ which are the ideal place to start your recovery process, but many people think that after completing the inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, they can return to their house or dorm or wherever they are residing. But studies suggest that quickly returning to the same environment may not be good for the person who is recovering from addiction as there are many factors that can make the person fall for addiction again. There may be friends in the hostel who like to party and have drugs and drink alcohol, or in the home, an elder person may like to drink alcohol sometimes that can tempt the person to drink as well.
If your loved one or even if you are trying to get back some semblance and recover positively from addiction, then a sober living home is the best option for you. The sober living homes from the name suggest it is a place where the residents maintain sobriety by strictly following the rules and adopting a routine that not only keeps them busy but also helps them to pursue their goals. The primary purpose of sober living homes is to provide a platform of structured living to the people recovering from addiction and make them able to live independently without ever having the need to use drugs or drink alcohol.
Most of the sober living homes are privately owned, while some are also run by charity organizations. The best thing is that these homes are located in a serene and peaceful surrounding to give maximum comfort to those recovering from addiction and help them to reflect on life and make positive decisions about their future. The common requirements that the residents have to comply with the sober living home include
- Strictly no use of any drugs or alcohol and no staying of overnight guests
- The residents must actively participate in the recovery sessions and meetings
- A resident should be able to give random drug or alcohol test when required
- The residents must involve themselves in different chores, or an outpatient program
- The fee payment of guest must be paid on time
- There should be an acceptance by the peer group
The sober living homes provide a more free and relaxed environment as compared to rehab centers. The residents in sober living homes can live as they like as long as they follow the rules. The residents have to pay rent and buy their own food as they would have if they lived independently in their own house. The group of residents comprises all those men and women who are trying to recover from drug or alcohol addiction, and this is done so that these people can relate with each other and share their stories of recovery and motivate each other.
The residents may be randomly asked to test for drug or alcohol use to see if they have maintained sobriety or not. The residents who do not follow the rules or violate some of the rules have to pay a hefty fine. The sober living homes even ban the use of some of the products that contain alcohol as the residents may use them unintentionally and then test positive when tested. As a resident, you may be asked to find employment in a nearby school and also actively perform the chores of the home.
The sober living homes do not restrict people who want to live there, but as a prospective person, you must complete an inpatient program in the rehab center before applying to live in a sober home. You are also required to complete a detox program that ensures your medical stability and that you can work while living in a sober home. You will have to pay monthly rent, and it is affordable and equivalent to the cost you would have to pay if you wish to live in a modest apartment. The typical price ranges from $450 to $750, and the cost of rent also depends on the sober home is situated.
Author Bio:
Sarah Andrews writes for an online magazine and discusses some of the trending and important social issues. She recently wrote on sober living homes and how these homes are allowing people to recuperate and rediscover themselves. She discussed the positive impact of living in sobriety on individuals who want to improve their lifestyle.
