Sober Living

The first several days and weeks after you become sober can be some of your most challenging days yet. Staying sober requires you to avoid and manage triggers that previously led to drug and alcohol use, but this can be difficult to do on your own without having a strong and reliable support system to hold you accountable. A sober living house can help you transition to normal everyday life after completing a drug rehab program by giving you the peer support you need to achieve lasting sobriety.

What Are Sober Living Homes?

The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment defines sober living homes and communities as alcohol and drug-free environments for people who want to stay abstinent and develop healthier, recovery-oriented lifestyles. Everyone who lives in a sober living home is in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. These individuals are often highly motivated to stay sober and provide a strong support system for peers who are newly sober or who need help staying sober at times of need. 

According to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, social support for recovery plays an important role in long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Participation in 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is usually either required or strongly encouraged for residents in sober living homes. Support groups such as these can help peers stay connected with one another and promote the development of strong bonds that protect against relapse. 

Sober living communities come with strict house rules such as staying abstinent and keeping all drugs and alcohol off the property. Residents may also be responsible for completing certain chores and are required to pay rent and related living expenses.

Who Can Benefit From Sober Living Homes?

A sober living home can benefit anyone who needs a daily structure and a solid support system after completing a drug detox or drug rehab program. People who live in dangerous or destructive homes can also benefit from the safe, supportive environments provided by sober living homes. These homes can be highly effective at helping people transition back into their everyday lives and communities after completing drug and alcohol rehab programs.

Addiction and Family Dynamics

You’ve already gone through drug and alcohol detox to overcome physical dependence.
You recently completed a drug or alcohol rehab program.
You are currently receiving a form of outpatient drug rehab treatment.
You currently live in an unsafe or unstable home.
You are regularly exposed to drugs or alcohol in your community or at home.
You lack a strong support network of trusted, reliable friends and relatives.
You need extra time to adjust to a healthier, sober lifestyle.
You’ve relapsed in the past after trying other addiction treatment programs.

Is Participation at Drug Rehab Required for Sober Living?

Not everyone in sober living communities has completed drug rehab programs. However, an addiction treatment program can improve your chances of staying sober by providing further education about substance abuse and teaching you invaluable skills for managing triggers. Many of the residents in sober living communities have completed drug rehab programs and are working on rebuilding and improving their lives while in recovery.

East Point offers a range of therapies that promote healthy behaviors and help patients develop the right mindset for sober living. Counseling and therapy address the root causes of your substance use disorder to help you experience the most successful recovery possible.

Sober Living

If you are in recovery from addiction and need a safe, supportive living environment, East Point can help you find the right sober living community. Contact us today to learn more about our available drug rehab programs and begin the admissions process.