How Do Sober Living Homes Reduce the Risk of Relapse?

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that has to be managed long-term to maintain sobriety. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%.[1] As a result, you must take every step possible to ensure long-term recovery.

While addiction treatment centers can set you up for success, your risk of relapsing after leaving rehab is high because you will face new triggers in the outside world that might cause you to crave drugs or alcohol. Thankfully, there are sober living programs that can help ease your transition from rehab to everyday living.

If you are completing an addiction treatment program soon, you might be wondering how sober living can help you. Knowing the benefits of these programs can help motivate you to seek the help you need.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Housing

The first benefit of sober living programs to be aware of is the drug and alcohol-free environment they provide. When you live in a sober living house, you can be certain that there will be no substance abuse in your home. Substance-free housing is extremely important early in recovery, as being around drug and alcohol use can cause you to relapse.

If you do not have a stable home to live in, choosing to transition into a sober living house after treatment is extremely important. For example, moving back home when you have parents or siblings who abuse substances can be extremely detrimental to all of the progress you made during rehab.

Peer Support

Another thing to consider is the peer support you will receive within a sober living program. Sober living houses are either gender-specific or co-ed and have multiple clients living in the same house at a time. This provides you with the opportunity to make positive connections with other people who are dealing with similar struggles as yourself.

Additionally, many sober living homes have consistent group counseling sessions that take place within the home. Group counseling gives you the chance to heal from your past traumas and gain advice or support from your peers at the same time. Many people who meet in sober living programs stay close friends for years to come, providing you with a community to rely on when times get tough.

House Rules and Structure

Lastly, sober living homes always have specific house rules and provide you with structure throughout each day. Rules and structure are important to your recovery, as it keeps you accountable and teaches you how to live independently.

Common house rules enforced by sober living programs include:

• Nightly curfews
• Requirements for attending 12-step meetings
• Having a part or full-time job during your stay
• Keeping your area clean
• Participating in house chores
• Staying sober from drugs and alcohol
• Randomized drug and alcohol testing

These rules help you learn how to manage your time effectively throughout the day, stay busy to avoid boredom, and help you maintain your sobriety.

Tips for Preventing Relapse While in Sober Living

Even though sober living can be a really useful tool in preventing relapse, there are still some things you should be doing to keep yourself sober. Being aware of the tips and tricks for preventing relapse can help you maintain long-term sobriety and keep you from having to re-enter a drug addiction treatment program.

Some tips for preventing relapse while you are in a sober living program include:

• Implementing a healthy exercise and diet
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
• Keep a journal to organize your thoughts and notice unhealthy patterns
• Practicing self-care when you are feeling fatigued or depressed
• Continuing to attend therapy and group counseling
• Attending regular sober support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Being aware of your triggers and working through them
• Using breathing techniques to work through anxiety
• Practicing meditation and yoga to self-soothe
• Using grounding techniques when you experience a craving
• Have an emergency contact list for cravings that are hard to overcome
• Play the tape through and remember the consequences of substance abuse when you feel like using
• Engage in sober-friendly fun activities to prevent boredom, like playing sports, hiking, swimming, or making art

Using these tips can help you stay sober even through tough times. Always remember that when you are experiencing a trigger or a craving, you should reach out for support from your sober friends. Asking for help when times get tough can prevent you from experiencing a relapse.

Find a Sober Living Home in Broward County Today

If you or a loved one are completing a drug addiction treatment program soon, it’s time to start thinking about your next steps. The transition from rehab to everyday life can be difficult, which is why you should always enter a sober living program. This type of housing can provide you with the support and tools you need to maintain long-term recovery from addiction.

To learn more about our sober living homes in Broward County, contact New You Sober Living today.

References:

1. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Retrieved June 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery