How Do You Transition From Sober Living to the Outside World?
Addiction is a complex, progressive and chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and continued use despite any harmful consequences it may be causing. Addiction can destroy your health, affect your mind, cause financial ruin, ruin your relationships, wreck your career, disrupt your education, and jeopardize your freedom.
Many people live in and with addiction issues for so long that they have adapted a certain lifestyle. Unfortunately, this lifestyle isn’t compatible with the normal life of an adult. Most addicts lose the ability to maintain a job, a household or family, and financial responsibilities. Detox and treatment are the first steps toward getting their life back. However, this isn’t sufficient to help a person maintain sobriety, so some choose to move on to sober living.
What is Sober Living?
Sober living homes provide a safe, drug-free, and structured environment for those in early recovery to continue working on their recovery. They give addicts direction and help them to gradually adjust to living a normal life free of any substances.
The National Library of Medicine “Sober living houses for alcohol and drug dependence: 18-month outcomes” states
A major challenge facing many individuals attempting to abstain from substances is finding a stable living environment that supports sustained recovery. Sober living houses (SLHs) are alcohol- and drug-free living environments that support abstinence by emphasizing involvement in 12-step groups and social support for recovery. Among several advantages, they are financially self-sufficient, and residents can stay as long as they wish. Although SLHs can be used as housing referrals after inpatient treatment, while clients attend outpatient treatment, after incarceration, or as an alternative to treatment, they have been understudied and underutilized. (NLM)
Studies show that individuals who go to sober living homes have better long-term outcomes in recovery.
Transitioning From Sober Living to the Outside World
Transitioning from the safe, drug-free, and structured environment of a sober living home back to the outside world can be scary for those new in recovery. The fear can be paralyzing. Fear of relapsing and going back to a chaotic life, or the fear of failure and recovery is a lifelong process. Here are some things to remember that may help:
- Stick to Your Routine – You more than likely developed a routine in sober living; stick to your routine. This includes going to your 12-step meetings and making your counseling appointments. In addition, of course, you will continue working or attending school. Also, be sure to eat healthily and get regular exercise.
- Stay Busy (Fill Up Your Schedule) – Those that are newly in recovery must stay busy. Any idle time or boredom is dangerous. If you have to, go and join a gym. However, also make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Sleep is a must.
- Set Some Goals – Set some achievable goals. These can be both short and long-term goals.
- Minimize Triggers – By now, you should know your triggers. You are leaving the safety of the treatment zone; watch out for things that can trigger you.
- Build Your Support – Continue building your support system. You can never have too many people in your corner.
- Pay It Forward – Help others! One of the best things you can do for yourself is recovering. Helping others brings us great joy and keeps our minds busy!
Just remember, you have learned and practiced all of the skills necessary to make a successful transition. You can do this!
Reach Sober Living Home for Addiction at New You Sober Living
New You Sober Living treats everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve. We will help get you on the path to leading a successful long-term recovery, and our facility is beachfront to relax and find your inner self. Our team of specialists is available around the clock to assist you. So what are you waiting for?
