Rebuilding Healthy Habits in Sober Living
People recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) often face the challenge of needing to replace maladaptive behaviors and habits with positive alternatives. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Having self-defined routines and habits can offer personal balance and satisfaction.” pH Wellness offers clients the option of transitioning to a sober living community after completing treatment to ensure they continue to receive the support and accountability they need to maintain long-term sobriety. Temporarily living with peers can inspire people to maintain healthy routines in early recovery.
How Do Sober Living Communities Reduce the Risk of Relapse?
SUD is a chronic condition. According to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, “Lack of a stable, alcohol and drug-free living environment can be a serious obstacle to sustained abstinence.” In fact, “Destructive living environments can derail recovery for even highly motivated individuals.” pH Wellness helps people determine if they would benefit from moving temporarily to a sober living environment during early recovery. These communities' structured and supportive atmosphere can keep you on track and moving forward.
Sober living communities are ideal for individuals experiencing the following:
Relationship problems
An unsafe home environment
Lack of social support or a weak support system at home
Difficulty maintaining accountability
Severe symptoms of SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders
Chronic relapse
Each person has a different recovery journey. During treatment, clients develop essential coping skills, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Social support is often a crucial part of maintaining abstinence during continuing care. Sober living communities offer people a space where they have the support of staff and peers while also enjoying the freedom of transitioning out of structured care. The additional independence makes it easier for people to establish healthy habits.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle choices directly impact the speed and outcome of your recovery. Individuals who take steps to make positive lifestyle changes during and after treatment experience fewer long-term side effects of SUD. Family and social support is often integral to long-term recovery. However, not all families have the resources to provide loved ones with a nurturing and supportive space.
A sober living facility can provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing space where people can continue to grow and learn. According to the International Journal of Self Help and Self Care, sober living communities “use a peer-oriented, social model approach that emphasizes mutual support, financial self-sufficiency, and resident involvement in decision making and management of the facility.” The additional accountability and responsibility motivate people to maintain sobriety.
Sober living communities help clients build healthy habits, including:
Regular physical exercise
Eating balanced and nutritious meals
Practicing honesty and effective communication
Maintaining a sustainable and consistent daily schedule
Building healthy social networks
Setting personal boundaries
Part of recovering from substance abuse involves identifying and replacing maladaptive behaviors. Living with peers with shared life experiences and a common goal of abstinence can help people more easily identify parts of their daily routine that may benefit from changing. Sober living also keeps people accountable for their choices by setting clear expectations through house rules and guidelines.
How Does a Sober Living Program Provide Accountability and Structure?
Most sober living communities have strict guidelines for who is allowed in the house and what people can bring with them. Rules of the house reduce the risk of relapse or overdose by prohibiting addictive substances on the property. Expecting people participating in sober living to abide by these rules creates a sense of structure. In addition, peers living together provide emotional support and accountability to keep each other on track. Many people find it easier to avoid temptation and follow treatment plans if they have the support of people who understand the challenges they face.
Services and Referrals at pH Wellness
Individuals in sober living communities may attend partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), or outpatient programs. Others only transition to sober living during continuing care after transitioning out of structured treatment. Case managers at pH Wellness educate clients on their treatment options and provide them with the information they need to determine if a sober living community is the best option. The care team will guide clients through the transition into sober living.
Sober Living Helps People Continue to Heal and Grow
Individuals with SUD often benefit from a continuum of care, where their needs and preferences determine when they step down through the various programs. Sober living is an essential part of the process for many people. Being in a safe and substance-free environment reinforces the positive behaviors learned during the initial stages of treatment. The community atmosphere and supportive social interactions prepare people for independent sobriety. pH Wellness encourages clients to take advantage of sober living and other support services during continuing care to ensure they have the resources to heal, grow, and thrive in recovery.
People with substance use disorder come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some people have a strong and nurturing support system at home to help them transition to continuing care. Other individuals do not have that kind of supportive environment and may benefit from temporarily staying at a sober living facility. The social support and accountability people find in sober living communities help them focus on recovery goals during continuing care. pH Wellness provides comprehensive treatment planning and case management services. Clients collaborate closely with clinicians to determine which programs will provide them with the best outcomes. To learn more about our sober living facility, call our office today at (951) 262-8046.