What is sober living housing...a safe place to stay after rehab.

For people with serious drug or alcohol addiction histories, a period of sober living housing after the completion of drug treatment can be a great way to transition back in to the community, and to avoid the full temptations back to abuse during the first months of post treatment abstinence.

Sober housing (sometimes also called halfway housing) is simply a safe and sober living environment for recovering addicts and alcoholics while they try to transition back into the community.

Therapy in a halfway house

The degree of therapy as offered in a sober living environment varies greatly, and some will offer group meetings, 12 steps programs and other therapies; and some will offer nothing other than a safe and sober place to live. Although heavier therapeutic involvement is obviously preferable, any sober living participation increases the probability of a long term involvement in aftercare therapy, and increases the likelihood of long term sobriety.

Filling free time without intoxication

One of the biggest problems that people emerging from a long period of addiction face is knowing how to fill free time with activities that do not involve intoxication. Leisure time is in fact a major threat to relapse. Living in a sober living environment can help a lot, as everyone residing in the house is in a very similar situation, and all can learn together how to have fun without using and abusing.

Reduce stresses about housing

Sober living housing can also reduce the life stressors that can lead to temptation and relapse. The financial requirement for residency is generally nominal, and residents have a chance to get back on their feet financially and professionally before faced with the difficult task of finding a real residence.

Strict rules of conduct

While the rent may be low, residents are required to maintain a strict code of conduct, and abide by certain rules of the house. No resident will be allowed to use any alcohol or drug or enter the house under the influence, most houses will require gainful employment, and many will have curfews and other standards of general conduct. These can seem strict, but they are all in place to minimize the temptations of drugs and alcohol.

Residents will stay for as long or as little time as they feel is needed, and there is no need for a commitment to a certain period of residency. Residents may stay for as long as they need to so long as they continue to abide by the rules of conduct.

Who are sober living environments for?

Sober living housing can be a great option for people unsure about their readiness to reintegrate with full society, for those without a waiting residence, and for those people lacking a quality and sober support network of family or friends. All better drug and alcohol rehab facilities can recommend local sober living housing environments, and these houses are open to all in need.

If you're worried that you’re not ready for full-on temptation, if you've got no real place to go, and if you want to enjoy the friendship of other recovering addicts and alcoholics and enjoy their support through the process…a sober living residency may be a great place for you.

You can always leave if you don’t like it!