What is Sober Living?

Sober living is an optional, yet essential part of the addiction recovery process. After completing addiction treatment, some may choose to enter a supportive living environment meant to help individuals in recovery develop the necessary coping mechanisms and skills to navigate daily life in sobriety. After addiction treatment programs are finished, returning to the pre-treatment environment is a significant risk factor when it comes to relapse. To reduce this risk, people may choose sober living for a period of time before returning to their primary home.

What is a Recovery House?

A recovery house, also known as a sober living home, are temporary homes that house people who have completed addiction recovery. They are designed to provide a structured and supportive environment to help prevent relapse. Recovery houses are structured exactly like ordinary homes, but with support and regulations involved to help promote recovery and sobriety.

Dining & Living Room

In addition, recovery homes provide the opportunity to form a sober support network with other individuals on the road to sobriety, which can offer valuable support and guidance.

How Does Sober Living Work?

Sober living works through the effort of peers in recovery or professional staff members. Those that run sober living homes and are trained to offer residents support and guidance. The primary objective of sober living is to help individuals transition from addiction treatment to daily life while offering a supportive and sober community.

Residents take responsibility for their own recovery and provide mutual support through the challenges of sober living. Most programs require a minimum stay of several months to a year to allow residents to establish a strong foundation for recovery, but individuals can stay for as long as they need.

Along with abstaining from drugs and alcohol, residents attend support meetings and participate in household chores and activities. These day-to-day activities help residents pick up on daily habits to keep them motivated and responsible.

Are Sober Living Homes Safe?

When it comes to safety in sober living homes, finding the right one can be difficult. There are a lot of horrifying and neglected sober living homes out there, and finding the right one can be daunting. It is important to look for signs of structure and safety when choosing a sober living home. Most of our staff at South Philadelphia Structured Living have seen the worst neglected sober living has to offer, and we take the health and comfort of our guests very seriously.
 
Reputable and well-managed sober living homes prioritize the safety and well-being of their residents by enforcing rules and guidelines that promote sobriety and healthy living. Such homes require residents to maintain drug and alcohol-free lifestyles, attend support meetings, and actively participate in household chores and activities. In addition, staff members or peer leaders provide support, guidance, and accountability to ensure residents stay on track with their recovery goals.

However, not all sober living homes are created equal, and some may not have the same level of safety or management standards. Thorough research is essential to find a reliable home that can support your recovery journey. Additionally, some sober living homes may be situated in neighborhoods with higher crime rates or other safety issues, which can affect overall safety. Being aware of potential risks and reporting any concerns to staff or authorities is crucial to maintain a safe living environment.

Benefits of Sober Living

  • Support network with others who are in recovery.
  • Comfortable & home-like atmosphere.
  • Group activities & trips to grow bonds.
  • Reduces one’s chance of relapse after treatment.
  • Learn to live life without the need for substance use.
  • Controlled environment where no drugs & alcohol are present.