Ang matino na mga bahay na nakatira ay naging napakapopular sa mga tao na katatapos lamang ng rehab. Habang ang rehab ay napaka mahusay sa pagbawi ng alak, lamang ang 43% of the treated alcoholics succeed in abstaining. The rest have a very high chance of relapsing, usually during the first year.
This happens as they are introduced to their former “comfort zone,” where alcohol is easily available.
To prevent this kind of relapse, many people prefer going to a sober house instead of their own home. In this kind of environment, people could continue with their recovery while not being tempted into a relapse. Sa artikulong ito, you will learn more about what it’s like to live in a sober house so that you can make your decision.
What Is a Sober Living House?
Sober houses are environments that are free of drugs, alak, and other temptations. Dito, residents can hang onto their sobriety, especially after rehab, as they will not see the triggers that usually made them drink in the first place. The place works on proven recovery principles to help your rehab aftercare.
Very often, sober living houses are private homes that are specially equipped for people with a recovering addiction. They are usually placed in peaceful neighborhoods where people can focus on their growth and recovery while relieving their stress.
While sober living houses are often referred to as “halfway houses,” they are different. Halfway houses require you to go through a recovery program in a rehab center first. While many sober living homes also require this, not all of them do. This makes them a good option for those who decide to quit alcohol without getting admitted into rehab.
The Rules of a Sober Living House
There is one big rule for sober houses: you have to stay sober. If you drink or use drugs while you are living there, you will step over their most important principle. While many sober homes can allow a second chance if you are honest and open about your mistakes, you can also be asked to leave.
Sober homes are for those who genuinely want to remain clean and sober. Bilang isang resulta, aside from the usual abstinence, you’ll have to abide by the following rules:
- Respecting a set curfew
- Respecting the staff and your housemates
- Participating in activities (i.e., chores or support meetings)
- Giving and receiving emotional support
- Sleeping at the house for at least five nights every week
- Not having any overnight guests
- All visitors must be first approved by the manager of the house
- Agreeing to take part in random alcohol and drug tests
- Covering certain expenses that may not be included in your monthly fee
Some homes can also have their own rules, such as not having pets or phones. Most of them allow phones, as long as they are not disruptive. This is why you need to check the rules of your sober home before you get admitted.
Advantages of Sober Living Homes
Living in a sober living house can bring several advantages that can help your recovery. Here are the positive parts of living in such a place after going out of rehab:
1. Pananagutan
When you are in a sober home, you are held accountable for every action. As a resident, you need to follow all of the rules and regulations that the house manager set. This can prevent you from going into relapse, as you likely won’t have the chance to.
2. Supportive Community
When you are in a sober living home, you are among people who are battling the same demons as you. Having a support network has shown to be one of the most effective ways to recover, and sober homes make it easy. In sober homes, not only will you attend group meetings, but you may also socialize with people on a daily basis.
3. Gradual Integration
Sober homes offer a gradual integration of recovering addicts into society. It gives you a better feeling of independence that you did not have while you were in rehab, but you’ll still have rules to abide by. This can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and support your mental health, reducing the chances of a relapse once you get out of the house.
4. Access to Support and Treatment
You may be out of rehab, but that doesn’t mean that all of your cravings are gone. Being in a sober house such as the Summit Wellness Group is like still being in the treatment center but with the ability to come and go whenever you want (as long as you come back in the evening).
Should you need treatment, 12-step meetings, or counseling, sober houses make these easily available to you.
Potential Disadvantages
Living in a sober house feels convenient when you want to solidify your feeling of sobriety. Gayunman, there are certain aspects that you may have to accept while you are there. Here is what you may go through:
- Lack of Privacy: Depending on the sober house that you live in, you may need to share quarters with other people. The staff may also check on you frequently, making you feel like you don’t have much privacy.
- Limited Autonomy: As a resident of a sober home, you need to adhere to a certain routine. This can feel challenging for those who prefer being independent.
- Restrictions and Rules: While the rules of the house are there to prevent you from a relapse, some people may feel like rules are restricting.
In the end, these potential disadvantages are for the resident’s benefit. You are there to stay sober, and the house will make it so that you’re able to stay that way.
Ang Bottom Line
Sober houses are often better for strengthening your sobriety once you get out of rehab or decide to quit. While there are rules to abide by, these will keep you away from temptation and make you less likely to relapse into substance abuse. You just need to be determined enough to adhere to these rules.
