Does structured sober living work?
Going through addiction treatment is an essential part of recovery, but what happens after? Sober living programs are a popular choice after leaving a treatment facility. The last thing you want to do when you leave treatment is go back into the same environment you used in. Structured sober living offers just that, structure, which is very important for a successful recovery.
Structured sober living provides a safe environment created with your recovery in mind. It involves rules, regulations, and schedules that will provide structure to your days and nights. This is a great way to help you develop self-discipline and reinforce the tools you learned in treatment.
Sober living vs structured sober living
Sober living is a great next step after going through addiction treatment. The ultimate goal of any sober living is to create a safe space for individuals leaving treatment, allowing them to adjust to the real world but in a new way for them – sober.
Whether it is structured or not, you will typically be in a house surrounded by peers close to your own age and gender. This helps create a community of people and a solid foundation on the road to recovery. Building relationships within the house allows you to hold each other accountable, cheer each other on, celebrate wins, and develop bonds with people you can turn to when life gets difficult.
Sober living will provide support and care to residents, but only to a certain extent. Oftentimes, sober living doesn’t have the resources available that people leaving treatment need in order to maintain recovery. Also, some sober living facilities are peer-run, which can sometimes allow for too much freedom and a lack of complete accountability.
Structured sober living is more regimented than your typical sober living facility. There are usually schedules that everyone must follow and be held accountable for. Rules, regulations, curfews, chores, drug and alcohol tests, group sessions, and outside recovery-related meetings are often incorporated into your day-to-day life. Basically, every part of your day is accounted for. You may also receive career and academic guidance.
What to look for in structured sober living
If you want the full structured sober living experience, there are some things you should look for.
- Accountability – If the rules and regulations set in place are not followed, what are the repercussions? Meeting certain program requirements as the structured sober living program progresses might be required such as developing healthy daily habits like drawing or meditating or finding stable employment.
- Curfew – This is a part of being held accountable as nothing good can come from being out past a certain time.
- Chores – While they may seem tedious, chores help you develop good habits and a sense of pride in your surroundings.
- Drug and alcohol tests – This is to ensure that everyone is, in fact, living in a sober environment.
- Group sessions – Gathering together to share the highs and lows of recovery with people who are going through the same thing as you can be powerful. The more you do together as a group within the house, the stronger of a bond you will form.
- Rules and regulations – These will be put in place upon arrival and maintained throughout your stay. If any rules are broken, there will most likely be serious consequences.
- Recovery-related meetings – It might be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other 12-step or support groups on a daily or weekly basis.
You will also want to make sure that the facility is safe and clean. That means adequate bedrooms and bathrooms, no signs of broken walls, and a safe, residential neighborhood.
Why is structured sober living a good choice for young adults?
Young adults can really benefit from structured sober living after addiction treatment. They are usually surrounded by peers who are going through the same things they are so there is no fear or unease about going back to old friends and old habits. If structure is not something that young adults are able to achieve in their home lives, then looking for structured sober living is even more important.
How do I find the best structured sober living for my loved one?
Finding the best structured sober living for you or your loved one will involve some research. Start by asking an addiction treatment facility if they have any recommendations as they will know some of the things that go on behind the scenes. Structured sober living might not sound like the “most fun” option, but it is certainly the best option for a successful recovery.
Dignity Hall Structured Sober Living Homes
Structured sober living provides the opportunity to be fully prepared for what life will look like once back into a normal routine. At Dignity Hall, we set you up for success with our structured programs that will instill positive routines into your life that you will be able to continue with when you or your loved one choose to leave. Call us today at 855.347.2452 to learn more about Dignity Hall’s structured sober living locations near you and house policies.
