What are Sober Living Homes?
Sober living homes are homes for multiple people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. The transition to sober life can be challenging, especially when someone is new to it or has just been released from treatment. After being in a safe and supportive environment, it’s challenging to face the real world again. That’s why sober living homes can be a great help. They provide a compassionate and empathetic community that can make the journey to recovery smoother and less daunting.
Sober living homes are typically gender-specific and cater to adults leaving a treatment center. Most residences are privately owned, but some are owned by businesses or charitable organizations. Sober living homes are typically located in peaceful areas such as private neighborhoods to provide a serene environment for those in early recovery.
One example is Recovered Connections in Frisco, Texas, which says on its website, “Sober living homes are community living environments for individuals in early recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Having a strong support system allows residents to avoid the isolation that can sometimes lead to post-treatment regression. Research has proven that those who live in sober living after residential treatment substantially increase their chances for long-term recovery.”
Sober living facilities usually allow residents to come and go as they please if they follow certain rules. However, they may require residents to attend 12-step meetings or be employed. Residents may also be subject to periodic drug testing to demonstrate ongoing sobriety.
The sober living program allows those in recovery to work on their recovery programs and ease back into society by providing a safe place to live. They can return to work or find a job, all while staying connected to their recovery community within a safe, sober environment.
The Difference Between Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses
Sober houses, also known as sober living homes or recovery residences, are privately owned homes for individuals in early recovery who are either new to sobriety or leaving treatment. These homes are privately owned, and guests pay rent to live there. House rules are followed in the sober homes, and the residents sometimes prepare dinners.
Some sober living homes let residents stay as long as they want, while others have a set time limit. State licensing agencies do not monitor them either.
Halfway houses are often government-funded facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals who are coming directly from correctional facilities or inpatient treatment programs. Their main focus is reintegrating the residents into society by offering job training, counseling services, and case management support. Halfway houses may accept insurance coverage, but sober living homes usually do not.
Benefits of Sober Living Homes
The most beneficial part of a sober living environment is the community aspect of living in a sober living facility. It is essential to the long-term recovery process to build a strong foundation in a supportive environment during early recovery.
Addiction treatment is a journey towards building a new life with the help of others. Sober living homes provide a supportive environment where residents can focus on sobriety and build lifelong friendships.
Some of the benefits of the sober living houses include:
Life Skills: Sober living is a team effort. Everyone pitches in to maintain a daily routine. Living in close proximity to others in a sober living home teaches valuable skills such as cleaning up after oneself, maintaining the cleanliness of the bathroom, and helping with cooking.
Community: According to David Greenleaf of Recovered Connections in Texas, “Having a strong support system allows residents to avoid the isolation that can sometimes lead to post-treatment regression.” Community is imperative to strong, positive mental health and long-term sobriety.
Reduce Relapse: Living in recovery homes or sober living houses reduces relapse. These sober living centers surround people in addiction recovery with others in recovery. Whenever someone faces an issue, they can always find someone to talk to, so no one has to be alone.
Environment: Sometimes, going home after treatment is not the best option for sobriety. A sober living house offers a home without substance abuse triggers.
Resources: Many sober living houses have access to group therapy sessions, counseling, and other treatments for underlying issues in addition to addiction issues.
Is a Sober Living Home Right for Me?
How do you know if a sober living house is right for someone with a substance use disorder? Individuals in recovery need to have a safe and supportive environment. These unique living situations offer just that – a space where residents can feel encouraged to stay sober while still being able to maintain their daily routines, such as work or school. Residents in recovery can support each other and make sober friends.
When you call the sober living facility in your area, ask questions. Find out the house rules, the cost, how many people stay in one room, and the house responsibilities. Each home is structured differently, and you’ll want to find one that is right for your situation.
Follow the house rules of the sober living home you choose. These rules allow you to live peacefully in a sober home with your housemates.
Costs for Sober Living Homes
The costs of sober living homes vary by location and individual home, programs they offer, etc. When you call to find information, ask about costs at that time.
Where Can I Find Sober Living Homes in Texas?
To find a sober living facility, ask a treatment center, 12-step program, counselor office, or medical facility for a recommendation. These might have information on local sober living housing in your area.
Recovered Connections, Frisco, Texas
Recovered Connections is for men and is a safe and supportive community living environment that helps individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction to achieve long-term sobriety. By providing a place where residents can implement the tools and principles of recovery, Recovered Connections empowers residents to stay on the path of healing.
David Greenleaf, the founder of Recovered Connections, understands the importance of affordable living arrangements in recovery. Residents must attend twelve-step meetings based on Alcoholics Anonymous’s Big Book, and all residents are expected to work with sponsors and actively follow the 12 steps. He says, “Research has proven that those who live in sober living after residential treatment substantially increase their chances for long-term recovery.”
Greenleaf’s sober living facilities provide a foundation for a sober lifestyle. His two sober living facilities are in Frisco, Texas, just a few miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth.