Does everyone who goes to treatment go to a sober living afterwards?

Drug and alcohol treatment is available in many different forms. For people with lengthy histories of substance use disorder, the most effective rehab options are often inpatient programs that last between three and six months. For others, successful treatment can occur in a largely outpatient environment. Ultimately, what works well for one individual may not be ideal for the next. This is an important point to keep in mind when considering your options in post-treatment support. While sober living facilities are excellent choices for those who require continued guidance, they may not be the best solution for patients who are eager and ready to return to independent living. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to sober living houses that are designed to help motivated individuals achieve their post-treatment goals.

While detox and substance abuse treatment programs lay the foundation for lasting sobriety, studies show that people in recovery generally fare best when they have solid plans for post-treatment support. Moving into a sober living house post-treatment is a great way to gradually transition back to independent living without returning to old, unhealthy habits or toxic environments. In these spaces, residents must adhere to a number of house rules. Foremost among these is to avoid any drug or alcohol use throughout the duration of stay. Failure to abide by house rules usually entails consequences that are relative to the infraction committed. For instance, residents may be required to make amends to their roommates by drafting letters of apology, or they may be asked to leave depending upon the severity of their actions. When living in a sober living house, people are required to perform daily chores, establish long-term job and recovery plans, and maintain involvement in various forms of outpatient treatment. For those seeking more flexibility and freedom, there is also the option to return home, find a supportive roommate, or enter into a halfway house with the goal of quickly finding an appropriate independent living arrangement.

How To Know If A Sober Living Home Is Right For You

Sober living is a highly recommended option for those exiting treatment given that it provides both measured independence and strong guidance. People are able to gradually reenter society while gaining daily opportunities to practice their improved coping skills. Those living in these facilities can find employment, attend school, and take other actions to begin rebuilding their lives. Offering a balanced blend of structure and personal responsibility, sober living homes provide an excellent opportunity to safely stage a return to normalcy without compromising past achievements in recovery.

One alternative to a sober living home is a halfway house. While sober living homes and halfway houses are similar in terms of the structure and guidance that they provide, halfway houses typically limit the duration of each person’s stay. With a firm limit on how long one can remain in these homes, there is often greater motivation to establish sustainable plans for achieving personal and financial independence. Halfway homes can be great choices for anyone who is deeply committed to recovery, highly self-motivated, and undeniably ready to advance. Both sober living homes and halfway houses offer respite from the toxicity and risks of pre-treatment living environments.

There is also the option to live with a supportive friend or family member who can assist you in keeping your recovery on track. Roommate situations work best post-treatment when all parties are dedicated to helping the recovering individual remain sober. It is additionally possible for some patients to simply return home after their treatment programs have ended. Drug and alcohol treatment centers work hard to ensure that all patient choose the right options in post-rehab living for their unique needs. They also provide clients with detailed information on outpatient programs, individual and group counseling services, and other resources and support systems for ensuring lasting sobriety. If you’re eager to address your substance use disorder head-on, we can help. Call us today at 866-963-7200 to learn more about the available options in drug or alcohol rehab, and post-treatment recovery support.