Recovering from a substance addiction is invariably a long and challenging road. Addiction specialists encourage people in recovery to seek support for their commitment to sober living wherever they may find it. For many people, returning to their homes and communities is fraught with risk and temptation too early in their recovery and sooner than they are effectively able to cope with the resulting triggers that might lead them to abuse drugs or alcohol.
In contrast, residing in a sober living community can provide them with a support system they are unlikely to find anywhere else, making this resource one of the most effective keys to successful long-term recovery.
Effective for Adults of All Ages
Studies about the effectiveness of sober living communities are finding that these settings are beneficial for addiction sufferers of all ages, from young adults to the elderly.
Studies have shown that a person who begins to abuse drugs or alcohol at a young age is at increased risk for developing a powerful addiction.1 Those in recovery who are transitioning from intensive rehab to regular daily lives, therefore, find an incredible level of support that comes from living in a setting where there are others also working to maintain their sobriety.
No matter the age of the sufferer, the camaraderie found in these settings appears to be an important tool in the road to recovery.
Structured for Recovery Success
Sober living communities impose various rules and structures that must be adhered to. These structures are designed to support the recovery process. Night checks, curfews, chores and drug screenings are all common elements of sober living.
While these elements may seem invasive, they actually help the addiction sufferer to establish a new life structure—a new way of living that is not dependent on drugs or alcohol. Too often an addiction sufferer has lived with no structure in their lives and has little idea how to build one for their new life. Sober living communities understand that a healthy life structure can provide a framework for a sober life, and it’s a framework that supports sober living in all its aspects.
Challenging the Statistics
Statistics demonstrate that addiction sufferers face a 40 to 60 percent chance of relapse after treatment. These statistics increase in association with powerfully addictive drugs like heroin and meth. A person suffering with a meth addiction faces a staggering 93 percent relapse rate.2
One thing that a sober living community does is combat these statistics by helping individuals reduce their own personal risk for relapse by providing ongoing counseling, group sessions, curfews, rules and a support system designed help those in recovery face their cravings and triggers using effective strategies. Relapse is always a concern, but that’s exactly why sober living communities have become such an important bridge between intensive rehab and long-term recovery.
Sober living communities have become an effective resource for people recovering from addictions. These facilities create a springboard to sober-living success that may not be found in communities at large. In those first months after rehab, when sufferers are so vulnerable to relapse, sober living communities can provide the support they need to reach their goal of long-term sobriety.
David Johnson says:
That’s really cool that a sober living community combats statistics about relapse by helping people reduce their risk. One of my friends has been addicted to substances for a long time but wants to avoid relapsing. I’ll have to look further into sober living.
Conrad O'Connor says:
It’s good that you point out that sober living houses are very beneficial to people who suffer from addiction. My brother has an addiction to heroin, so I’m considering helping him move into a sober living house. I’m going to look for a good sober living house in the area for him.