Once you’ve completed an addiction treatment program, you might find yourself wondering what’s next. While rehab is an important tool for recovering from addiction, there is a transitional period afterward that comes with a high risk of relapse.
When you leave the safety of a treatment facility and begin an independent life, you will come across new triggers for relapse. Sober-living homes were created to ease this transition. They offer a drug and alcohol-free environment for you to live in and ensure you receive the support, accountability, and structure you need to stay sober. You’ll learn how to create healthy routines, make coping mechanisms a habit, and create a community of support with like-minded people.
The sober living length of stay varies depending on your progress and specific goals for recovery. While some people only stay for 3 to 6 months, others continue living in these homes for a year or more. The amount of time you spend in a sober living program should be based on how comfortable you feel maintaining your sobriety on your own.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is a sober living house?
- How long should you remain in sober living?
- What are the benefits of attending sober living?
What is a Sober Living Program?
Recovering from substance use disorders requires long-term maintenance. After you complete an addiction recovery program, you’ll have to adjust to independent living. Sober living programs or halfway houses reduce the risk of relapse while you learn how to remain sober without constant supervision and support.
Sober living programs tend to have house rules to keep clients safe and comfortable during their stay, including:
- No alcohol or drugs on the premises
- Randomized drug and alcohol testing
- Adhering to nightly curfews
- Completing daily and weekly chores
- Participating in regular therapy and addiction support groups like 12-step meetings
- Requirements for attending school or work
- Paying rent on time
- Keeping your area clean and respecting your roommates.
Sober living programs also help you develop the life skills you’ll need to be successful. They might offer vocational assistance like mock interviews and connections to jobs. You can also receive help in obtaining government assistance for health insurance, food stamps, or obtaining legal advice.
How Long Should You Stay in Sober Living?
Sober living programs provide a haven for individuals recovering from substance abuse. These living environments offer substance-free housing with supportive services to help you maintain long-term recovery.
While the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that addiction treatment for less than 90 days is not as effective, there are no specific guidelines for how long you should remain in sober living.[1] The length of time you stay in a sober living home should depend on your needs, goals, and progress in recovery.
You should remain in a sober living residence until:
- You have developed a program of recovery through therapy or social support groups like 12-step meetings.
- You have a social support network that you can rely on for help during times of need.
- You have been able to separate yourself from risk factors for relapse, like abusive relationships, not communicating with people who abuse substances, and more.
- You have obtained ongoing treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions and can continue recovery while living independently without a risk of relapse.
Some factors that play a role in how long you need sober living include your ability to follow the program’s rules and guidance, your motivation and commitment to sobriety, the level of support you have, and your physical or mental health. Your financial situation can also impact this, as you’ll need money behind you to obtain an apartment or home.
What are the Benefits of Sober Living?
Sober living offers the structure, accountability, and support necessary for long-term recovery. Sometimes, knowing the specific benefits of these programs will make it easier for you to commit to living in one.
The main benefits of sober living programs like Patrick’s Purpose include:
- A safe and substance-free living situation
- Structured daily routines to keep you focused on your sobriety
- Peer support from roommates can turn into lifelong supportive friendships
- Accountability for adhering to house rules and building personal responsibility
- Access to resources like vocational assistance, life skills training, and access to government programs
- Easing the transition from a treatment facility to independent living
- Reduced risk of relapse due to the level of support you’ll receive
If you recently completed an inpatient rehab program or are currently in one, you should be thinking about your next steps. Your therapist might suggest that you attend a sober living program before tackling sobriety on your own. If so, Patrick’s Purpose is your best option for sober living in California, offering an unmatched level of care and support.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Sober Living Program
Sober living can make it much easier to maintain long-term sobriety after completing an addiction treatment program. If you are thinking of attending sober living, you should consider Patrick’s Purpose. We are a highly rated sober home in California that meets you where you are, whether you are completely abstinent from all drugs and alcohol or using medical marijuana to treat physical or mental health conditions.
At Patrick’s Purpose, we believe in the power of community and connection, and we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that honors the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our residents. We acknowledge that medicinal cannabis use may be a part of some individuals’ recovery journey. We have created a program integrating harm reduction practices to support safe and responsible cannabis use.
Contact us today for more information on how long you should stay in our sober living program.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment