A lot of research has been done on the efficacy ofĀ sober living homes, primarily because of the environmental factors that separate them from typical neighborhoods. Sober living homes are defined as facilities used by those recovering from substance abuse that serve as āan interim environment between rehab and mainstream societyā. Sober living homes arenāt just for anyone ā theyāre typically for those who have completed a residential treatment program for a period of time and are ready to start transitioning into independent living. Sober living homes provide more support than a person would receive by returning home, because those in recovery are surrounded by other people who want to reach sobriety goals, too.
There are many ways in whichĀ sober living homesĀ can benefit multiple areas of a personās life, and weāll explore several of them:
Employment is Fostered
A 2019 study published in theĀ Journal of Substance Abuse TreatmentĀ sought to identify the characteristics of sober living homes and how they impact certain areas of individualsā lives. After looking at 330 residents in 49 sober living homes, researchers found that this type of setting actually increased odds of employment ā and this was found after having conducted interviews 6 and 12 months after initially speaking with participants. Why might this be? Sober living environments remind residents of their goals, and, because structure is still there (such as a substance-free living environment, 12-Step support groups, house rules such as paying rent and completing household chores and more) those in recovery are more likely to feel confident in applying and interviewing for positions.
Social Support is Provided
Peer support, as well as participation in recovery services while in a sober living home, can greatly improve a personās outlook on their life. In 2016, researchers from New Hampshire assessed 28 female residents and found a number of social components that boosted their recovery:
Sobriety is Reinforced
One of the most common fears of those returning home from rehabilitation is becoming triggered and ultimately relapsing. Relapse is possible no matter who you are or how long youāve been in recovery, but the environment you live in can become more influential than a person realizes. A 2015 study published in the journalĀ Substance Abuse Rehabilitation assessed those in a sober living community for over 18 months; they found that having support peers enhances a personās chances of sobriety because theyāre more likely to feel understood, to recognize the vulnerability in others, to identify with recovery paths that other people are taking, to receiving confrontation in a loving way, and to hold each other accountable. Thereās no doubt that social support is one of the strongest factors of motivation ā and when someone is surrounded by people who work to uplift one another, the results can be truly transformative. This can sometimes be challenging in certain states where THC is legal and CBD Gummies are allowed as long as they are below the required THC levels.
A Community of Empowerment
Sober living homes provide truly unique settings for those in addiction recovery to thrive. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights that for those who arenāt quite ready to return home yet, sober living homes provide the time, space and support for people to become more confident in their sobriety. Lori Criss, Associate Director of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers, told SAMHSA in 2016,
āWho we spend our time with, where we go, and the things we surround ourselves with all impact who we are and the decisions we makeā¦Recovery housing can [fill the pain and isolation often felt in recovery] with a safe place, compassionate people, and a life full of purpose and fun that doesnāt involve alcohol or drugs.ā
12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) further strengthen opportunities for those in recovery to build strong support systems while also continuing to follow a structure that will aid in the mental, physical and spiritual health. If you believe you may be ready to transition to a sober living home, please call Cumberland Heights today. There are many tools, people and resources that can aid in your recovery and make it easier for you to transition to more independent living ā itās right around the corner.