When an individual is exiting addiction treatment, they often need a safe and supportive environment that allows them to continue their recovery. This is where Sober Living comes in. This type of housing is a step down from an inpatient rehab and provides the freedom to live independently with the structure and support to avoid alcohol or drug triggers and maintain sobriety while learning responsibility and building life skills.

Sober Living is a residence that offers a safe and drug free atmosphere in which individuals can build life skills while receiving ongoing support from sober coaches and mentors. It is typically affiliated with a treatment center or an independent mental health organization. Individuals can stay in a Sober Living home for a few weeks or months or up to a year depending on their needs.

Some of the main benefits that people experience in Sober Living include a better quality of life, improved physical health and a greater sense of self-worth. Sober living can also help individuals recover from existing health conditions, such as liver disease, high blood pressure and heart problems.

While a person is utilizing the services of a Sober Living program, they are given a chance to establish a new routine and to learn how to cope with difficult emotions. They are taught healthy coping and life skills that they can take into the community with them once they leave. This can be especially helpful for those who have a hard time dealing with stress and anxiety in a regular environment.

Another benefit of Sober Living is that it helps individuals rebuild important relationships in their lives. Oftentimes when people use drugs and alcohol, they tend to throw other obligations out the window. Whether it is paying bills, going to work or caring for children, sober living forces residents to re-establish these obligations. It also helps to build a new social network and to start over, particularly if their previous social circle was centered around alcohol or drugs.

When people are sober, they are able to see the world in a whole new way. They are able to notice the beauty of nature, hear the sounds of the birds sing and enjoy the cool breeze on their face. They can go camping, hiking, take a art class or do something as simple as going to an antiquing event.

Those who are in sober living can form close bonds with other residents in the house and can support each other as they move through the challenges of recovery together. Research has shown that there are many benefits to this type of living situation, including safety, a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants, mutual accountability and support and the ability to learn more about different types of recovery. If you’re thinking about sober living, make sure to ask your treatment center or counselors for a recommendation or visit a sober living facility in your area to get more information.