Taking the plunge to recovery is a wonderful thing. However, there are many bumps likely to come your way. It is important to keep in mind that this is part of the recovery process but not a sign of failure. There is a likelihood of encountering a relapse along the way. This is not the end of your recovery journey. When this happens, you have to shift goals to focusing on establishing new lifelong habits to make you more resilient.
Recognizing relapse triggers around you is very important and you have to understand how to deal with them. Spending time in a sober living home is a place where to develop skills to prepare you for life without substance abuse. The signs that you are about to relapse include:
- Withdrawal and isolation
- Becoming more secretive
- Glorifying substance abuse
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Decline in productivity and hygiene
- Developing feelings of abandoning treatment
- Reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances
How a residential program helps avoid relapse
Restful environment
A sober living home offers a restful environment. This will make you work on your recovery in a setting where others clearly understands whatever you are going through. A recovery home is a peaceful, welcoming, and safe environment. Life here will allow you to work on your recovery surrounded by people equally committed to live without addiction.
Taking the plunge to sober living in Berkeley offers a structured environment for all residents are accountable for their recovery. This facilitates a smooth transition into long-term recovery without ever having to feel lonely. Experienced and professional staff will work with you on the road to recovery with less chances of relapse.
Appropriate duration
The ideal residential program will help those struggling with substance abuse to focus on long-term recovery. This is very important because there is no shortcut to achieving recovery. The sober living home offers residential programs with various durations depending on the severity of your condition. Longer programs have higher rates of relapse prevention with longer-lasting effects. These can last for about 90 days.
You benefit from residential programs that last for about 3 to 4 months in the first recovery stage. However, the residential program might last for about 7 to 8 months if your transition to independent living requires more time. Sober living sets you on the road to recovery and friendly and experienced professionals are always handy to set you on a steady path after the residential program.
Breaks the cycle
It is very important to recognize that recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey. In a sober living home, you have an opportunity to plan your life after your residential program. This allows a smooth transition into independent living. Life in a recovery home offers ready access to regular support from people dedicated to helping you get better.
You have to understand that relapse can happen on the road to recovery. However, having the best course of action is the best way to go through the experience without having to blame yourself. Spending time in a recovery home breaks the cycle of your old lifestyle that might have contributed to your addiction. Life in a peaceful environment free from your old lifestyle limits the chances of relapse.
Structured environment
Residents in a sober living home follow guidelines to keep them on the road to recovery without being restrictive. The residents might have to attend AA/NA meetings or other treatment programs for addiction religiously. The home has rules including not introducing drugs and alcohol into the home. This ensures that no resident indulges in using these substances.
Additionally, everyone is supposed to respect others, keep the space clean, and to keep tidy. The home might have a curfew as well. However, residents can receive visitors to get emotional support from their loved ones. Maintaining these ensures that the chances of relapse are limited. In addition, residents who fail to adhere to regulations face expulsion from the home to avoid inspiring others.
When to join a sober living home
Joining a residential program is necessary earlier in the treatment phase. You can make this decision with your family and friends backed by professional assistance. The ideal sober living home should have years of staff with years of experience and expertise to help all residents make a successful transition. This will make it easy for you to recover after evaluating the best option to match your condition.
Wrapping up
Living with addiction is very hard. Fortunately, spending life in a sober living home offers to join a residential with a duration appropriate your recovery needs. Here, you will get access to specialized treatment and care from dedicated and professional staff. Living in a restful and structured environment will break your old cycle. This will allow a smooth transition into successful recovery for a chance to live a substance-free life.
