This is a bird’s-eye view of what it is like to live in a sober home. You’ve just finished working through the program at a treatment center, so you may be asking – what’s the next step? Like many treatment center graduates, you’re uncertain of what the future holds and wondering how to move forward. You’re excited and a little nervous about getting back out into real life. But, there it is, you’re feeling uncertain and maybe recognize some old triggers already. It can be unsettling thinking about facing old triggers and even more so worrying about running in friends from your using days. The pressure is already building. That’s where living in a sober home comes in.

Sober homes offer a controlled and protected environment for recovering alcoholics and addicts who are making the transition back into real life, interacting and responding to daily highs and lows. Many homes are converted family homes in your everyday residential neighborhoods so that you feel like you are part of the community. The main thing that sets them apart is that there is usually a house manager, rules and policies that provide structure and support for the residents seeking to grow and learn how to live sober.

Why is it better to live in a sober home?

You will learn that most sober homes have strict rules and policies to live by providing a structured environment. This structure provides support toward living sober. The rules vary between sober homes but some of the ACTS Recovery Home rules include; attend house meetings, attend AA or 12-Step meetings, complete house responsibilities and abstain from alcohol and drugs. There may also be a curfew and a sign in and out log for leaving and entering the sober home. Sometimes you are assigned a buddy; someone who has been sober and are experiencing success that will provide some friendly leadership.

Daily Schedule

Your morning schedule in your new sober home is very important. You will begin the day by making your bed and cleaning assigned areas or helping with morning food preparation. Depending on the day of the week, you will be expected to go to work, school, community volunteer event or other approved activity. You will be expected to leave the home by 9am Monday through Friday so that you learn to function according to the schedule of most people in society. Of course, there are exceptions but those will need to be approved by house management or the director. The evenings are structured a little differently. You will have dinner with your sober home-mates; attend group support meeting or an AA meeting. After that you will have time to relax, call family or just read or watch TV.

The thing you can count on most is being part of a sober, supportive home environment.

The routines of life in a sober home may appear simple; however, they have been proven to be very effective. There is a balance of structure that helps to keep you on the right path toward your recovery goals but you don’t have the intensive and controlled program of a treatment center.

Succeeding in a sober home.

Success in recovery isn’t guaranteed by living in a sober home but the likelihood of you sliding back is greatly diminished. Relapse is not as likely when you surround yourself with people who are living a healthy lifestyle and sticking to sober living guidelines. There are many sources for support as you move through your day. They come in the form of your peer support group, counselors, sober home-mates, your AA or 12-Step meetings and many more.

You want to actively pursue friends and family who help you in your recovery by encouraging and living a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, you will want to refrain from interacting with people who discourage you or try to lead you back into the old lifestyle.

ACTS Recovery Homes offers a solid solution for after-treatment sober living. Please call us at 512-497-2147.