26 May How Long Should You Stay in Sober Living?
After completing detox and substance abuse treatment, it is important to make a plan to continue your recovery activities for life. Part of a successful aftercare plan may involve spending time in a sober living program. A sober living facility gives people a safe, stable environment where they can live, practice being sober in the real world, and get ongoing support in recovery.
Addiction is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Everyone has their own journey through addiction and recovery, and no two people have the same experience. The support you need in recovery will depend on many factors, including your physical and mental health and existing support systems. Because of this, the time you spend in treatment and the amount of aftercare you need will vary. While making your aftercare plan, you may wonder how long people stay in sober living, or what kinds of other support might be available in recovery. Understanding what is available and how long you should stay in sober living can help you stay sober.
Why is Aftercare Important?
Addiction treatment and aftercare plans are necessary for the complete detox and treatment of substance use disorders. The length of time you spend in treatment and in sober living depends on the length and severity of your addiction, as well as the substances you were using. Detox and treatment are often long, challenging processes and require you to do a lot of physical and mental healing. During treatment, you will learn the skills you need to manage your emotions and challenges without returning to substance abuse. You will learn how to live a new life without drugs and alcohol.
After treatment, you will need to practice these skills in your real life with real challenges. Many people find that it is difficult to stay sober when their old stresses and triggers are still present in their lives. This is where your aftercare plan comes in.
Aftercare includes things like sober living programs, support groups, and ongoing therapy and education. When life feels challenging and your confidence in your skills starts to slip, you can fall back on your aftercare plan. Call your sponsor. Go to a meeting. Share your struggles with your sober living community. It’s important to set up your aftercare plan before leaving your substance abuse treatment program so it’s ready when you need it.
Deciding How Long You Should Stay in Sober Living
Spending some time in a sober living program has been proven to give people an increased chance of staying sober for life. This is because sober living gives people a safe place to practice sobriety in the real world while surrounded by supportive peers and staff.
Deciding how long to stay in a sober living program depends on several factors. Things to consider include:
- Severity and length of your addiction
- Your existing support network
- Current living situation
- Mental health needs
- Medical needs
- Confidence in sober-living skills
Generally, the longer you can stay in a sober living program, the better. Research has shown that people who stay in a sober living for 90 days or more have a reduced risk of relapse, fewer incidences of hospitalization for mental health or medical conditions, and fewer arrests than people who had shorter stays.
If you are able to commit to at least 90 days in a sober living facility, you are more likely to be successful in maintaining long-term sobriety and living the full, self-directed life you deserve.
Benefits of Staying in a Sober Living Program After Substance Abuse Treatment
The transition between the structured environment of a treatment program and the real world can be a difficult one for people who are new to sobriety. Despite learning the skills you need to manage your emotions and avoid relapse, practicing them in the face of both old and new triggers can be very challenging. Sober living gives people a safe place to practice these skills. Some of the benefits of spending time in sober living after treatment include:
- Continuous access to support and coaching
- No triggers in your living environment when sobriety is fragile
- Learning new skills to maintain sobriety
- Smoother transition to home/work/school when the time comes
- Better rates of employment and stable housing
- Access to medical and mental health care
- Good balance of independence and support
Addiction to drugs and alcohol changes the way the brain functions. These changes can be reversed, but it takes time. Spending time in a sober living facility gives your body and mind the chance to do the difficult work of healing and changing with good support and care.
Sober living is not simply about healing from addiction, though. It is about rediscovering the joy in life and finding new purpose, including new supportive relationships. Sober living programs in Delray Beach allow you to practice sobriety in a safe place, to be supported during challenges, and to be surrounded by a new community of people who understand what you’re going through.
Find a Sober Living Home in Delray Beach Today
At Florida Recovery Group, we believe that people deserve compassionate, comprehensive addiction treatment. We work to empower people to overcome their addiction and move forward with their lives. Our sober living residences are sober and supportive environments where you can continue your recovery after rehab.
If you or someone you love requires the support of a sober living program or want more information about any of our other substance abuse treatment programs, call us today.
