15 Feb How Do I Know When it is Time to Leave Sober Living?
The decision to enter addiction treatment is one of the most important, yet frightening decisions anyone can make. However, transitioning from an addiction treatment program back into everyday life is just as scary.
You might have gotten used to the strict routines and constant supervision you receive during drug and alcohol rehab. Additionally, staying accountable for your sobriety and recovery can begin to feel easy within the safety of an addiction treatment facility. These are most likely the reasons that you chose to enter a sober living program.
Sober living programs are not designed for permanent residents. After living in a sober home for some time, you may begin to wonder when it is appropriate to leave. It can be difficult to know when it’s time to leave a sober living program, especially because this varies from person to person. Thankfully, there are clear signs that can help you decipher whether you are ready to transition out of sober living.
How Long Do Most People Stay in Sober Living?
There is not a clear answer when it comes to how long most people stay in sober living. This is because everyone has different needs and recovers at a different pace. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, the average amount of time individuals spend in sober living programs varies between 6 to 9 months.[1]
The factors that affect how long people stay in sober living include:
- The severity of addiction and/or mental health conditions
- Financial situation
- Whether they have a supportive home to return to
- History of relapse
- Abilities to be personally accountable for recovery maintenance techniques
It is important to remember that you should remain in a sober home as long as you feel it is beneficial to your recovery. If you are continuing to benefit from the recovery services offered at a sober living home, you should refrain from leaving. For example, if the curfews, random drug testing, and expectations to attend recovery meetings are keeping you sober, it is best to stay in your sober living program.
Signs You May Be Ready to Leave of Sober Living
If you are currently in sober living, you may be wondering how to tell when you’re ready to move out and become independent. However, there are many factors that you need to consider before making this big decision. Here are the top 5 signs that indicate you are ready to transition out of sober living.
1. You are Active in Your Recovery Program and Sober Community
One of the most important aspects of sobriety is being active in your recovery program and having a sober community to lean on during tough times. This means consistently attending and participating in sober meetings, attending therapy regularly, taking any mental health medications you may need, and utilizing healthy coping mechanisms.
If you find that you can remain active in your recovery and sober community, you may be ready to move out of your sober living home.
2. You are in a Stable Financial Situation
Oftentimes, the rent you are expected to pay in a sober living home is much less than the price of renting an apartment on your own. It is important to make sure that you are in a stable financial situation before leaving your sober living program. Unfortunately, it is all too common for people to leave sober living without the proper funds and find themselves in a difficult spot down the line.
3. You Have a Plan for When You Leave Sober Living
Before leaving your sober home, you must have a plan for your next steps. When you are living in a sober home, your days are usually filled with recovery meetings, therapy sessions, house chores, fun sober activities, and working.
Leaving sober living without a solid plan could lead you to relapse, as you no longer have responsibilities to remain accountable for. However, if you have a plan for a job, school, or other recovery positive activities to fill up your free time, you may be ready to leave sober living.
4. You Have a Strong Network of Sober Support
Living independently after being in addiction treatment and sober living programs can be extremely stressful. You may experience a variety of new triggers that test your sobriety. Because of this, you should not leave your sober living program unless you have a strong network of sober support. In other words, it’s important to have a group of sober friends as well as trusted loved ones, a sponsor, or a recovery counselor who can be there for you when times get tough.
5. You’ve Consulted With Peers, Family, Sponsor, or a Recovery Coach About Leaving Sober Living
And lastly, before leaving your sober home, you should consult with people you trust. Your sponsor or therapist would be able to assess whether your foundation of recovery is strong enough for you to transition out of sober living and into independent life. If you have consulted with people you trust and they have agreed that you are ready, it’s probably a good time for you to leave your sober living program.
Get Connected With a Sober Living Program in Delray Beach Today
If you or a loved one are enrolled in an addiction treatment facility, it’s important to consider staying in a sober home after rehab. Making the transition from addiction treatment to independent living is always difficult, but a sober home can make this process easier. To learn more about how to get connected with a sober living program, contact Florida Recovery Group today!
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