Addiction is a terrible disease that affects many, and while it is treatable… recovery from addiction is a very lengthy and ongoing process. It begins with the decision to seek help at a rehab, but the process is far from over when an individual completes their rehab program.

In fact, sober living is the journey that rehab is necessary to prepare you for. Thinking of sober living as a destination is a misconception that many make. Relapse is always an impending threat for those that have successfully completed a rehab program. Sober living only gets easier the longer you practice it.

There are a variety of programs that offer ongoing support after rehab. To find the most appropriate program that will best meet your unique and individual needs, please consult with your addiction counselor. The strictest program for sober living is a recovery home, but this is not always the most appropriate program.

Do You Need a Recovery Home to Live Sober?

The purpose of a support program is to help you become self sufficient. Rehab gives you the first level of training to live sober on your own, but when you complete this program you are only beginning your journey. Do you feel confident in your ability to avoid relapse? Are you willing to stay sober?

Sober coaching is the best program for those who are ready to live sober, because with a sober coach you will still have access to support when you need it, and you will still be moderated for any drug or alcohol abuse… but you have more freedom to make your own choices.

A recovery home is not appropriate for those who are willing and able to live sober. Recovery homes are designed to extend the residential support, offering a controlled setting where relapse is not possible and where further treatment can be given.

For that reason, a recovery home is also not the right sober living option for those who are unwilling to live sober, or incapable of staying sober without help… but who still need to return home and can not stay in a residential setting. If you think you would be more comfortable in a recovery home, but you can not stay in a residential recovery home, you should talk to your counselor about sober companionship.

Sober living is difficult for everybody who first begins, so you should always be honest with yourself. If you don’t feel you will have access to healthy, nutritious meals at home… or that you will continue to receive the same levels of support you need to stay sober… then you should consider a recovery home.

Choosing a Recovery Home to Start Your Sober Living Program

It’s your own health at risk, and you should always do research when reviewing any program that you are relying on to help you (or a loved one) get sober. Because staying sober is harder than getting sober… your sober living program should have a high success rate.

Also, because it is residential, you want to see how comfortable you would feel living there. Talk to the other patients and see if you can connect, because they will be your peers as you learn sober living tactics.