Some people who complete rehabilitation may not be ready to return home immediately. The abrupt transition from structured care to independent sobriety feels jarring for some clients. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “For people who are newly sober, recovery housing can provide time and support as they learn how to sustain long-term recovery.” Lighthouse Recovery Texas offers sober living programs that provide men in recovery with a safe space to practice coping with everyday situations in a positive community.
What Are Sober Living Programs?
Addiction rehab centers prepare clients for challenges they may face during ongoing recovery. However, not everyone has a support system or a healthy home environment where they can return immediately after completing a program. According to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, “Sober living houses (SLHs) are alcohol and drug free living environments for individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs.” You may benefit from attending a sober living program or staying at an SLH if you do not feel ready to return home immediately after completing treatment.
A sober living program does the following:
- Provides access to a supportive community
- Ensures continued accountability and encourages self-accountability
- Provides an excellent space for developing and practicing essential life skills
When participating in a sober living program, you have access to a shared living space. House guidelines and community tasks allow you to practice social skills, including communication, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving.
How Can Sober Living Programs Improve Treatment Outcomes?
Treatment requires follow-through and dedication to long-term lifestyle changes. Sober living programs provide an environment where those changes have time to become an integral part of your day-to-day life. According to the Journal of Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment, “Residents are encouraged to give and receive support and encouragement for recovery with fellow peers in the house.” In addition, you can stay for as long as you need to feel confident in your ability to independently maintain sobriety.
Sober living programs provide you with time and space away from loved ones. Some people do not have a support system at home, and their peers at the SLH can act as a support system during early recovery.
Other ways the program can help include:
- Ensuring you have a clean and safe living space
- Providing a fellowship of peers and access to mentors
- Ensuring you have access to support resources, including referrals to helpful community resources
You do not have to go through aftercare alone. If your family or friends cannot provide you with a space for recovery, then an SLH may be the right fit.
What Can You Expect From Lighthouse Recovery Texas’ Sober Living Program?
Lighthouse Recovery Texas has four sober living locations in Dallas where men in recovery can have access to additional community and peer support. Most people stay for six months to a year. However, clients are welcome to stay for as long as they need. You can take advantage of the services and community environment of the sober living program until you feel certain about your ability to maintain independent sobriety.
During your stay, you can expect to do the following:
- Provide support to others and receive support from peers
- Take responsibility for specific community tasks around the home, like keeping public areas clean
- Continue to attend self-help or 12-Step groups
- Regularly undergo drug testing to maintain accountability
- Check-in with SLH staff regularly
The houses may differ based on the temperament of the current guests. You can talk to the care team at Lighthouse Recovery Texas to determine which of the four houses will provide you with the best support to meet your needs.
What Are the Benefits of Sober Living Programs?
A sober living program ensures you have a place to stay that will not endanger your recovery. Peers and staff at the SLHs understand the challenges you are facing, and they can provide advice on how to overcome various issues you may face in your day-to-day life.
Recovery is an ongoing process; you need someplace stable and reliable to continue healing. The sober living program ensures you continue to receive guidance while significantly increasing your independence. You can return to work and home responsibilities while limiting your exposure to various environmental triggers.
How Can You Maintain Progress During Aftercare?
Social support can help you maintain progress and motivation during recovery. According to Substance Abuse, “Spouses, family members, peers, and neighborhood factors have been shown to play key roles in both an individual’s addiction and also in his or her recovery.” SLHs have the advantage of being set in a community that prioritizes sobriety and continued recovery. Lighthouse Recovery Texas offers sober living housing for men who need additional time before transitioning into fully independent recovery.
Some people have difficulty staying motivated when encountering challenges during their day-to-day life after treatment. Not everyone feels comfortable immediately returning home after the structure and support they experienced during rehabilitation. Men in recovery who feel uncertain about their ability to remain motivated may benefit from staying at a sober living house and participating in the Lighthouse Recovery Texas sober living program. Currently, we do not have a sober living program that accommodates women. However, we can refer women in recovery to local sober living resources. Everyone deserves access to a safe space where they can heal and grow. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (214) 396-0259.
