Most individuals attend Sober Living AFTER attending Inpatient Treatment.
It is very common for individuals to utilize both Inpatient Treatment and Sober Living facilities, commonly attending an Inpatient Treatment first. Inpatient Treatment provides an individual with 24/7 structure, more in-depth medical, psychiatric and therapeutic programs, an educational component, clear separation from their past environment(s), amongst numerous other things. This intensive programming allows you to focus on yourself and the essential healing process, while keeping your safe from the external influences that may pull you back into your addiction. Inpatient treatment or “Rehab” connects you with others on the same path, in an environment conducive to recovery. You are not alone in this fight and the comfort and support of being with people that understand where you are, is a key factor in reducing shame. Upon completing Inpatient Treatment, individuals should then transition to Sober Living Homes to put what has been learned into action, and to gain confidence and stability in sobriety. Returning to the same environment after treatment is often times not desirable. Afterall, that is where the addiction was occurring and most of the stressors are still present. There is considerable work that needs to be accomplished and Sober Living is a safe place to continue on your path to healing. Most people will stay in Inpatient Treatment an average of 30-90 days, whereas residents in a Sober Living facility generally stay between 4-12 months.
Sober Living is less structured and requires more personal accountability than Inpatient Treatment.
Sober Living Programs often take a less regimented approach than an Inpatient Treatment facility, utilizing both a positive environment and peer support to create an easier transition to life at home. You may not have your entire day planned out within a Sober Living Home as you would in an Inpatient Center. Rather, you’d go about your day in a somewhat similar fashion to the way you would normally at home, albeit with restrictions depending on the Sober Living Program. Studies show, people that those engaging in a continuum of care (continued treatment in a different level of care) have more positive outcomes, than those that simply go to Inpatient Treatment. Sober Living offers camaraderie, support, and structure. The negative behaviors and attitudes that developed around addiction did not form overnight and they are definitely healed overnight. Give yourself or your loved one the time and space needed to work on recovery. A solid foundation will carry you through future trials and tribulations and help guard against future relapses into addiction. The level of structure chosen in a sober living should depend on the individuals needs and previous treatment experiences. For those that have been to treatment multiple times or those that thrive in a highly structured environment, considering a more comprehensive recovery home might make sense. There are many different guiding philosophies and supportive services offered across the broad realm, that is Sober Living. Always, take the time to read their websites and reviews, consult with other professionals to figure out their reputation, and ask a lot of questions. It is important to feel comfortable.
