A major barrier faced by many people in early recovery is the lack of stable, supportive, and sober housing after treatment ends. People leave the safe, supportive setting of their rehab center and are thrown back into the same environments in which they abused drugs and alcohol.
Sober living homes are drug-and-alcohol-free residences reserved for people in early recovery. They enforce sobriety and other rules such as curfew and chores to not only help people stay sober, but also make healthy lifestyle choices.
For many people, sober living homes serve as a vital piece of their recovery, as they help ease the transition from rehab to independent living. Here are 5 benefits of staying in a sober living home in North Carolina.
1. Safe and Affordable Housing
While some people own their own homes or can live with family members, some people don’t have anywhere to go after rehab. Whether they stopped paying rent and got evicted from their apartment or were experiencing homelessness, these individuals would be at risk of living on the streets. Homelessness and lack of secure housing are known to increase the risk of substance abuse.
Similarly, many people who go to rehab aren’t in the best financial situation because they have been spending all of their money on drugs or alcohol. High debts and lack of finances can make it difficult to find affordable housing. Fortunately, sober living homes tend to be very affordable. Some are even covered by insurance.
2. Peer Support
Having the support of like-minded individuals who are also in recovery can boost your motivation for sobriety and reduce your risk of relapse. Sober living homes usually house 4-7 people at a time, bringing together people of the same gender who all of the same goal of staying sober. While living with these people, you will have the support and understanding of other people in recovery.
3. Lasting Relationships
Many people find that the relationships they develop during sober living last for many months, years, or even a lifetime. You are at a very vulnerable time at the beginning of your recovery, and you’re bound to establish strong bonds with your housemates because of your shared experiences. These experiences can keep you connected, providing you with long-lasting support.
4. Learn Life Skills
While staying in a sober living home in North Carolina, you’ll be responsible for preparing your own meals, waking up on your own, coming home at a decent time, and keeping your space clear. You’ll also have to navigate the issues that arise when living with other people, so you’ll get to practice communication skills. All of these skills, from cooking and cleaning to communication and collaboration, can help you function in daily life and make healthy decisions.
People often don’t realize how their life skills have been affected by their addiction until their on their own. Sober living homes provide you with a safe and structured place to truly embrace a healthier, more productive lifestyle.
5. Reduced Risk of Relapse
A drug and alcohol rehab center can teach you all of the coping skills in the world, but without a safe environment, you may find it difficult to manage your triggers. In fact, sober living homes are proven to reduce the risk of relapse in people who live in them after leaving rehab.
Staying in a sober living home in North Carolina will not only provide you with a safe environment, but it will also shield you from some of the triggers that come with living on your own–such as loneliness, lack of support, isolation, or boredom. While living in a sober home, you can practice your healthy coping skills while still having support to fall back on just in case those coping skills aren’t enough.
Sober living homes provide you with some freedom, but enough structure and support that you’re less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol. By the time you make the decision to leave sober living, you’ll be more prepared and established in your recovery to cope with relapse triggers.
Transitional Sober Living Homes for Men in North Carolina
Beyond our 30, 60, and 90-day treatment programs, Next Step Recovery bridges the gap between inpatient treatment and long-term recovery by offering safe and supportive sober living homes in North Carolina. The primary focus of our North Carolina sober homes is to separate men recovering from addiction from the same environment in which they used drugs and alcohol. With the support of our programs, achieving a drug and alcohol-free life is attainable for everyone.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and interested in learning about our treatment and sober living programs, please give us a call today. Our admissions coordinators are available to help you begin your recovery journey.