SOBER LIVING
AT A GLANCE
WHAT IS A STRUCTURED SOBER LIVING?
A structured sober living is a residence where people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction can live together in a supportive, accountability-based community. Some key aspects of a structured sober living include strict rules around sobriety and recovery: Residents commit to staying sober and following the rules of the house. They are often subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
Chores, responsibilities and a daily routine: Residents are assigned chores and responsibilities around the house. There are set times for things like meals, meetings, curfew, wake up, etc. This helps establish discipline and accountability.
Shared responsibilities: Residents work together to maintain the household and support each other in recovery. This includes things like cooking meals, cleaning, attending house meetings, etc.
“To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends— this is an experience you must not miss.”
Alcoholics’s Anonymous, ch. 7
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
Residents support each other in staying sober and navigating issues together. They share experiences, sponsor each other, and hold each other accountable. • Meetings and program work: Attending 12-step meetings, therapy, and other programs is usually mandatory. Residents work steps together and encourage each other in the program.
The goal is for residents to develop life skills and enough stability/ sobriety to eventually transition to living independently and maintaining their recovery. The length of stay varies but is usually 6-18 months.
GETTING SOBER
SAFELY, TOGETHER
PREVENTION AND PROACTIVITY
Relapse is taken very seriously and may result in immediate action from the house. The strict rules aim to prevent relapse and keep the sober environment.
At Graceland, we take active steps to not only support residents in their recovery, but encourage healthy habits towards a successful sober lifestyle:
- Maintain a strict sober environment. Enforce zero tolerance for any drug or alcohol use. Regularly monitor and test residents.
- Establish a tight schedule and routine. Keep residents busy with chores, meetings, and other responsibilities. Idle time can lead to cravings and relapse.
- Provide strong accountability and peer support. Residents should check-in on each other, share experiences, and report any issues to house managers. Require attendance at 12-step and other recovery meetings. Meetings help strengthen sobriety and provide support systems outside the house.
- Assist residents in transition planning. Help them develop budgets, job search plans, apply for housing, and build life skills to prepare for independent living. The more stable their aftercare plan, the less likely they are to relapse.
- Watch for warning signs. Look for changes in behavior or mood that could indicate residents are struggling or at risk of relapse. Provide extra support and monitoring as needed. Maintain a zero-tolerance policy. Immediately expel any resident who uses drugs or alcohol. Their sobriety cannot come at the expense of other residents.
- Promote personal growth and recovery principles. Residents should work steps, pursue therapy or counseling, build coping strategies, and make lifestyle changes to strengthen their sobriety. Encourage pursuit of interests and hobbies.
- Help fill time with positive social interactions and new habits that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
WHY SOBER LIVING?
Although less expensive than a treatment center, residents pay rent and fees to stay in a sober living. This also helps instill responsibility. So in summary, a structured sober living is designed to be a strict but supportive transition.
There are several benefits to attending a sober living house: It provides a structured, supportive environment.
The sober living routine, rules and peer support help you establish positive habits and stay committed to your recovery. Accountability helps prevent relapse. Regular drug testing, curfews and house rules hold you accountable, which is critical in early sobriety. Fellow residents also help keep you on track. You learn independence in a controlled setting. You gain life and job skills to prepare you for living on your own, while still having a strong support system. 12-step and recovery work are emphasized. Meetings and program work help you build your sobriety on a daily basis.
Don’t believe us? Let us show you why the right sober living will make all the difference in your recovery journey.