760-216-2077
The past three years have been different for many people, especially those who have been using drugs and have found recovery. Isolation, uncertainty, and even closures of vital services such as Medication-Assisted Treatment during the COVID-19 crisis left people scrambling to get the healthcare they needed. As a result, sober living temporarily stopped accepting new clients, but sadly, many people in other care situations found themselves without a place to go. Sober living, however, continues to provide safety and focus on clients' well-being during uncertain times.
Sober living is an essential tool for people in recovery. For many people now getting sober, the responsibility, community, and accountability a sober home can provide can help them build a strong recovery foundation.
The pandemic changed how people used and acquired drugs.
Economic hardship, a stumbling economy, and the fears of the pandemic caused much uncertainty. At the same time, the illicit drug supply chain was cut off in many ports. As a result, people had to look for new ways to get high. Often, this meant dealing with drug dealers on social media who may have added fentanyl to their products.
Uncertainty and economic hardship are often causes of increased substance use. In addition, people who were isolated or working at home often used substances out of loneliness or boredom.
These factors led to a wave of overdoses in 2020 and 2021, with over 92,000 lives lost to overdose. It was the largest number to date, 21,000 more than in any previous year. Moreover, the numbers increased the following year, with 53,000 dead in the first six months of 2021 alone.
There's never been a better time to get sober – there is increased access to treatment and more options available than ever. Many people are now picking up the pieces to begin to heal from this era in their lives. Sober living can help create a stable, safe living situation for you to focus on yourself.
Sober homes can also provide the following, depending on the program:
A sober living home can provide a stable and supportive environment to help you stay sober, even during uncertain times. You can begin to rebuild your life in recovery through structure, accountability, support, and a safe environment.
If you or somebody you know is considering a sober living situation, we're here to help. We offer safe facilities, access to amenities, healthy meals, and other help to stay on track while you learn to stay sober long-term. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you learn to thrive as a newly sober individual.
Many people live in recovery-centered communities as a part of their recovery journey. Some people experience the community approach to recovery at inpatient drug treatment. Many people also choose a community approach to their recovery by living in sober housing. People who live in a sober living community are also part of a therapeutic community with a focus on community and healing. Sober living, based on the community model of treatment, is a great option for your recovery journey.
The community treatment model works on helping people change in a communal setting. The environment in sober living homes focuses on recovery and positive change. Being around others with similar focus and goals can help people stay sober.
Community members are encouraged to practice honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. Participating in a recovery community means taking responsibility for yourself and your recovery. Sometimes this means hard work, but as you continue to grow in the program, you’re given more freedom and responsibility.
Recovery work, therapy, and MAT may be a part of your treatment. However, everyone in the community will have their own specific goals and issues to work on. You will learn to live in harmony with a sober lifestyle.
Most community members attend 12-step meetings, have group therapy, and go out together. Some people will take to the beach or road to surf or jog. There will usually be shared chores that are alternated weekly or monthly. Grocery shopping and cooking are often communal.
Therapy and 12-step groups will be a big part of sober living. After all, staying sober comes before everything else.
The goal for a person in sober living is to use the tools they’ve acquired to continue to stay sober, reclaim their lives, and take on more responsibilities. Some people start to resolve wreckage from the past, such as missed court appearances, old speeding tickets, or charged-off credit cards. Making amends and doing the right thing are important goals to work towards.
For some participants, this means getting a part-time job or a job training program. Moving towards independence and becoming ready to move forward is a part of recovery in this stage.
For many people in sober living communities, having the support of peers is vital. Active participation in group activities helps people inspire each other and continue to move towards their recovery goals.
A recovery community emphasizes group learning and peer support. People come together to rally around community members who are struggling. They also offer support to each other regularly. People in sober living homes find a family-like community where they come together, no matter their flaws, to become better people. Everyone’s goal is
Being supportive is an essential part of growing in recovery. A recovery community is a great place to practice empathy, build coping skills, and learn how to have healthier relationships. Feeling at home in a recovery community helps keep people sober, helps them practice coping skills, and helps with relapse prevention.
If you or somebody you love is looking for a recovery community, our sober housing program may suit you. Give us a call at 760-216-2077 to learn more about our communities.
