Why Men’s Sober Living in San Diego
After quitting drugs and alcohol, it’s often difficult to return to the life you had before sobriety. So many of your friends, your habits, and even your recreational activities can be closely connected to your addiction. That is why By the Sea Recovery created a program for men’s sober living in San Diego, California.
In sober living, you will create friendships, habits, and recreational activities that are aligned with living in recovery. Making connections with other people who also value clean living will help you to learn skills that can aid you in staying sober for the long term. Men’s sober living offers a safe place to help you practice your sobriety after rehab. If you are looking to continue the good habits that you started in rehab, our program is right for you.
Men and Substance Abuse
Men suffer from substance abuse in a different way than women. Other than being more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than women, studies show that men experience drugs differently. Men are also more likely to overdose from opioids than women.
In general, men have different substance abuse problems than women. Not only do they respond differently to drugs, but men and women tend to abuse drugs and alcohol for different reasons. This is one of many reasons why there are gender-specific places for sober living.
Why Men’s Sober Living?
Co-ed sober living arrangements are often wrought with problems. Living with other genders can create a number of distractions that can negatively impact early recovery. Gender roles and gender stereotypes can get in the way for many men. One example of that is men being taught never to cry. Because of this, many men struggle with showing feelings and being vulnerable. It can often feel worse to do so in front of women.
Studies show that men are less willing to share their experiences in recovery meetings when women are around. Many men find it easier to open up with other men going through the same struggles. For some reason, they find it difficult to let down their guard with women nearby.
Also, men’s sober living allows bonding and friendships to occur with men experiencing the same issues. Men have different struggles with addiction than women, so it really doesn’t make sense to put them together.
Finally, same-sex sober living discourages straight men from entering into romantic relationships early in recovery. This behavior is discouraged early in recovery, especially when becoming romantically involved with other people in early recovery. These types of relationships can distract you from your sobriety, making gender-specific sober living facilities especially helpful.
What is Men’s Sober Living in San Diego Like?
Men’s sober living extends your time in a structured environment after rehab. Sober living is much less restrictive than rehab, allowing you to learn to live in the real world while staying sober. In addition, you will get structure, support, and guidance during your time at By The Sea Recovery.
Sober living allows you to get back to your life, but with the help and support that you need. You get to practice living a sober life while going back to work or school, mending relationships, with loved ones, and spending more time with your family. However, you will have access to many outpatient services to help you find ways to deal with any struggles you may have.
At By The Sea Recovery, you will share household chores and follow a routine. Mealtimes are held as a group and encourage discussion and community. There are also peer support groups and sober recreational activities offered throughout the day.
Benefits of Men’s Sober Living in San Diego
Men’s sober living in San Diego reduces the risk of relapse, decreases isolation, and makes the transition from rehab easier and more gradual. Sober living gives you the space to practice sobriety.
There are a number of other benefits to men’s sober living. You learn life skills such as taking care of yourself, balancing a budget, or maintaining a home. Other skills that can be learned are healthy meal preparation, seeking employment, creating a daily routine, finding safe and affordable housing, and returning to school.
Build Friendships Based on Sobriety
Drug and alcohol abuse often strain most relationships, whether they’re friends, family, or spouses. Trust takes time to mend. Many people feel lonely as they recover, which can trigger a relapse.
The culture at sober living homes encourages a sense of community among men in recovery. You will be surrounded by people who you will have things in common with you, as well as sharing many life goals. These friendships will help you learn to be a friend again and allow you to support each other in your recovery.
Routine and Structure in Sober Living
As boring as structure can sound, a routine in a structured environment will help you put your life back together. Creating routines is a life skill that will help you in sobriety. At By The Sea Recovery, you will be expected to keep a schedule as well as set goals.
Sober Living Decreases the Instances of Relapse
Addiction is a disease with relapse rates anywhere from 40%-60% and is especially common during early recovery. One way to help prevent a relapse is to have a bridge in care between rehab and returning home.
Men’s sober living holds you accountable for your sobriety. Many programs require you to take either regular or randomized drug and alcohol tests. It’s also a supportive environment where both your friends and the staff are there to help you maintain your sobriety.
Sober Living Aids Transitioning to Everyday Life
The biggest benefit of sober living is being able to transition successfully to everyday life. Instead of returning home to all of the people and habits that helped you maintain your addiction, sober living will allow you to practice living outside of rehab but without all of those triggering factors that can be found at home. Above all, sober living gives you the space and ability to live substance-free and practice the necessary skills needed to maintain a sober life.
