How Sober Living Prevents Relapse
Many people enter an extended care sober living home after they leave rehab. This is considered an important part of relapse prevention. Relapse rates are high. In fact, it is estimated that anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of people relapse within a year of leaving drug rehab. There are several ways that a sober living home can prevent a relapse.
Eliminating the Risks
Addiction can change the way that a person’s brain functions. The damage that is done to the brain by drugs and alcohol can make it difficult for one to stay sober. In fact, there was a study done that showed that addicts lose tissue in the brain that regulates emotional and behavioral control. That is why it is hard for people to avoid the temptation to drink or use drugs.
Extended care sober living homes eliminate the temptations. There are no illicit drugs or alcohol beverages on the premises. This not only helps with relapse prevention, but it also allows the damaged tissue in the brain to heal. It will be easier for a person to say no to drugs and alcohol if they have better emotional and behavioral control.
Structure and Safety
One of the reasons that many people relapse is because there is no structure in their homes. They return to the same people and triggers. Sober living homes provide people with structure and safety. There are also strict rules that all guests are required to follow. For example, all guests are required to remain sober the entire time that they are there.
They are also required to submit to drug testing periodically in order to ensure that they stay sober. People have to attend house meetings that not only help promote sobriety, but they also promote mental and physical well-being. Sober living homes also put a lot of responsibility on the guests.
They are required to help keep the house clean by committing to doing chores. Additionally, they may also be required to participate in some type of community service.
Reduce Loneliness
Many people who are recovering from addiction are lonely. They may have family members and friends who have deserted them because of their addiction. Loneliness can compel people to start drinking and using drugs again. Sober living homes give people the opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Everyone in a sober living home knows what it is like to struggle with cravings and lose control. They know what it is like to disappoint others. Additionally, they know what it is like to want to change and struggle to make the necessary changes.
People can share their stories with others and encourage them. They can get support that they may not be able to get from family members and friends. It can be hard for someone who is dealing with an addiction to relate to someone who never struggled with it.
Not only do people have the support of other recovering addicts, but they also have the support of staff members. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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