Everyone’s recovery process is different.
Not everyone goes into a residential/inpatient drug treatment center. Not everyone goes through an intensive outpatient program. Some people just decide to stop using or drinking, and stop. But for more severe addictions, residential rehab is often the best route to beginning a life in recovery because it provides medically assisted detox and a foundation for living. Planning where to go after leaving inpatient treatment is of utmost importance. It is not always best for people to return to where they were living. In these instances, there are many options for transitional living.
Transitional living is another term for sober living environments.
Transitional living residences are designed for those recovery from addiction to keep the newly sober person accountable. Each residence will have its own set of rules that can include:
- Attending a certain number of meetings each week
- A nightly curfew
- Assigned chores to keep the house clean
- Must be in school or working
- Rent must be paid on time
- Random drug testing
- Mandatory house meetings
There are many benefits of transitional living.
These environments provide a “transition” from a residential stay to living on one’s own. There is a structure for daily living that helps people stay active and motivated. If you are concerned for a loved one or are thinking of going into transitional housing yourself, here are some advantages:
- Structure – As mentioned above, transitional or sober living houses are structured living environments set up exclusively for the person in early recovery.
- Ongoing life skills support – There will be ongoing support for job placement, advancing your education, life skills, and necessary medical treatment.
- Emotional support – Everyone living in the house is in recovery and can therefore offer each other friendship and encouragement.
- Responsibility for self– A huge part of living in transitional housing is learning to become responsible for yourself. Many people who struggle with addiction have never been responsible for themselves, always placing blame on others or living off of the financial means of other people. The sober living environment develops responsibility by making each resident accountable for their whereabouts, money, getting a job, paying bills on time, and sharing in household chores.
- Education and Therapy – Sober living houses often require the residents to attend group therapy, meetings, and counseling. This helps to educate each individual about their addiction and helps them build a support network. Meetings and counseling help people develop self-awareness and coping skills to prevent relapse.
Transitional living is a great way for the recovering person to ease their way back in to society. There are many advantages for using this tool for your next step of recovery instead of trying to go it alone after a residential stay.
