The effectiveness of a sober living house comes down to a willingness to change. You are fully capable of individual change, and reaching that goal can be a shared experience. With more people on your side, a healthier lifestyle can be a real-world accomplishment.
The Change
When you make a commitment to sober living for men, the journey to recovery begins immediately. There are no shortcuts to be taken, and the finish line will look different for every individual. A day in the life of a sober living house is different than crashing on a loved one’s couch. It is also different than having a buddy that checks in on you when things get dire. As much as you are changed by the world, the world itself will not bend to your will. That means no matter how well your sober life is going, the environment around you will not be completely free or alcohol or drugs. That is why sober living homes were created, and here is what they can do for you.
A Gift
To regain a sober life, you’ll have to go through recovery. Inpatient drug rehab or outpatient programming can get you to a point, but what happens after? It is unrealistic to think that temptation won’t be waiting when you go back to your normal life. Sober living takes the temptation out of the environment by having all residents agree to full abstinence from harmful substances. For someone that is going through recovery, the lack of temptation is freeing. You can wake up, talk to friends and walk around without any worry about a surprise in the environment causing a misstep.
Friends and Family
What do friends and family see as outsiders looking in? At a sober living house, there is no ‘shame’ or feeling that you are being punished for your actions. This is reflected with the mutual accountability from all participants. Healthy, happy guys working hard to improve their lives is what outsiders will see. There are plenty of outdoor activities, events, peer groups and even exercise. A small event such as fishing with your friends becomes an unforgettable experience that takes you away from substance abuse. There is no pressure to participate in these activities, and there is always something new to do every day.
Old Habits
Breaking old habits is the biggest change a sober living house will make. Your old life has daily reminders that led to substance abuse. Sober living is about breaking the cycle and leaving those old bad habits in the past. Soon, you’ll notice small improvements in the way you eat, interact with people and manage your time. All of these things together make it unlikely that you will fall back into old habits.
Making the Right Choice
Your temperament is a big part of the healing process. No one walks into a sober living house with a mentality that is resistant to change. If your goal is honest, then a sober living house is a positive influence to improve your choices.
