Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious concern for people worldwide. This disease truly does affect every facet of a person’s life, not to mention the lives of their loved ones and families. From work and school to personal relationships, nothing is left untouched by the dreary and drastic cycle of addiction.
While the future may look bleak for many who are in the darkest depths of their addiction, there is hope for recovery, especially throughout the U.S. Conditions have improved considerably over the years, as now there are many more options for those who need professional help and medical attention to combat their addiction.
Another positive aspect of today’s drug rehabilitation industry, which is made up of more than 14,500 specialized drug treatment facilities, is that there are places for people to go for a change of pace and a slower, more focused lifestyle that allows them to concentrate on achieving their sobriety. These centers are regulated and monitored to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience for all patients.
In Arizona, for example, the Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) is a statewide organisation that regulates a network of recovery housing providers committed to providing quality residential recovery services, like sober living homes that adhere to strict operating standards and are offering the benefits a straight living home should.
The benefits provided by a regulated sober living home provide a safe place for people to learn more about their addiction. These benefits, when working together, give a recovering individual a fresh start to a new life.
Safety
Drug abuse can force people to go to great lengths to obtain their desired substance, with little to no regard for their personal wellbeing. In many cases, drug users find themselves in unsafe or even violent situations that they would never go through if they were sober. It’s unfortunate and scary to think about, especially for worried family members and friends who just want what's best for their struggling loved ones.
The recovery process is a long and continuous journey, but it’s worthwhile for many reasons, including the continued safety and security it will naturally provide. Not only do sober living homes give recovering drug users the chance to start fresh and stay away from drugs, but they also allow people to focus on their physical, mental and emotional health. It's incredible how much a person can improve in a safe and supportive place.
Considering that millions of people fall victim to drug abuse and addiction every year, sober living homes must exist and provide a pathway to a more fulfilling life. In a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment, people can work on putting their drug and alcohol abuse aside and focusing on what really matters: their health and their happiness.
In fact, just being in a safe place where they always have somewhere to sleep, eat, and rest is a tremendous gift in and of itself, as often drug users can end up with seemingly nowhere to go and nowhere to call home in the height of their addiction.
Sober Environment
Being dependent on drugs and/or alcohol is dangerous and depressing, but at the same time, it's a tough habit to kick. It's challenging to stop using for good when an addicted person is surrounded by temptations and bad influences.
People hooked on drugs often spend time with other users who enable their dangerous and deadly habits. Being around others actively using drugs certainly isn't the ideal way to get better and reach sobriety. That's why a sober living facility, where patients can spend time with others in the same boat, presents an opportunity to thrive and recapture a way of life without harmful substances.
No substances of any kind are allowed in sober living places, forcing patients to focus on their health and sobriety. Away from all the distractions and triggers of the natural world, people have no choice but to confront their demons and attempt their second chance at life without the drugs or alcohol they have been dependent on.
Groups like the AzRHA provides certification to recovery houses based on strict regulations for their state (in this case, Arizona). These certifications let people know the sober living facility is regulated and monitored, providing peace of mind for others so that they may focus on confronting their issues with substance abuse.
Patients and their loved ones can rest assured that there will be no illicit substances in the house and that it would be challenging for recovering addicts to find their former drugs of choice in an entirely sober environment. For many, this makes for better success rates and a more hopeful journey to sobriety.
Education
Sober living homes provide a fantastic opportunity for people to learn about their addiction. This type of residence challenges a person to re-examine their past, present, and future to better understand why they struggle with addiction. For many, their drug use stems from earlier traumas or mental health issues that they’re trying to escape from.
With counsellors and other support resources at sober living homes, recovering individuals can delve into their personal issues, gaining a new perspective on their addiction and why it affects them so deeply. With this new knowledge and understanding, people can adopt a new approach to taking on their addiction and strive for a sober lifestyle that could keep them happy and healthy for years to come. This is an excellent opportunity to prioritize self-care in recovery. When you're in addiction recovery, it can be hard to find balance in your life. You might be going through many changes and facing new challenges every day. But if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to handle those changes or challenges—which could lead you back down the path of addiction.
At the end of the day, it’s important to recognise addiction's profound and long-lasting effects and how to overcome such challenges to have a more prosperous and sober life. For more information regarding sober living homes, please visit designforrecovery.com.
