How Sober Living In Oakland Looks Like Today Youtube Video - Benefits Of Sober Living Homes Urgent
Channel: CTD Housing
Date: 30/09/2021

HOW SOBER LIVING IN OAKLAND LOOKS LIKE

OAKLAND, California - Amidst my hunt in the web for different housings, I chanced upon one that greatly piqued my interest, it was “sober housing”. As it turns out, it’s a housing especially for people recovering from drug or alcohol abuse, a bridge between an inpatient facility and the “real world”. Searching further, I’ll be sharing to you the knowledge I’ve been gaining so far!

Did you know?
Sober living housings are said to have actually begun in the 1830’s through institutions like YMCA, YWCA, and the Salvation Army, religious groups with strong convictions about sobriety as those had been the groups that usually ran these housings that time. It was in the 20th century, during the Post-WWII era, that Alcoholics Anonyms had been born, now the largest and oldest alcohol support group in the world, as the need for sober living homes had exponentially increased with the arrival of more alcohol and drug problems, tighter living quarters, and bigger cities in this era. (Read also: Transitional Housing in Oakland CA) 


Meanwhile, just like every other housing, sober housings have different kind of types which are “Traditional Sober Living” and “High Accountability Living”. What is the difference between the two you ask? Well, while their labels sort of speak for themselves, to elaborate further:


Benefits of Sober Living Homes
With addiction being a complex issue, recovery is a continuous treatment as it doesn’t end after completing rehab or formal treatment, and as we all know, we need time to adjust to our surroundings and circumstances accordingly. The same could be said to those who had gone through rehab as it can be hard for them to move right back to life, especially when life is full of surprises, both good and bad, such as responsibilities and potential triggers. 

Risks and Downsides of Sober Living Homes
When there are benefits, there would naturally be downsides as well.

No matter the case, there is no 100% in regard to chances of something happening in life, and the same is applicable to relapses as it can occur anywhere, even in some sober living homes.

Moreover, we have to keep in mind that nothing is free and that there are fees to be paid as sober living homes may be more expensive that living independently, these fees go toward the following as listed:

Rent

House management

Drug testing

Other costs associated with running a sober environment

Rules and Regulations for Living in a Sober Living House

Residents must sleep at the sober living house at least five nights per week, with very few exceptions for travel.

Residents agree to participate in randomized drug and alcohol screenings.

Residents are accountable for their whereabouts when they are not on the property.

Residents must adhere to the house’s curfew.

Residents are not allowed to have overnight guests.

Residents must respect other housemates and home staff.

Residents are not allowed to have pets (except if the home permits).”

After all of that, I bet you’re now asking, “What results should we expect if we choose to live in sober living homes?”

Going back to what I’ve read in seguerecovery, it turns out that it’s actually the accountability and support network that helps the people in the housings stay sober as it is usually hard for them to stay as so on their own.

Mentioned in the link was, “The best results are seen when an addict has transitioned from a formal drug or alcohol rehabilitation program and then goes straight to sober living. The addict then has a follow on support to ensure they can live in long-term sobriety.”

If you’re starting to take sober housing into consideration, may it be for yourself, a friend, or a relative, you can always consult with them to help reach a conclusion yourself. After all, adjustment needs time and the way I see this approach is that it is both comfortable and friendly as it takes into account a person’s mental health, which has been and is still very crucial nowadays.

For now, here are some tips to improve your chances of staying sober and further info regarding the perks sober living housings can provide from addiction center!

“A sober living home acts as a supplement to an individual’s recovery. It is an alternative to going from an immersive care environment straight to a totally unstructured environment at home. Because sober living homes replicate normal, everyday life situations while instilling healthy habits, they help to reduce the chance of relapse.