The Value of a Sober Living Environment
Ultimately, a sober living environment is meant to establish a supportive community, made up of a group of individuals who are all working toward the same goal. It’s your support system, a judgement-free safe place where you can work on your recovery, rebuilding confidence and taking on responsibility as you prepare to transition back into society. Here are some benefits of a sober living environment in Charleston, SC.
Sober Living Environments Provide Structure
In the early stages of sobriety, it is important to have an established daily routine. A sober living home will often require residents to complete chores, pay rent, attend house meetings, 12-step meetings, exercise and other activities, all within a structured environment that each individual is expected to maintain. This structure is absolutely necessary for sober living, as for most of our residents, sobriety is still very new. By keeping your mind and body active, you will have less time to think about drinking or using. Staying occupied helps to pass the time more quickly and constructively while you build healthy habits.
Sober Living Demands Accountability
In a sober living house, you will be expected to follow a set of house rules. These include heeding curfews, attending 12-step meetings, staying away from people, places, and activities that could represent a trigger for you, and above all, staying clean and sober. You may be asked to subject yourself to random drug and alcohol tests to prove that you are keeping up your end of the bargain. The consequences of breaking the sober living house rules range from making amends to the individual you harmed, writing about what you did, paying a fine, or in extreme circumstances, you may be asked to leave the home. Part of getting sober and staying that way involves personal accountability. This is a trait that is expected of you in the outside world and one that you must embrace if you are serious about your recovery.
Learn to be Responsible
Sober living environments encourage responsibility by requiring residents to work, pay rent, buy food and generally care for themselves as they would out in the world. Addiction and alcoholism often tends to cause people to ignore their personal hygiene and wellbeing. Unfortunately this behavior that is then often supported by the family and friends that surround them. This is called “enabling” and is a major hindrance to recovery as it absolves you of all accountability. The only way you can expect to live independently in sobriety is if you are serious about taking your life back and are prepared to stand behind your words and deeds. This means taking responsibility for your actions, showing up for your commitments, and being true to your word.
In a sober living environment, there are certain expectations. Meeting these expectations will help you develop a sense of accomplishment, and soon these everyday tasks will become easier to manage. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the support of other people who are living sober!
You Are Not Alone
Getting sober is a scary prospect. But just as it was easy to use and booze in the company of other addicts and alcoholics, it’s easier to stay sober when you’re not the only one working at it. Living in the company of other recovering addicts and alcoholics helps you to feel supported, understood and above all, accepted. Soon, you’ll find that even the tough days are better when you have the support of your sober living peers.
A Sober Living Environment in Charleston, SC
If you are struggling to stay sober and motivated to succeed, a sober living home may be right for you. The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation provides sober living residences for men in the beautiful coastal region of Charleston, SC. We would love to talk to you about how we can help.
