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Sober living houses provide a safe and abstinent environment for those attending inpatient rehab treatment. They are also suitable for those that have already completed a primary care rehab programme. You can choose to enter clean and sober living nearby the rehab or in your local area.
Despite what their name suggests, that they are only for recovering alcoholics, this is not the case. Not in the sober living houses the UK has to offer at least. Sober houses offer supported accommodation for anyone recovering from a drug and alcohol problem. They are also suitable for those that are recovering from a behavioural addiction such as an addiction to sex or gambling. If you are looking for a halfway house near you our team can recommend the most suitable place depending on your addiction and personal circumstances.
There are two main types of sober living houses that we will cover on this page. The first type is a sober house where patients stay overnight whilst attending an inpatient treatment programme during the day.
The second type is often referred to as tertiary care, extended care, halfway houses or sober living communities. These sober living houses offer supported living for those that have already completed an inpatient programme.
Quasi-residential rehab treatment differs from residential rehab. Whilst it delivers the same evidence-based treatments, patients do not stay within the rehab clinic outside of treatment hours.
There are both pros and cons to the treatment approach.
Usually, but not always, sober living houses offer accommodation for same-sex patients. They are basically houses that are designed to provide a home-from-home atmosphere and are owned by a rehabilitation centre.
Most patients in quasi residential rehabs will have their own room, although sometimes they will be able to share to reduce the cost of treatment. There will be a living room, dining room, kitchen and one or more bathrooms. Patients will be encouraged to retain some independence by cooking their own meals and doing their own washing.
Sober living houses that accommodate patients in the addiction treatment process should, ideally, have a support worker residing within the property. This helps to ensure the house runs smoothly and is kept safe. Although this is not always the case. Some have support workers on call instead.
Whilst quasi residential recovery houses do offer benefits to many patients. They are not suitable for everyone. There are some substantial risks to consider.
The levels of care within sober living houses vary from rehab to rehab. Please always ensure you ask about the levels of care they provide. If you are looking for a halfway house UK centers are usually called sober living facilities. Halfway houses are usually a term for more hostel-like accommodation provided by charities and religious organisations.
Recovery houses for inpatient treatment provide a homely atmosphere in which patients can relax after a day attending a rehab clinic. As with all treatment centres, residential or otherwise, randomised drug and alcohol testing is frequently undertaken. This helps to make treatment as safe as possible.
A person’s suitability for attending a quasi-residential treatment centre really needs to be assessed on a case by case, independent basis. Whilst they are the more affordable rehab option, certain patients are only suited to residential treatment.
Call us for a comprehensive assessment before taking that next step. We will ensure that all of your treatment needs are met and that you are matched with the right rehab programme.
Our treatment experts will ensure that you or your loved ones receive the correct care and treatment you require.
Sober living houses and supported living are excellent options for those that have completed an intensive rehabilitation programme. Staying within a recovery community in the early months after treatment can really boost a person’s chances of maintaining long term recovery.
For many people who complete rehab treatment, returning back to the environment where they used alcohol and drugs can undo all the progress they have made. There are many instances where sober living accommodation can prove to be beneficial. It works as an extension of addiction rehabilitation.
Staying within a sober living house will give you firm roots to help cement your recovery. It will also give you time to apply for housing or to find work
Many people suffering from addiction inadvertently find themselves in very unhealthy or dangerous relationships. If your home environment has someone who abuses substances or who will try to sabotage your recovery, you can find safety within a recovery house
Living in a recovery community will teach you how to socialise and learn life skills alongside others. It will also help you to stay focused on recovery and give you the space and time to do this.
Returning back home to living alone, it can be all too easy to start isolating again. Recovery starts when you step outside of your comfort zone. It is so important to have the right support during the early months of overcoming an addiction. Besides, recovery houses can be a lot of fun as you share a common interest with your housemates
It is common to feel fearful of returning back home newly clean and sober. Whilst you will look and feel so much better, the vulnerability you feel can be very real. Many people struggle to transition to a life without substances. Staying in sober living accommodation will provide you with the opportunity to implement the skills you have learned in rehab. It will also encourage you to develop new skills. It’s okay to take additional time out to focus on yourself. In fact, it is strongly recommended that you do.
For many people, work and home life can be a huge source of stress. Stress is recognised to be a contributing factor for addiction relapse. Sober houses give you the opportunity to explore your options and take stock of life before making any decisions regarding your future.
If you struggle with discipline, recovery can easily fall by the wayside. Having a group of people around you, who will inspire you to invest in recovery can make all the difference to staying clean and sober.
Many people that suffer from addiction require ongoing support after their initial period of treatment. As recovery progresses, awareness around personal issues becomes more profound. Staying in a halfway house will give you direct access to the rehab you underwent treatment with. They will already understand the issues you need to work through. They can support you further with therapy and key work sessions
A proportion of people who undergo detoxification develop PAWS. This syndrome can be very difficult to live with and can last months after the initial detoxification process. PAWS is most common in alcohol, opiate and benzodiazepine users. The symptoms of PAWs can include: lethargy, continued cravings for substances, depression, anxiety and insomnia (amongst others). Living in sober housing can provide a person suffering from PAWs the extra support and care that they need.
The biggest benefit to staying in a halfway house or sober living house is that it increases well being and reduces the risk of relapse.
A study conducted by the Alcohol Research Group found the following benefits for patients residing in sober houses:
This was based on clients remaining in sober living houses for a minimum of 3 months. The longer they stayed, the more benefits increased.
Further benefits to sober living accommodation include:
Therapeutic communities consist of sober living houses where the focus is on continued recovery. How long a person should stay within supported housing really depends on their individual needs. However, statistics show the best long term recovery outcomes come for those that stay in treatment for longer.
At a minimum, in order to reap the benefits that sober living houses have to offer, we would recommend at least 3 months. Many of our clients remain in our sober living houses for up to a year or more.
It is important that a person who uses sober living as part of the reintegration process has a stable place to stay upon leaving. They also need to ensure that their recovery is on firm ground. Leaving too soon can put their recovery in jeopardy.
Just like all treatment centres, drug and alcohol transition houses also have a set of rules that residents are required to abide by. These rules help to keep the household safe.
Most people that wish to stay in a sober living house do not have an occupation or the means to finance it. Where they do have the means, the rehab will require payment at an agreed rate, or for the cost to be covered by the appropriate health insurance.
For those that are unemployed or too sick to work, housing benefits can be claimed for supported living. The treatment centre you attend will be able to advise you on a claim and help you with the forms should you need them.
Only certain rehabs have sober living communities. So if you wish to undergo long term addiction rehabilitation with a transition period in supported living, please call us. We can help you to locate the perfect rehab that matches your requirements.
It is crucial that the rehab you attend is able to meet all of your treatment criteria. For some, that includes long term care within supported housing following on from inpatient treatment.
For more information on our therapeutic living communities and recovery houses, call and speak to us for a free and confidential treatment assessment. We will be able to answer any questions you or your family may have and ensure you access the best addiction treatment possible.
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