Due to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people entering sober living facilities. A sober living facility is a place for recovering addicts to reside after rehab that aims to teach skills that will help former addicts when they transition back to normal life.
It’s important to do your research so that you pick one that will best fit the needs of your loved one. The following are some of the features you should consider.
The Right Location
One of the most important factors to consider when looking at sober living facilities is the location. You should try to look for one in a clean, safe, and convenient place that is also close to their support system.
Keeping a daily routine is a crucial part of staying sober. You will want to find a sober living house that is located close to your daily activities, such as:
● Work
● Therapy sessions
● Community resources
● Any other places that will help you keep a strong foundation for your recovery
The Right Environment
Don’t go with a “one-size-fits-all” sober living facility. Men and women, young people and older adults, have different needs from one another. That’s why places like New Life House, a sober living house in California, only provide treatment for young men. Make sure the facility you choose has the best possible environment for your loved one.
Learn the Ratio of Residents to Staff
The best sober living homes will have a low ratio of residents to staff. It is important to have enough staff to ensure that the living environment is comfortable, safe and running smoothly. It is also important that there are enough trained staff so that the integrity of the house is maintained. Experienced staff will be able to keep the house drug free and resolve any conflicts that might occur between residents. In addition, having a low patient to staff ratio ensures that residents will be able to have the personal attention and support that your loved one needs to keep working on their recovery.
Know the Minimum and Maximum Lengths of Stay
Sober living homes are designed to provide structure that will help you maintain sobriety and improve stability. Because every patient is unique, the length of time they will need to stay is mostly determined by the progress they are making towards their recovery goals.
It is also important that your loved one feels stable in recovery before attempting to go back to living on their own. Most sober living homes allow residents to stay as long as they need to, but some can be very strict about the length of time residents are allowed to stay.
Consider the Cost
The overall cost of sober living houses is a major factor when looking for the right place. There are many factors that can affect the cost, such as:
Location of the house
● Amenities they provide
● The services that are provided
● The quality of the house
You should remember that you will get what you pay for in terms of quality, so you should take into consideration the level of comfort you feel they will need to be successful in recovery. Going with a facility that has a lower cost might not be worth it if you feel they won’t get the support, services and amenities you think they’ll need.
Final Thoughts
Moving a loved one into a sober living house is a major life decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. By doing the proper research, you can be sure that they will be moving into a place that will provide them with the best chance of recovering from addiction.
