Are you aware that the first 30 to 90 days after you have completed inpatient rehab are the most critical times for recovery?  You might have heard this in your stay at residential treatment, but what options do you have other than going home after you have been to rehab?

Jumping back into your life after you have been to treatment means that you may face triggers and cravings too soon.  Fortunately, there is another option for your recovery, and it is in the form of a sober house NJ.

As recovery is not something that you have to do alone, we are here to help you find the answer that you are looking for.  Read on to learn about the benefits of a sober house and how you are able to move your life forward in a healthy direction.

What is a sober house?

Sober houses are group homes which are free of alcohol or drugs, and are meant to help you to transition back to life.  Think of sober living as a co-op where residents can pay living costs while they are also responsible for a little of the housing upkeep.

As someone living in a sober house NJ, you will regain some independence while you are living with the other people in the sober house, as well as the house manager, who will keep you accountable while you stay there.  This balance of support in recovery and personal accountability will help you to learn how you can manage normal life without having the stressors involved with substance abuse.

1. You can create meaningful sober relationships

For those who go straight back into home life after they have been to inpatient treatment, there is a risk of becoming isolated and feeling alone.  In a sober living house, you will not have to worry about either feeling or being alone.  One of the biggest benefits of sober living homes is the friendships that you will build.  You will be living alongside people who can understand what you are going through, as they are also in recovery.

By being around people who are also trying to achieve lasting change, a level of camaraderie build and helps you to move your recovery forwards.  Th relationships which you build in a sober living facility become a pillar of support that may well last for the rest of your recovery journey.  You will meet people who will be there for you when things are tough, or when cravings happen.  The relationships that you build in a sober house help you to keep yourself accountable for your sobriety.

2. You can relearn life skills

When someone has an alcohol or drug addiction, the obligations which they have usually fade into the background.  Things such as eating healthy, getting to work on time, practicing personal hygiene are skills that might get out of practice.  Another benefit of staying in a sober house is that it can provide the structure that you require to relearn these skills.

When you are in a sober house, there is much less outside pressure and more structure.  This helps you to relearn how you can create and maintain a solid lifestyle.  Where it is just a simple chore such as washing the dishes, or a stressful task such as finding a job, you will have a safe environment in which to build personal responsibility.  You will not be the only one who is relearning life skills.  You will have the support of other residents as you are all working on gaining back your independence together.

3. Lessened risk of relapse

While the coping skills that you acquired in treatment are very important, sometimes being in a safe environment allows you to more effectively manage triggers.  The type of environment which is offered at a sober living house may lower your risk of relapsing.  Free from the pressures of your old environment, you will have the freedom which is needed to both heal and focus on yourself.

A sober living house might also help reduce the number of triggers that you experience in your life.  These is no alcohol or drugs allowed on the premises, and the other residents at the sober house are counting on you.  These is less time for you to dwell on cravings when you are focused on your responsibilities and chores.  Being part of a sober living house helps you to see that you will be able to get through normal days without using drugs or drinking.