Taking the first steps to independence in recovery can feel both rewarding and isolating. Early recovery requires one to make several changes to their lifestyle. Thus, it can be a very stressful and lonely stage for some individuals. Therefore, one must develop a strong support system by making healthy connections to promote long-term sobriety. It may be helpful for an individual to participate in sober activities, alumni meetings, and chores together in a sober living home at Renaissance Ranch to gain accountability for a better quality of life.
What Is a Sober Living Home?
Research indicates that developing positive relationships in a sober living house can significantly help one prepare for a successful path forward in recovery. Many individuals lack a healthy living environment to return to after completing addiction treatment. Sober living homes provide those facing persistent problems with substance use disorder with a safe environment free from harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol.
A substance-free environment works to ward off cravings and unwanted substance triggers for a more comfortable living experience. Not everyone is completely confident moving forward into a new way of living without additional support. An individual may be required to abide by the house rules with others to maintain a safe environment for all. Choosing to reside in a sober living home with peers can help one establish new sober living skills for added structure to one’s daily routine.
The Importance of Making Healthy Connections With Sober Individuals
According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment study, peer support assists those who are seeking long-term sobriety. A sober living home can help those with SUD initiate with peers and develop reciprocal, long-standing, and supportive relationships. If an individual facing challenges with addiction once left a toxic environment and returned to an unhealthy living arrangement they may be at an increased risk of having an unwanted substance relapse. This can be due to re-exposure to trauma, abuse, or unhealthy substance triggers potentially worsening one’s condition.
A sober living home stresses the importance of making healthy connections to help those involved maintain a strong recovery. Spending time with sober individuals can also help one maintain mental stability for a healthier well-being. The benefits of making healthy connections while in addiction or mental health recovery include:
- A safe place to confide with peers
- Developing new opportunities for one’s future
- Further access and information to future alumni events
- Learning strategies and new healthy coping mechanisms
- Appropriate influence and inspiration for motivation
The Benefits of Making Healthy Connections While Engaging in Sober Activities With Peers
Once addiction or mental health treatment is completed, this does not necessarily guarantee one may find complete relief from addiction. The cycle of addiction may still persist even years after completing treatment. A majority of individuals with SUD commonly relapse within the first year of treatment. Although one may have developed a better understanding of their condition, learned coping techniques, and have the tools to manage their health, addictive tendencies may still be problematic. This can be especially true for those with a dual diagnosis.
Some individuals may feel hesitant to move forward with a sober living home. This can be due to several reasons, which include a lack of self-esteem or low confidence. Social anxiety can also play a wide role in one’s comfort zone. Therefore, moving forward with a group of individuals in a sober living environment may not be in their best interest.
Although this is a highly common concern, choosing to reside in a sober living home with others can in turn improve one’s way of life. There are several benefits of engaging in sober activities with peers. Choosing to participate in sober activities with those who are on a similar path to recovery can be a healthy distraction from life’s stressors.
Different Sober Activities to Participate in for Long-Term Sobriety
Recovery can feel lonely. The healing process can feel especially isolating after eliminating all exposure to substances such as moving to a new residence, finding new employment, and discontinuing bad habits. Residing in a sober living home at Renaissance Ranch can be a great way to start engaging in sober activities, attend alumni meetings to maintain steady progress, and do chores together to gain accountability for one’s overall well-being.
Not everyone likes the idea of sharing a living space but living with those who have healthy goals can bring a strong sense of motivation. This can help one stay on track for a healthy future. It may also help if one starts by establishing a good self-care routine and then slowly introduces themselves to group activities for an easier transition. Sometimes attending outpatient group therapy outside of the sober living home can be a great way to make healthy connections as well. Different sober activities to participate in for long-term sobriety at Renaissance Ranch’s sober living home include:
- Walking and hiking with peers
- Softball
- Golf tournaments
- Study groups
- Camping trips
- Sporting events
- Marathons
- Barbecues
Renaissance Ranch Outpatient Sober Living Home provides a safe and structured environment where clients are able to live while they are enrolled in our outpatient program for addiction recovery. Sober living has been shown to increase the odds of long-term sobriety for addicts and alcoholics in early recovery. Our home enables clients to spend time on a day-to-day basis with others who are striving to reach the same goals. The home has appropriate curfews, wake-up times, and chores to ensure each client is maintaining a level of accountability that is conducive to recovery. If you or a loved one need assistance making healthy connections, call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 for alumni support.