Addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli regardless of negative ensuing consequences. The nature of the disease of addiction is inherently selfish, as one struggling with substance use disorder compulsively prioritizes satisfying one’s drug cravings above all else. Addiction affects every facet of one’s life, and it can lead to strained relationships, financial hardship, employment challenges, legal complications, as well as emotional, physical, and psychological consequences. For substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment to be effective, one must prioritize his or her sobriety. It is helpful to bear in mind that the development of substance use disorder does not occur immediately, nor will recovering from addiction be achieved instantaneously.
Sober Living Homes
Children are typically not allowed to live with their parents in a sober living home. Sober living facilities are optional, residential group homes for newly sober individuals who have completed a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. They offer an individual in recovery an opportunity to continue to practice implementing the lessons learned during her treatment program, without being exposed to the triggers that may otherwise present when immediately returning to one’s home environment.
There is a vast array of sober living options available to those in need. Sober living homes each hold distinct characteristics, are in different geographical areas, offer a variety of wide-ranging amenities, and have variable costs. Most sober living facilities are privately owned, and as such will have a distinct set of house rules and regulations as well as corresponding consequences for violations. The purpose of a sober living to is to enable its residents to take the necessary preparatory steps to fully reintegrate into society and further strengthen a foundation of recovery to enable prolonged and sustained sobriety.
While parents must live in a sober living home without their children, many allow children of residents to visit their parents during their stay. Although the prospect of living away from one’s family for a longer period may seem undesirable for parents, residing in a sober living facility can be incredibly helpful to one’s continued sober success. Individuals that live in sober living facilities all share the same primary goal, which is to remain sober. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the length of time an individual spends in substance abuse treatment (including sober living) can directly increase her outcome in recovery.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
