Sober living facilities are a residential, transitional living option available to individuals that have successfully completed a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. Sober living homes offer newly sober individuals a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment, that provides supportive and structured living conditions, prior to fully reintegrating into society and returning home. It serves as a transitional home where individuals can continue to practice prioritizing sobriety and implementing the lessons learned during treatment, without the presence of some of the triggers and distractions that can arise in mainstream society. Much like the wide array of substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs currently available, there are a plethora of specialized sober living facilities available. Every individual is different and will have unique needs and preferences when it comes to recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction. It is not uncommon for sober living facilities to be gender specific, and there are a variety of benefits to transitioning into female-only sober living.
1. Reduced Distractions
Many people find living with other individuals of the same gender to be comforting and the least distracting option, post-treatment. Gender-specific sober living facilities often eliminate the temptations that can arise when living in a co-ed situation.
2. Relapse Prevention
Every person that has successfully completed formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program should have a customized aftercare plan that includes various relapse prevention methods. Residing in a group home that is made up of individuals with nuanced aftercare plans can be an instrumental resource to the community, as each provides an abundance of female-focused relapse prevention suggestions and resources.
3. Female-Centered Perspective
Every person that resides in a sober living facility will have to abide by the rules of the residence and maintain sobriety. These can be incredibly helpful for a person learning to reintegrate into society. A female sober living facility will cater more towards supporting the unique needs of women during this transition.
4. Cultivating Support Network
By moving into a female-only sober living, residents will embark on the transition back into society with the support of a built-in network of other sober women, which can be invaluable to one’s continued success.
There are countless ways people can help themselves maintain sobriety throughout the recovery process. 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 his or her outcome in recovery. By making the choice to move into a female-only sober living residence, an individual is giving herself the opportunity to further develop and integrate the lessons learned during treatment.
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.
