Sober living facilities are optional residential group homes for individuals recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction that are a strictly drug and alcohol-free environment. They afford an individual in recovery the 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. Sober living facilities provide a more structured environment to enable residents to create sustainable daily routines where they can foster and build a robust foundation for leading a sober life. Unlike residential substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs, sober living facilities encourage its residents to work or volunteer to spend time away from the facility during the day. It is important for individuals residing in sober livings homes to reinforce their recovery process as active, contributing members of society.
Can I Keep My Job?
The short answer to whether you can keep your job while in sober living is, yes. There are many benefits to requiring residents to maintain employment during their stay at a sober living. Every sober living facility operates with its own set of house rules. The rules are designed to keep residents safe and hold them accountable for their actions. To reside in a sober living facility, individuals must strictly abide by the house rules, and meet the expectations that are set forth for its residents, as well as understand that violations will result in consequence and possible dismissal. The way a resident decides to spend her day can directly influence her ability to remain in a sober living home.
For some people, returning to a job that was once worked at during the height of one’s active addiction may be undesirable. It could be triggering if your job requires you to be constantly faced with people that you previously abused drugs. Others may find the familiarity of returning to an old job comforting. Regardless, provided your job aligns with the rules of the sober living home, you can keep your job while in sober living. If, however, your job does not enable you to follow the house rules (e.g., hours of employment extend beyond house curfew) or inhibits your recovery process in any way, it is likely best to find another.
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.
