Addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli (e.g., abusing drugs and/ or alcohol) without regard for consequence. The development of substance use disorder does not occur immediately, nor will recovering from addiction be achieved instantaneously. The path of recovery from substance abuse and/ or addiction is not necessarily linear, nor will it be the same for every person. The general treatment process for substance abuse and/ or addiction is often comprised of the following three stages in sequential order: detox, a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, and aftercare.
Any individual that successfully completes a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program will leave with an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan is a co-creation between the individual and his or her clinical treatment team that is developed during treatment. This serves as a personalized resource that provides individuals with both detailed and broad guidance, often including suggestions for how to navigate challenges post-treatment, strategies for relapse prevention, and more to help with continued sober success. The suggestion of transitioning into a sober living home typically arises as a component of one’s aftercare plan.
Sober Livings
Sober living facilities are group homes for individuals who have recently completed substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program that wish to move into transitional housing prior to returning home. They offer a compromise between the high structure and accountability found in a residential treatment program and the freedom and lack of structure and accountability in an independent living situation. Sober homes each hold distinct characteristics, are in different geographical areas and offer a variety of wide-ranging amenities. Sober living homes are privately owned and operated. Therefore, each sober living facility will have its own set of rules and regulations as well as corresponding consequences for violations. Sober living homes are not medical facilities and do not offer formal treatment services to their residents.
Rather than immediately returning home, sober living homes offer a greater level of support in a community environment, while residents continue integrating the newly learned tools and skills related to becoming self-reliant while maintaining sobriety. The purpose of sober living 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. 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.
