Completing an intensive inpatient treatment program for substance abuse recovery is a powerful first step toward recovery. Nonetheless, those in recovery often need additional support beyond this crucial phase. Transitioning back to ordinary life after receiving 24/7 supervision and services can be jarring. Sadly, many people relapse during the first weeks or months following residential treatment if they don’t continue services.
The good news is that effective resources like sober living programs are available to bridge this gap. These offerings help clients make a well-prepared re-entry into everyday life. If you’re wondering what happens in a sober living program or want to enroll at The Arbor Behavioral Health, call 844.413.2690. We’re also available to connect online, and you can complete our confidential form to get started.
How Does a Sober Living Program Differ from Other Transitional Programs?
Many clients benefit from transitional care after a residential treatment program, which typically lasts one to three months. This can take a few major forms, which range in intensity and duration:
- Extended care programs with sober living – These programs typically last anywhere from two months to two years. Clients are sometimes also allowed to remain in their sober living community after graduating from extended care. Extended care includes mentorship, access to therapy, sobriety monitoring, and, very often, a 12-step program.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): In this program type, clients can live at home, provided this environment is conducive to continuing sobriety. Nonetheless, their onsite time commitment is still significant. They must report to their treatment center about five times weekly, with visits lasting around four to eight hours. Group sessions, one-on-one therapy, and medication monitoring are cornerstones of a PHP.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) – These programs are ideal for clients ready for a high level of independence. They are required to engage in just a few short visits each week. These often average about nine hours, divided into three sessions. Requirements can also shift as clients’ recoveries continue. If a client is ready for this level of care, it offers excellent flexibility. Clients here can handle fairly heavy work, school, or family commitments outside treatment.
What Are the Key Benefits of Sober Living Programs?
Sober living is a great option for many people who have completed residential treatment but aren’t ready to move back in with family or out on their own yet. Here are a few key benefits to consider related to this program type:
- If a client’s previous home environment was unsuitable for lasting sobriety, sober living provides a safe, predictable alternative.
- Sober living creates communities of peers through gender-specific cohabitation, support structures like the 12 steps, and a shared sense of purpose.
- Accountability plays a vital role in sober living programs. Clients are often drug tested during residency and may also be assigned a recovery advocate. This provider helps develop and monitor clients’ personalized care plans.
- Clients have access to clinical and therapeutic support.
- Transportation services are often available to help clients access outpatient offerings provided at their treatment center’s main campus.
- Habits and skills introduced during residential treatment can be practiced during sober living programs. For example, in inpatient work, clients may learn about personal self-regulation. They can then practice this skill alone and in interactions with others during sober living.
- Clients’ sense of responsibility and self-confidence grows during sober living. This is partly due to clients forming relationships with others who have been sober for varying lengths of time.
- The opportunity to mentor those less experienced in sobriety fosters leadership. Receiving mentorship from those more experienced helps repair clients’ capacity for trust.
Start Sober Living at The Arbor in Georgetown, Texas Today
Understanding the intricacies of recovery from drugs and alcohol can be tough, but at The Arbor, we’re here to help. Our caring staff in Georgetown, Texas is standing by to talk to you. Call 844.413.2690 or reach out online to learn more about our gender-specific sober living programs and other offerings today.