Sober living homes make transitioning to an alcohol- or drug-free life so much easier. Studies have proven that those who return to their homes immediately after being treated in rehabilitation homes face a higher risk of relapse. Fortunately, sober livings provide great help during this crucial transition from rehabilitation centers to going back to their own homes.
Being a tenant in sober living comes with a set of standards that must be observed. Some of these are the following:
1. Maintaining Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness can do wonders in helping an individual stay sober. Cleanliness in the surroundings translates to improved physical and mental health. Besides, research has shown proof that clutter and dirt in one’s space can trigger the symptoms of stress and anxiety. If left unabated, these symptoms could harm one’s ability to achieve sober living.
Moreover, cleanliness also promotes positive lifestyle habits which is very important for people who are trying to recover from negative tendencies.
2. Following Health and Safety Protocols
Tenants must be encouraged to practice making informed decisions that help them achieve better quality of life. But this can only be made possible if the environment where they are living in is devoid of anything that allows them to fall back into their addiction.
It is important that the place must have no drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia or pornographic materials and any other substances that may only trigger the symptoms of addiction.
3. No Minors as Tenants
Minors have different developmental needs. They also require a different level of care to be able to regain their lives after being afflicted by addiction. This is also the reason why they should not be allowed to live in the same apartment with older adults while in the process of active recovery.
On the other hand, there are also sober living homes that allow children of recovering individuals to stay with them.
4. Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Tests
The implementation of mandatory alcohol and drug tests is a must for tenants in sober living apartments. This is important to ensure that tenants live a life free from the cudgels of addiction all throughout the duration of their stay in the apartment. These periodic tests also encourage tenants to continue progressing to a healthy life. These regular mandatory tests also help eliminate any attempts of resorting to substance addiction again.
5. Staying Actively Involved
Tenants of sober living are required to become actively involved in their own recovery. Proof of this is their regular participation in 12-step meetings and outpatient treatment programs. Being proactive in joining these activities also proves that the resident is sincere about practicing continued self-care. They should not, in any way, ignore the importance of these recovery programs.
6. Strictly for Actively Recovering Individuals
Tenants in sober living should be in active recovery from substance use. This goes to say that the tenants must belong to the same group of people who are aiming to achieve one common goal. The goal is to live a life free from substance addiction. This is why people who fail to show proof of being able to complete their addiction treatment from a rehab center are not allowed to be tenants in sober living.
7. Sincere Dedication to Sober Living
Tenants in sober living must possess dedication to steering clear from addictive substances, in all their forms. They must be willing to accept the fact that the road to recovery takes one positive step at a time. So, even when they go out with friends or go to work, their fellow tenants can rest assured that they go back as sober individuals.
8. Sober Living Apartment as Normal Homes
Sober living apartments must not show any indication of being a home for individuals trying to recover from addiction. This is important to avoid the possibility of being discriminated against in the society where they temporarily reside. If neighbors and other people are not aware of the true purpose of this home, it will be easier for tenants to live a normal life.
All tenants are required to uphold and follow these standards. Failure to do so could mean being asked to leave the house. Their disobedience to these standards can also cause chaos which can also have adverse impacts on other tenant’s ability to achieve permanent recovery.