Sober living homes, also known as residential detoxification homes and sober living homes, are residential facilities that offer structured, safe housing and therapeutic, supportive living arrangements for individuals leaving drug addiction programs. SLHs often serve as a transitional living environment between these programs and normal, mainstream society. This article focuses on the so-called program (standing for Supportive Housing Program in St. Louis), which is designed to help residents of drug and alcohol programs transition to clean and affordable sober living.
There are several types of homes. The purpose-and the design-of many of them is to create an environment that can make it possible for an individual to transition from receiving treatment at one of the local in-patient rehab facilities to living in clean and best sober living programs at the level 1 of the Treatment Complex. Level one is for those who have successfully completed one of the inpatient drug rehab programs. These individuals are known as "level zero residents." The purpose of level one clean living programs is to create a situation in which an individual's drug and alcohol use and abuse are so severely curtailed that it is not necessary for them to reside at the inpatient treatment facilities.
The term "sober living" refers to a combination of residential treatment and community service with some involvement and supervision by specialists or consultants, in an environment that supports long-term recovery. The most common types of Sober Living Homes (level one and level two) are called "intermediate care facilities" or "ICFs," and are typically residential communities designed for mild to moderate alcohol or drug abuse issues. The ICF typically has an adult-centered, medical treatment approach and offers both inpatient and outpatient services.
For many inpatient substance abuse treatment programs, it's necessary for people to first enter the inpatient treatment facility before they can be considered for admission into one of the local sober living homes. If someone hasn't gone through a complete inpatient recovery program, but has been receiving treatment at an inpatient facility, they may qualify for admission into one of the Sober Living Homes instead.
A typical Sober Living Home includes a combination of individualized services, including support for the medical needs of the residents, personalized assistance with educational and spiritual activities, and the opportunity to meet and interact with other residents. The Sober Living Homes staff attempts to keep the residents as comfortable as possible while simultaneously providing the basic needs of the residents. Many residents in a Sober Living Home have very high expectations of their life upon entrance into the facility. For this reason, Sober Living Homes are not exactly a "standard" type of residential community. They tend to be slightly more specialized than most residential communities. In addition, most Sober Living Homes require members to regularly attend a weekly group meeting in order to express themselves, discuss problems, and plan activities for the week.
If you or someone you know needs to find a place to live, you can try looking into a Sober Living Home. Many addicts find it very helpful to go to an inpatient treatment facility in order to receive support group and counseling. However, an inpatient program is usually not enough for someone who needs ongoing support, guidance, and medications for substance abuse. You can find out more about finding a Sober Living Home for your loved one by contacting a local treatment program or by speaking with your doctor or mental health professional.