Sober Living in Florida

Generally, a sober living house provides a transition from a formal inpatient rehab facility back to the real world. Furthermore, it offers a safe atmosphere and encourages a person to continue recovery. Recovery does not stop after detox or after completing other therapies. In fact, most patients learn that it is an ongoing process.

A conventional rehabilitation center offers intensive medical supervision and emotional support. In fact, patients must follow strict routines. On the other hand, sober living facilities let residents come and go as they please, but they must comply with the rules.

Sober living in Florida makes each resident more responsible for his or her actions and activities. To be sure, addiction causes individuals to act carelessly. The first part of recovery is gaining independence. This includes becoming accountable for the things that they do.

Rules of Sober Living

Obviously, the most important rule in a sober living facility is to keep all residents away from drugs and alcohol. Therefore, most facilities participate in spot testing. Residents should stay away from any items that contain even the smallest levels of these substances so that a relapse does not occur.

Besides avoiding these substances, people receive encouragement to go on job interviews so that they can gain solid employment. Also, residents must complete normal household chores. For example, a person must cook meals, sweep the floors, and do laundry. Since this is a joint living facility, each person must help with the upkeep of the home. Also, violence is never tolerated. In certain houses, residents must abide by a curfew as well.

Other Common Rules

• No overnight guests
• Residents must attend mandatory house meetings
• Little travel can occur
• Residents must attend weekly therapy sessions and group meetings

Although patients who exit rehab may be dealing with challenging financial situations, it is actually affordable to live in a sober house in Florida. The price includes the housing and a number of amenities.

Usual Amenities Associated with Sober Living

• 24/7 support
• Utilities, including electricity, water, and cable
• Life coaching
• Continued recovery programs

Surely, the price of a sober living facility depends on the style of the home, the size of the residence, the number of tenants, and the quality of amenities. Most houses offer pricing by the week or by the month. Sometimes, there is a minimum stay required. Typically, the rent is split by the number of people who live in the house. In West Palm Beach, the average cost per person is between $800 and $1,400 each month.

Of course, sober living in Florida continues treatments outside of an inpatient clinic. In fact, there are a variety of therapies that a resident may use to remain on the path to sobriety. Most outpatient therapy programs meet a few days a week. During sessions, patients learn ways to prevent relapse. Some individuals experience cognitive behavioral therapy to modify destructive patterns of negative behavior.

Also, residents must attend group therapy and group meetings that involve people with similar problems. Family therapy may be ongoing as well. There, families learn about the causes of substance abuse and ways to support loved ones.

Even though many people believe that sober living in Florida is the same as living in a halfway house, there are definite differences. In a similar fashion, both types of places support people in local communities, but it is important to examine how they are not alike.

Halfway Houses

Halfway homes began many centuries ago. At first, they offered housing to young people who had committed crimes. In this country, halfway houses often provide homes to people who have been recently released from jail. Today, many of these facilities lower the rate of homelessness. Also, some help people complete addiction treatment.

Sober Living Houses

Sober living homes stem back hundreds of years. Originally, religious organizations opened “dry hotels” where alcohol was not permitted. Today, this idea has evolved. Regular homes have been transformed into places where recovering individuals can feel safe while reentering society without drugs and alcohol.

Key Differences

Today’s sober living homes deal with addiction treatment. Sometimes, patients who have been able to successfully gain long-term sobriety run them. Therefore, these houses provide a secure environment for individuals who are in the early stages of recovery.

Government agencies direct many halfway houses. Often, they house large numbers of people in a crowded environment. On the other hand, sober living homes are usually smaller and more comfortable.

Finally, cost is an important difference. Since they provide more amenities and higher levels of privacy, sober living houses may be more expensive. However, they are sometimes covered by health insurance.

Once again, the goal of sober living in Florida is to provide a safe and supportive environment for continued recovery. Thanks to gained independence and the ability to use life skills, a person has a lower likelihood of suffering a relapse. While an individual lives away from his or her real home, he or she participates in regular activities without dealing with temptations that can cause triggers from bad behavior.

Starting Over

Unfortunately, when a person abuses drugs or alcohol, his or her brain becomes unable to successfully manage emotions. It is challenging to fight cravings, especially throughout early recovery. Sober living helps lower triggers. Without being bombarded by drugs and alcohol and individuals who drink and use drugs, it is possible to remain on a sober path. Also, having the chance to return to school, to get a good job, to deal with legal issues, and to forge meaningful relationships gives residents the necessary tools to enjoy life-long recovery.