Sober Living in Longview, TX
Sober living, also known as sober houses, recovery homes, recovery residences or halfway houses, is a type of housing for individuals who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. It usually serves as a transition or bridge between an inpatient rehab program and the real world. Although the structure, amenities and requirements of each home varies, the overall goal is always to provide a safe, sober environment where the recovering addict can develop and practice new habits with positive support. The living conditions individuals get with sober living in Longview, TX can improve their odds of maintaining sobriety in the long term.
At the very least, individuals who enter sober living in Longview should have completed drug or alcohol detox so they aren't sick while in the house. But completing a full formal drug or alcohol outpatient or inpatient rehab program is often optional. As long as an addict is sincerely willing to commit to recovery and follow the house guidelines, they usually can participate.
People who move from outpatient or inpatient drug rehab in Longview into a sober living house are expected to pay rent, which can range anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on the location, amenities and number of residents. But individuals might not have to pay utilities, instead rationing those services. Insurance also can cover some or all of the cost, although a recovering addict might have to keep reapplying for approval at set points (e.g., every three months).
How Long Would I Have to Stay In a Sober Living House?
A number of factors determine how long a person uses sober living in Longview. For example, individuals might stay longer if they do not have a strong support network outside of the sober living house, or if their insurance limits how long they can get funding for the rent at the home. The specific drug and history of substance abuse also matter. Because of these factors, individuals might stay in sober living programs for just a few months or as long as three years. People who use sober living programs can determine what is right for them based on their individual circumstances and the recommendations of the addiction professionals they work with.
Residing in a Sober Living House
One of the big advantages of sober living in Longview is that you can come and go as you like. It's fine (and encouraged) for the recovering addict to work, go to school or be active in the community. An addict also can expect to form positive friendships with housemates and to spend at least some of their time reconnecting with friends, family members and other acquaintances who have been negatively affected by the addiction.
Depending on the type of sober living home an addict selects, they might have access to options such as group therapy, educational programming, relapse prevention in Longview, vocational training and 12-step meetings. Case managers, counselors or other professionals often visit to offer encouragement and assess progress. A typical day can include eating meals together, attending work, chores, house meetings, support meetings and free time. But schedules vary based on the needs of the residents, who might need more or less structure depending on their stage of recovery. Residents usually have private or semi-private rooms.
Are There Rules in a Sober Living House?
Sober living programs vary in the amount of regulation they have, with experts generally classifying them very broadly into four classes. The first tier of sober living home is the most relaxed, featuring a peer-run approach with drug screening and house meetings. The fourth tier is the most formal. It provides clinical supervision, drug screening, self-help groups/treatment, in-house programming/services, a facility manager and credentialed staff. Individuals can decide which type of program suits them best, but regardless of which option they choose, abstaining from drug or alcohol use is paramount. Other rules can include
- Random urine tests
- No violence, threats or offensive language
- Paying rent on time
- Completion of chores
- Curfew compliance
- House meeting participation
- No intimate relationships with other house members
- Participation in other recovery therapies or support
- Not using certain items that might contain alcohol, such as certain types of mouthwash
If an addict opts for sober living in Longview and suffers a relapse or breaks these rules, they're not automatically forced to leave their house. They might have to make other forms of restitution, such as paying a fine or performing a service. They also might have to attend another rehab program or additional therapies. The goal isn't to punish the individual who makes a mistake, but rather to make sure that everyone in the house remains safe and able to continue with sobriety. Call now for help (877) 804-1531.