One of the major topics taught in almost every alcohol or drug addiction treatment program is how to build a strong sober support system after you leave rehab. Sober living programs are often cited as an important step before re-integration into the community. 

Sober living homes or programs provide a drug and alcohol-free environment for people who have decided to abstain from substance and alcohol use. They are especially useful for individuals who have just left rehab and may be feeling vulnerable to the threat of relapse. Sober living programs provide the safest and most effective environment to build your sober support system after treatment. 

A sober living support system is comprised of people who can help you maintain your newfound sobriety, including therapists, helpful friends, support groups, and organizations. After you leave a treatment center, this circle of supportive individuals will provide you with ongoing care and guidance to ensure that you don’t suffer a relapse when you rejoin the outside community

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A Strong Sober Support System of friends hanging out

The Importance of a Sober Support System After You Leave a Residential Treatment Facility

It is important to build a sober support system after you leave rehab. If you have been receiving treatment in a residential facility, you may find it challenging to resume your daily life without the support of therapists, counselors, and support groups that you were accustomed to during recovery. 

Fortunately, many alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, including Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, provide sober living housing where you can start living your new sober life with all the support you had while you were being treated in an inpatient program. 

Research shows that people who spend time at a sober living house after leaving rehab have a lower relapse rate. Sober living programs often involve shared accommodations. This means people of the same sobriety level will be able to support each other in the early stages of recovery. The houses are also managed by a live-in manager who makes sure that the residents respect house rules, especially in matters regarding sobriety. 

For instance, no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the premises. Residents of sober living houses are also required to volunteer in the community or get a job while attending regular 12-step meetings. 

Benefits of Having a Strong Sober Support System

Life at a sober living home creates great friendships that could last a lifetime. The friends you make in a sober living program form a greater part of your sober support group. These programs offer many benefits including the following: 

Emotional Support During Tough Times

You need good friends to support you in tough times. Helpful friends are more important for people in addiction recovery. 

One mistake most people who have finished addiction treatment make is to close out everyone else and believe that they “got this covered” or “I can do it on my own” but this is not usually the case. You need a circle of trusted friends to support you in your journey toward full recovery. 

Someone to Call for Assistance

Now that you have left rehab and need to adjust your social circle by eliminating potentially destructive friends, you’ll need people to help you along the way. The support group you formed at the sober living program will always be there to give you a helping hand.

Someone to Advise You When Necessary 

When you were actively abusing drugs or alcohol, you probably isolated yourself from family and friends. It takes time to rebuild broken relationships but you will always have your sober support system to turn to when you need advice or opinions on anything in life.

Sober Living Activities Keep You Busy 

You’ll need to stay busy in early recovery. Fortunately, sober living support groups provide many social drug-free and alcohol-free activities to keep you busy as you recover. Look for activities designed for people in different levels of recovery where chemicals and alcohol are not served.

Build a Strong Sober Support System at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center 

The most important thing to do when searching for a sober support system during recovery is to find the right group of supportive and trustworthy friends. With the right guidance, long-term recovery is indeed possible.

While family members and reliable old friends can help, it is recommended to find a social worker, therapist, or even a member of the clergy to assist you in maintaining your sobriety. These are trained listeners capable of giving you better advice than family members can. 

At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center we provide our patients with a variety of sober living programs that are designed to treat the most common substance use disorders. Our goal is to make you a part of a caring group of people that are committed to full recovery from addiction. Call us today to learn more about our group therapy and sober living programs. Feel free to contact us on our website with any questions you may have about our addiction treatment programs.

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