A rehabilitation program is the first step on the path to a new, sober life. After you finish a program, whether it’s an in-patient or out-patient one, you want to move into a safe environment, where you’ll be supported in your sobriety and where you won’t face triggers that can lead to relapse. Sober living homes can provide that safe environment, allowing you to put your life back together and move along the path to recovery. Choosing the right sober living house might be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s what to look for to help you choose the best home environment.
Learn the Rules of the Sober Living House
The sober living house you move into should be as concerned about your health and wellbeing as you are. Many homes have detailed and clear rules and regulations for their residents. A few rules to look for include:
- A no drugs/alcohol/substances policy.
- A clear visitor policy: Ideally, the home won’t allow visitors, to give residents a chance to rebuild their lives.
- A no-tolerance policy for physical or other forms of abuse.
- A clear curfew and wake-up time rule.
The more structured the sober living home is, the better able you’ll be to put your life back together.
Consider the Location of the Sober Living Home
Where the home is located is also important, particularly if you are looking for a place to live that’s near your job. When you’re looking for sober living homes in NJ, consider the homes’ proximity to public transit, if you need to take the bus or train to get to work. If you’re looking for work, it helps to find a home that is in an area with a lot of opportunities, so you don’t end up with a long commute or end up looking for a job for a long time.
Other location-specific things to consider are activities and amenities that are near the home. For example, are there parks nearby where you can go for a walk or run? Is the house near a grocery store and other places you might need to go in your daily life?
Check Your Budget
Make sure you can afford to stay in the sober living house before you decide to move in. Ask about the rates for the house and what those rates cover. If you’re still looking for work, you might want to ask if the house will provide scholarship funding or employment assistance to help you get a job.
Along with making sure you can afford the sober living house, it’s also a good idea to find out what happens if you fall behind on rent. If you lose your job or have other financial troubles, will you have to move out right away, or will you lose certain privileges until you get current on rent?
Visit the Sober Living House
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when choosing a sober living house is to pay it a visit before you decide to move in. Visiting the house lets you see how it’s managed, gives you a chance to meet the other residents, and lets you get a sense of whether you feel comfortable there or not. You might consider bringing someone you trust with you to get a valuable second opinion before you decide if the house is right for you or not.
Dignity Hall Structured Sober Living Homes in NJ are committed to helping people live a rewarding and happy sober life. Give us a call today at 855.380.7560 to learn more about our homes and to schedule a visit to see if we’re the best option for you.
Dignity Hall Structured Sober Living Homes
Structured sober living provides the opportunity to be fully prepared for what life will look like once back into a normal routine. At Dignity Hall, we set you up for success with our structured programs that will instill positive routines into your life that you will be able to continue with when you or your loved one choose to leave. Call us today at 855.347.2452 to learn more about Dignity Hall’s structured sober living locations near you and house policies.
