Substance addiction is a global problem, but there are certain “hotspots” where it’s more prevalent than others, like Los Angeles, CA. Statistics show that around 740,000 people in this area struggle with a substance use disorder every year.
These addictions result in hundreds of opioid deaths annually, and that number is on the rise. Yet, substance abuse doesn’t just affect the user; it impacts their loved ones and community, too. Breaking the addiction cycle is vital to society as a whole, and sober living facilities such as Studio 64 Recovery in LA make this possible.
Programs to create and sustain sober living homes help those recovering from substance abuse to live independently but with structure and support. Sober living environments are backed by research-based practices that optimize an individual’s chances of staying clean through the transition while they reenter society without drugs and alcohol.
Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of sober living in Los Angeles to help you understand this vital part of substance recovery.
1. A Supportive Environment
Research on how a person’s environment impacts their lives has been ongoing across multiple subject areas for decades. We know that the environment has a strong impact on an individual’s mood. Certain atmospheres are more likely to result in positive thinking and overcoming obstacles, while others are linked with depression and anxiety.
This data makes atmosphere one of the top-considered aspects of a sober living environment. When someone in the earliest stages of recovery is surrounded by supportive people and structure, this influence sets them up for a better chance of a successful transition.
However, if they’re attempting to go through this stage of recovery in a less stable environment, it’s easier to fall back into old habits. For example, a recovering addict who is exposed to substances and people with favorable attitudes towards them or in an environment that is stressful or chaotic has a greater tendency to backslide.
Treatment programs in sober living facilities give those going through this delicate time the environment they need to excel. They’ll also learn how to recognize positive versus negative influences in their surroundings when they return home.
2. Limited Exposure to Stress
Stress and trauma are two of the main reasons people turn to substance abuse in the first place. When a person is already familiar with using drugs or alcohol to hide from their mental anguish, this habit is hard to break.
In a sober living home, daily structures are in place to allow for independent living while also managing outside stressful influences. This gives each person a chance to develop new habits and heal from the damage done to their minds and bodies without unnecessary stress added to their recovery efforts.
The risk of relapse due to stress is mitigated, as alcohol and drugs aren’t permitted in the homes. This is crucial in the recovery process, particularly in a society like Los Angeles, where substance use is considered normal.
Those living in sober environments are exposed to controlled stress without the temptation of drugs and alcohol to deal with their issues. They learn healthy ways to manage outside stimuli as they focus on their recovery.
3. Supportive Relationship-Building
By the time many addicts enter treatment, the only friends they have left are those in their drug/alcohol circles. Yet, relationships are an essential part of the recovery process — as long as they’re healthy.
It can be challenging to find people who understand what you’re going through and support you through your struggles when you’re on your own. Another benefit of sober living is that everyone around you is right where you’re at or has already been there.
Like you, they, too, are committed to staying clean for life. Your peers will help you avoid feeling lonely and isolated. Together, you will empower each other to make the right choices to return to society sober.
There’s no judgment involved in a sober living home. You approach your recovery at your pace, with scaffolding and support to guide you to the end goal of transitioning into a new, substance-free life. If you’re depressed or anxious, irritable or moody, your peers understand why, and they’re likely to give you the grace they hope that you’ll give back to them when it’s their turn.
Conclusion
Staying sober isn’t the same as getting clean. Once the substances are out of your system, a new set of challenges begins. But with sober living communities supporting your efforts, you can overcome those obstacles and develop lifelong habits that will help you stay clean every day.
Rachel Dixon works on Business, travel and features blogs at Daily Mid Time and Zobuz. She has passionate for travelling and cooking. Spending time with family as well as on internet to enhance her capabilities for well orientated content creation and blog writing.
