There are many decisions to make when choosing to look at recovery programs. One of these decisions is where you will live. If you choose an outpatient program, you have the option to choose community housing. We’ll look at what it is, how it differs from other programs, and community housing at Midwest Recovery can help you in your journey.
What is Community Housing?
When you live in community housing, you’ll live with others in recovery. It is also known as sober living. Generally, each resident has their own room with other areas, like the kitchen and living rooms. This gives you privacy and a sense of support and community.
This type of living does come with some rules. Most programs have a curfew and require you to attend group meetings. You may also have daily or weekly chores to complete to keep the house running smoothly.
How Does Community Living Differ From Other Programs?
The biggest difference between residential treatment and community living is independence and freedom. When you are in a residential program, you have to stay on the treatment grounds. You focus all your time on treatment, and interaction with the outside world is minimal.
The other end of the spectrum is independent living while attending outpatient treatment. This offers the most freedom, but it also offers less support for your recovery. You’ll be dealing with all the temptations and difficulties of daily life on your own.
Community housing allows you the freedom to interact with the outside world. You can go to work, school, and visit friends. You also have accountability and extra support that you wouldn’t have if you lived on your own. It also provides more structure than independent living without the strict schedule of an inpatient facility.
How Do I Know if Community Living is Right For Me?
There are many reasons why those in recovery choose community housing. These include:
- Stable living environment
- A step-down approach to addiction treatment
- Accountability
- Social support
One of the greatest struggles for those in treatment is often stable housing. Stable housing is more than having a stable roof over your head. It’s also a drug-free and healthy environment. It’s a safe place that provides emotional stability as well as physical.
Many people find they need to take a step down approach to treatment. You may choose this living after completing a residential program. This gives you a transition between residential treatment and living independently. You may also choose to begin your recovery with sober living. This allows you to maintain responsibilities, including work and school, while still having a safe place to heal from addiction.
The goal of recovery programs is to teach you to function independently without using drugs or alcohol. This doesn’t happen overnight. As you continue in recovery, you’ll learn new skills and habits that will help you stay clean and sober. A step-down approach allows you to learn and practice these skills gradually.
Accountability is an important part of the recovery process. You are less likely to relapse when you are more likely to be held accountable. Community living makes it difficult to use without being caught. Many houses have someone in a supervisory role that lives in the house, or supervision through the addiction treatment facility. Peers are also key to accountability.
Rebuilding your life is nearly impossible without social support. This can include family, friends, and peers that you meet in recovery. Close relationships are often formed in sober living homes. You’ll know that you are not alone, no matter what you are going through.
Community Housing at Midwest Recovery Center
If you are interested in community living recovery programs in Toledo, Ohio, contact us at Midwest Recovery Center. We provide a safe environment while you go through the addiction treatment program. Contact us today at 833.627.0039, or contact us online to learn more about our programs.
