Getting sober is a tough decision, especially for young men. Society sends strong messages through the media and peer pressure to drink “like a man”. Social functions almost always have alcohol in one form or another. So how does a man who has chosen to get sober, stay sober? If a man goes through a rehab or treatment program, he is usually given the option of entering a sober living environment when he completes the residential program.
Given this, what are the options for mens’ sober living in Austin?
It’s a fact that mens’ sober living, Austin and elsewhere, is an excellent choice for newly sober men. Sobriety, stability, and accountability all go hand in hand. In many cases the decision to stay in a sober house, will provide a layer of relapse prevention and have a huge impact on the quality of a man’s recovery.
Many organizations which help men live sober aim to help men reclaim the positive attributes of their personality and create healthy boundaries, while removing negative influences from their lives. Part of this process may be teaching new mechanisms for coping with stress, while other aspects focus on removing inappropriate influences and dealing with day-to-day living after successfully starting down the path of sober life.
Some organizations focus primarily on helping men cope and fill up their lives with a sense of self-worth, pride, and personal growth, and doing this via regular sessions on an outpatient basis. Adding transitional sober living to the extended aftercare program enhances and reinforces both inpatient and outpatient programs, allowing men to live-full time in a sober home and practice the principles of 12 Step recovery in all their affairs.
Transitional Sober Living
Recovery from addiction is liberating, but it’s also very difficult. The world can be frightening when you see it through sober eyes for the first time in months or years! Fortunately, nobody expects you to go this path alone if you do not want to, and Austin has many sober living options for men.
Homes providing sober living exist to help you during the stressful (but still wonderful) early recovery. Many men who recovering from a substance addiction need help and support from multiple sources….peers, coaches, friends and family.
How Sober Living Homes Help
Sober living homes are not simply programs designed to keep men off the street and away from alcohol and drugs. Addiction recovery is often a complex process and it can take time. It can also be very scary to those who feel they must go it alone. Therefore, extended care recovery programs give men support in many different areas. Yes, they will provide testing to keep everyone accountable, but they also provide guidance, stability, and somewhere to stay that’s free of temptation and triggers.
Sober Living is Not Just a Roof Over Your Head
Transitional homes are not simply a safe place free of expectations to drink or use. Sober homes provide life coaching, assistance from peers, and structured schedules to help prevent relapse. Men learn self-respect, responsibility, and gain new skills and tools for dealing with relationships damaged by drugs and alcohol abuse.
At the end of the day, sober living programs are invaluable for men who seek long term sobriety and long for a happy, healthy life.