3 Ways a Men’s Sober Living Home Can Keep You Accountable

Mat Gorman | Posted on July 17, 2017 |

Accountability is key to maintaining a life of sobriety for both men and women. But how do you make the jump from an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab program to a sober life at home without falling? If you are a man in recovery seeking to transition back into mainstream living, a men’s sober living home may be the perfect way to live a life a substance-free lifestyle that supports your sobriety goals. Here’s why.

The Risk of Relapse Is Real

Unfortunately, even with substance abuse treatment, relapse continues to be a risk for all individuals struggling with addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that 90% of people receiving treatment for alcohol abuse disorders will relapse at least once over a four year period. Additionally, 40-60% of individuals who graduate from a drug and alcohol rehab program relapse within a year, and 61% of those who relapse will do so again.

While these statistics are quite scary, relapse should be viewed as a series of bumps on the road to recovery, instead of a dead end. It’s completely possible to maintain your sobriety during recovery but if you do relapse, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s okay to ask for help to climb back on the wagon.

What Does Accountability Mean to You?

Because of the very real risk of relapse, it’s important that you stay accountable to your recovery. But what exactly does that mean?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word accountable as “subject to giving an account; answerable” and “capable of being explained.” In the context of recovery, this can be achieved in a number of different ways.

The way in which you choose to hold yourself accountable to your recovery is up to you. It may mean that you make a promise to be completely honest with yourself and others about your recovery. Or maybe it means that you continually set recovery goals for yourself and stick to them. Whatever accountability means to you, it’s important that you are vigilant in upholding those standards in your life to protect yourself from relapse.

Accountability With Men’s Sober Living Homes

The purpose of a men’s sober living home is to provide a safe and comfortable home where men in recovery can learn how to assume responsibility for their own sobriety. This type of transitional living helps you prepare to live an independent, sober life, whenever that time comes.

Specifically, there are three main aspects of men’s sober living programs that can help you maintain accountability while also preparing you for the next stage of your recovery.

1. Structure

Sober living homes provide the much-needed structure of transitional living while still allowing for personal freedom to attend work, school and pursue leisure activities. Residents are required to follow the community rules and be a contributing member of the home. This structure, although demanding, helps eliminate the risks and temptations associated with living on your own right after graduating from a drug and alcohol rehab program.

Sticking to a structured schedule also helps you continue making those healthy choices you learned about in rehab. This could include everything from completing a regular workout routine to maintaining your ongoing treatment obligations, such as attending group home meetings or individual counseling with your recovery support specialist.

Another important way men’s sober homes provide structure is with periodic drug tests. These tests make it impossible to hide any drug use and they also serve as additional motivation to not give in to your cravings.

2. Peer Support

Peer support is one of the most important aspects of accountability at men’s sober living homes. One of the best ways to keep yourself (and others) accountable while in recovery is to talk about your sobriety goals and work together to achieve them. Whether that means meeting weekly to check in with a roommate or sitting down with the house group to help each other define meaningful goals, being a part of a community in recovery is one of the best ways to maintain your sobriety.

Additionally, you are much less likely to relapse if all the people in your life know about your sobriety goals. The other men who live in your sober house are not likely to put you in difficult situations where you may be tempted to drink or use drugs, but the same cannot be said for your old friends back at home. You’re also less likely to hang out in places where alcohol or drugs are present because socializing with your roommates will likely take place in non-tempting environment.

While living in a men’s sober home, you’ll also have people around who can relate to you, know exactly how you’re feeling or offer advice and encouragement when you’re dealing with a difficult situation or having a rough day.

3. Substance-Free Environment

Of course, one of the major benefits of living in a men’s sober home is that your living environment is completely free of addictive substances, making it easier for you to focus on your recovery. Returning to a harmful living environment is one of the top reasons people relapse after completing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. By eliminating addictive substances from your home, you’re only making it easier on yourself to avoid taking a drink or popping a pill.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of men’s sober living programs, a member of the Eudaimonia admissions team is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call today to speak to a representative.

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