Many people struggle with addiction and want to live a life free of temptations and cravings, but their homes are not conducive to such an effort. For such people, considering sober living in Houston, Texas may be the perfect answer.
Sober living is a type of transitional housing that provides a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment for people who are recovering from substance abuse. Sober living homes can help you maintain sobriety, rebuild your life skills, and prepare for independent living.
Statistics: Substance Abuse in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas is not immune to the effects of substance abuse. In fact:
- In the past year, about 490,000 people aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in the Houston area.
- The number of drug-related deaths in Texas increased from 2,167 in 2019 to 2,801 in 2020, with large increases in deaths involving stimulants, cocaine, and synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl).
- Houston residents have less than half the access to mental health providers than the national average, and Texas ranks last in access to mental health treatment.
These statistics show the need for more awareness, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse and mental health in Houston, Texas.
What Are Sober Living Homes In Houston, Texas Like?
Sober living homes are places where people who are recovering from addiction can live together in a supportive and drug-free environment. These residencies help people transition from rehab to independent living, and they offer various services and programs to help them stay sober and rebuild their lives.
Sober living homes based in Houston, Texas are diverse and cater to different needs and preferences. Some of them are pet-friendly, some are faith-based, some are gender-specific, and some are luxury-oriented. They also encourage residents to find jobs, go to school, or volunteer in the community.
What Is The Importance Of Having Coed Sober Living Homes For Men And Women?
Coed sober living homes are residential facilities that provide a supportive and drug-free environment for people who are recovering from addiction, incorporating both male and female residents. These homes have some advantages and disadvantages compared to gender-specific sober living homes. Here are a few of the main points to consider:
- Coed sober living homes can better match real-world situations, where people have to interact with different genders in various settings. This can help residents develop positive and respectful relationships, learn from different perspectives, and prepare for independent living.
- Coed sober living homes can also foster a sense of community and mutual support among residents, no matter what gender they may be. They can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, and offer advice and insights during group meetings and daily interactions.
- However, coed sober living homes may also pose some risks and challenges for residents, especially those who have experienced gender-related traumas, such as sexual or physical abuse. They may feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or triggered by the presence of the opposite gender, and may have difficulty trusting or opening up to them.
- Coed sober living homes may also increase the temptation or possibility of romantic relationships, which are not recommended for people in early recovery. Relationships of this type can distract from the recovery goals, create emotional instability, and lead to relapse or dependency.
What Are The Benefits Of Sober Living?
Sober living can have many benefits for your health, happiness, and recovery. Here are a few of them:
- Sober living can improve your physical health by reducing the damage that alcohol and drugs cause to your organs, brain, and immune system.
- Sober living can enhance mental health by restoring brain function, mood, and memory. You can also cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression, and develop a positive outlook on life.
- Sober living can boost your self-esteem and confidence by helping you achieve your goals, overcome your challenges, and give you the incentive to learn new skills.
- Sober living can strengthen your relationships with your family, friends, and community by allowing you to repair the trust and communication that may have been damaged by your addiction.
- Sober living can increase your opportunities and choices by helping you find a job, education, or volunteer work that suits your interests and abilities.
- Sober living can enrich your life with meaning and purpose by helping you discover your values, passions, and hobbies.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Sober Living?
Sober living is great for people who want to further their recovery from addiction, but there may be some drawbacks or challenges that you should be aware of. Here are a few of them:
- Sober living can be expensive, especially if you are not working or have limited income. You will have to pay rent or program fees, as well as other living expenses, such as food, transportation, and personal items.
- Sober living can be strict, and you will have to follow certain rules and expectations, such as attending meetings, taking drug tests, doing chores, and respecting curfews.
- Sober living can be challenging, and you will have to deal with various stressors and triggers, such as adjusting to a new environment, coping with cravings, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts.
What Are The Rules Of Sober Living Home?
Sober living homes have rules for several reasons: they support your recovery process, they help keep residents safe, and they help people build sober lifestyles. Some common house rules most homes require are:
- Any form of drugs or alcohol is prohibited from the premises. This is the number one rule, and it is strictly enforced. Residents have to agree to abstain from any substance use and to submit to random drug and alcohol tests.
- Attendance at weekly house meetings. Residents have to participate in regular meetings where they share their progress, challenges, and goals. These meetings are also a time to discuss any issues or concerns with the house staff and other residents.
- Finding a sponsor and attending 12-step support group meetings. Residents have to find a sponsor, who is a person in recovery who can guide and mentor them. They also have to attend 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, regularly.
- Abiding by a set curfew. Residents have to follow a certain schedule and be back at the house by a specific time, and this helps them maintain a healthy routine and avoid potential triggers or temptations.
- Taking on household chores. Residents have to contribute to the upkeep and cleanliness of the house and they must respect the common areas and the personal belongings of others.
- Paying rent. Residents have to pay a monthly fee or rent to cover the costs of living in the house which may vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the house.
How Long Do You Stay In A Sober Living Home?
The length of stay in a sober living home depends on your individual needs, progress, and goals. There is, however, no fixed time limit and you can stay as long as you want or need, as long as you follow the house rules and pay the rent.
Staying longer in a sober living home can have many benefits for your recovery, such as:
- Improving your physical and mental health
- Boosting your self-esteem and confidence
- Strengthening your relationships and support network
- Increasing your opportunities and choices
- Enriching your life with meaning and purpose
What Are The Differences Between Sober Living Homes And Halfway Houses?
Sober living homes and halfway houses are both places where recovering addicts can stay as they complete their treatment and reintegration into normal life, but there are a few distinct differences between the two. Here are the main differences:
- Sober living homes are usually privately owned and voluntary, while halfway houses are often state-owned and court-mandated.
- Sober living homes are typically less structured and more flexible than halfway houses, and they focus on fostering peer-support networks and helping residents transition to independent living while halfway houses are usually more strict and more regulated than sober living homes, and they offer more comprehensive wrap-around services, such as case management, therapy, and job training.
Sober living homes and halfway houses have different eligibility criteria, costs, and rules, and they may suit different needs and preferences of people in recovery.
Taste Recovery: Sober Living In Houston, Texas
Taste Recovery is a free service that helps people find sober living homes in Houston, Texas, and other parts of the country. You can search, compare, and contact sober living homes through our app or web portal. We also provide information and resources on substance abuse and recovery in Texas.
Taste Recovery aims to make finding sober living homes easier and more accessible for people who need them. Contact us today to end your search and start your journey down the road of recovery.