Completing your recovery program is not the end of the game. In fact, this is just the completion of one part. Now starts another part, which is more challenging. You are about to go back to society completely. Therapy sessions are over. Detox is done. You are all on your own.
Imagine triggers and temptations stretching their arms towards you like a giant octopus, trying to entangle you again in the world of drugs and alcohol. Do you know how to fight this octopus?
If not, then it is better to enroll in one of the sober living homes near you for a while before you re-enter the society. This will give you enough time to strengthen your sobriety and you learn ways to stay sober no matter what.
Once you have a plan for life, you will be more focused towards building your future than wandering around looking for drinks and drugs. A sober facility gives you a chance to build a plan for yourselves. This can prevent a relapse.
Setting a routine for yourselves
It is crucial to train your brain for a routine. This keeps unnecessary urges away. When in a sober facility you must follow a set routine, which includes waking up and going to bed on time, eating on time, attending sessions on time, and so on. This instills discipline in your life.
Working on your hobbies
Sober facilities provide inmates an opportunity to pursue their hobbies. You get a couple or more hours of free time wherein you can do anything that suits you. Meditate, play a musical instrument, learn a new language, indulge in sports, read, write, and more. You are also allowed to give job interviews.
Once you are employed, you become focused on work and learn to manage your finances.
No night outs
One of the rules of a halfway house is not staying out at night. You must come back to the house within a fixed time period. Partying out at night is prohibited. This removes most of the triggers and temptations. You are inside the house in a sober environment in the evening, eating a healthy dinner, and going to sleep on time. This inculcates healthy habits in you.
Eliminating wrong friends from your life
Do you have friends out there who do drugs? Time to say goodbye to them. Make new friends. The house is a great place to find friends who are on the same sober journey as you. Be with like-minded people. You must strengthen your personality to be able to say “no” to people who were once your close drink or drug buddies.
Create a support system
Facilities such as a halfway house in Pennsylvania give you a strong support system. You don’t feel alone in the journey of sobriety. Chances are high that you might get real friends here who support you to do something great in life. This is quite a contrast to the “friends” who encouraged you to try drugs or take one more drink back then.
Be patient. It takes time to transform, and when you do, you will be amazed to find the real you.
