Category Archives: Sober Home

Sober Houses: What They Are and How They Help With Sobriety

Sober Home, Sober Living, Uncategorized

Life after leaving rehab or inpatient treatment can be challenging. Many people need help to transition back to their communities and lives, making a sober living house a great option to help make the move smoother. If you’re wondering what a sober house is like, read on to find out how it works and if it’s the right step for you.

What is a Sober House?

A sober house is a place where people can live while they are in the process of recovery from addiction. In some cases, sober houses can be found within larger facilities, such as a rehab center, where people can reside for a time and learn the skills needed for long-term recovery. A sober house can also be independent of a larger treatment center, and sometimes, former treatment patients can go through a sober living program of sorts as they transition back into life after treatment before they return home.

An intake counselor takes information about a person’s physical health, mental health concerns, drug use history, and treatment objectives when they check into a sober house. Counselors identify particular requirements that the program can satisfy and assist in explaining the home routine so that residents understand what is expected of them. Drug and alcohol testing may be performed regularly to verify that everyone in the house remains sober. Some sober houses enable members to go to school, work, or volunteer while living there.

What to Expect When Moving into a Sober Living House

One of the most often asked questions about sober living houses is what life is like daily. Daily and weekly routines are used in sober houses to assist members to live as a family unit working toward similar goals. Cooking and cleaning duties are shared so that everyone contributes to the efficient operation of the sober house. Many persons who have spent an extended period buried in drug and alcohol addiction have lacked a routine and benefit from having one again. As a resident of the home, individuals learn to accept responsibility, collaborate, and hold themselves accountable.

What’s the Difference Between a Sober and a Halfway House?

When seeking help while working on your sobriety, it’s crucial to grasp the distinction between sober living and halfway homes so you can determine which is best for you.

Some sober living homes are now associated with addiction treatment programs. In contrast, others are operated by sober living professionals whose only purpose is to create a safe living environment for persons in this stage of recovery.

So, what exactly is a halfway house? Some halfway homes are managed by government entities. Halfway houses can be busy and dorm-like, whereas sober living homes are more like private homes, providing occupants with more solitude and comfort.

Another distinguishing characteristic between sober living and halfway houses is the expense. Halfway homes are often the least priced alternative since they offer fewer amenities, less privacy, and less structure. On the other hand, Sober living is occasionally covered by insurance, making it a practical alternative for persons who may benefit from this level of support.

Conclusion

Living in a sober home is a significant transition step for someone considering returning home to live independently. It offers structure, support, and a new lease on life to help people get back on their feet.

Stayhaven Homes offers affordable shared housing in Stanislaus, Merced, and Sacramento. We proudly provide special housing options for teens, the elderly, veterans, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you! 

How Loneliness Can Hamper Your Journey to Sobriety

Depression Housing, Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Mental Illness Housing, Shared Housing, Sober Home, Sober Living

Many of you may not know this but loneliness can get in the way of sobriety. This is alarming as this can be a real hindrance to an individual’s journey to sobriety. Because of this, we thought it would be useful to have a brief discussion on this subject. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we discuss how loneliness can hamper your journey to sobriety.

Understanding the Difference Between Loneliness and Being Alone

It’s important to understand that there is a difference between loneliness and being alone. In sobriety, alone time is often needed as a restorative period that makes socializing more enjoyable in the long run. However, being alone does not always mean feeling lonely. In fact, you can be lonely even if you are with other people.

Instead of looking at loneliness as an emotion caused by being alone, it’s better to view it as a state of mind. Loneliness is the perception of being disconnected from everyone else whether or not you are in close proximity with other people. 

People who feel lonely often have low self-esteem. Factors such as feeling worthless, feeling guilty, being mentally distressed, and having poor coping skills can cause someone to feel lonely.

Loneliness and Sobriety

It may not seem like loneliness is a potential trigger for relapse, but isolation can be extremely impactful. Loneliness has long been tied to high-risk behavior like substance abuse. As a result, people in recovery may succumb to the temptation of old behaviors in these moments of weakness.

For example, you could be separated from family members while you are going through treatment, or you could be living on your own after rehabilitation, and you don’t have a community of friends or supportive individuals to help you through the tough times. You might feel like you’re facing life’s challenges alone, but this isn’t the case.

The earliest steps of recovery from addiction can be especially painful, as you begin to face up to the way you have hurt those close to you by your addiction and the damage to your relationships. It is easy, in the midst of these emotions, to feel lonely and try to soothe the pain with something false, such as alcohol or drugs. This is why loneliness plays a big role when it comes to people living in sobriety to relapse.

Best Ways to Deal With Loneliness In Sobriety

Although loneliness can be difficult in sobriety, it can be combated in many positive ways. To help make things easier for you, here are a couple of ways to deal with loneliness in sobriety.

If you’re still struggling with loneliness and need support, consider talking to a therapist. A licensed therapist can help you talk through your feelings of loneliness, as well as uncover any issues that may be contributing to this distressing emotion. Therapy can help you process these emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Attending AA meetings is a great way to make new friends and meet people who are dedicated to their sobriety. The AA community encourages individuals to care deeply for their physical and emotional well-being, knowing that loneliness can be one of the primary causes of relapse.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you understand the effect that loneliness can have on sobriety. As you can see, loneliness can really get in the way of sobriety. Be sure to take everything you learned here and apply it to your life so you can best navigate sobriety.

Are you looking for affordable shared housing in Stanislaus County, CA? Stayhaven Homes is worth checking out. We offer specialized housing programs for populations with special needs, including seniors, veterans, disabled people, low-income individuals, sober-living persons, and other similar concerns. Contact us today to learn more.

6 Key Benefits of Shared Accommodations for Seniors

Group Homes, Sober Home, Veteran Housing

Though it was once only reserved for college kids, shared housing is a rising trend for the older population. Seniors are now appreciating the benefits of shared housing, especially as they transition into a new type of lifestyle.

If you’re wondering whether shared housing services will be a residential set-up perfect for you or a senior loved one, here are some benefits you must consider in your decision.

1. Access to Emergency Help

Senior adults who have grown accustomed to living alone might find it difficult to ask for help when they need it. With this type of arrangement, though, they can take advantage of the help provided by their housemates.

For example, housemates can use the shared funds for repairs when there’s a plumbing issue in the house. Alternatively, seniors can also turn to their housemates to handle household chores. This can be especially beneficial when they have health limitations or mobility issues.

2. Save Some Money

Some seniors have to deal with rising medical expenses due to their complex medical needs. Still, shared housing can help them save on these costs by decreasing the likelihood of medical emergencies. Seniors living in shared housing can also save some money because they can share the cost of living.

3. Have a Sense of Community

Independent living can be very lonely, especially if you spend a lot of time alone at home. The easiest way to tackle this issue is by joining in on social activities in the senior community.

Through housemates, seniors can also share stories, enjoy music and other forms of entertainment with one another, and even eat meals together in the house.

4. Share Housing Responsibilities with Others

Seniors can also share the responsibilities of housework with their housemates. This is a great option, especially if they don’t have anyone else to rely on who is living in their area.

It can also be rewarding to share the responsibility for chores and other household maintenance tips, especially if they don’t have enough time to go over it independently.

5. Improve Mental Health

Seniors who live alone may experience mental health issues such as depression, and shared housing can alleviate this. Due to its social nature, a shared housing arrangement can provide seniors the chance to interact with people who can help them maintain their social life and even develop new relationships.

6. Stay Active

Since seniors will be living with others, they don’t have to worry about finding activities to participate in. They will have the opportunity to challenge themselves to try new things, whether it’s joining in on social events or attending classes.

This is also an excellent way for seniors to learn new things to bring back to their own homes.

Final Thoughts

Just like any other senior living arrangement, shared housing is not for everyone. There will be pros and cons to consider, and seniors must think of their own needs regarding shared accommodation before making a decision.

However, shared housing is an excellent option for seniors looking to save money on housing while also getting social interaction with other people.

Are you looking for affordable shared housing in Stanislaus County, CA? Stayhaven Homes is worth checking out. We offer specialized housing programs for populations with special needs, including seniors, veterans, disabled people, low-income individuals, sober-living persons, and other similar concerns. Contact us today to learn more.

Interesting Benefits of Shared Living Spaces You Should Know

Boarding Homes, Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing, Sober Home

As with any coming of age phase, independence is a value held in high regard. Teenagers seek freedom with new friends. Adults branch out from their parents to form their own families. And, interestingly, seniors want to age in their own homes, not in hospices or nursing homes.

Recent research shows Americans aged 50 and older want to “age in place,” meaning they don’t want to be uprooted to a new locale. Even if certain challenges to independence present themselves, such as chronic health problems, frailty, or even the ability to climb the stairs, there are ways to achieve aging in place that conveniently solves those problems.

One of these is called shared housing services. It’s similar to getting housemates, long-term ones, to bear the joys and burdens of your senior years. 

While a relatively new concept, there are several pros to consider when making this decision. Below are some attractive health benefits of shared living spaces:

Housemates Relieve Financial Burdens With You

For starters, a shared living space equals lesser rental costs for all involved. Let’s say your house rent costs between $100 to $500 a month for one person. Having at least one other senior in your living space cuts the rental fee by 50%! 

Likewise, having four roommates divides the cost by the number of people living with you!

Housemates Are Emotional Support Systems

Not only is the financial burden lightened. So is the emotional toll of old age. Older adults, especially empty nesters, are at risk of isolation and loneliness. This is especially true for those who live in the suburbs and rural areas. 

Isolation increases the risks of memory decline, depression, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and stress. Conversely, shared housing services mean having up to several housemates in one location. These could possibly decrease these risks for you and everyone else as you all have an emotional support system.

Housemates Are Physical Helpmates, Too

Having trouble doing chores, dealing with emergencies like a stroke, or need help with basic tasks such as dressing up or driving to the store? The presence of housemates helps with that. You no longer have to do all those yourself. 

All of you have a partner to count on when it comes to those activities. You can even prepare a daily schedule with assignments for each housemate to divide the work and accomplish more together for efficiency!

Just be sure to meet with everyone involved and discuss each others’ boundaries. Set ground rules based on your personality (extrovert or introvert). Discuss which chores you prefer doing and which ones you need help with to avoid misunderstandings.

They Lighten The Burdens of Adult Children

Some adult children may end up paying for their elderly parents’ nursing home expenses when the time comes. This is due to the round-the-clock care required for senior patients. These fees reach up to $93,075 for semi-private rooms and $105,850 for private rooms.

Similar to the first benefit, introducing elderly parents to shared housing services reduces the costs the or children might be paying. Since they are a community, they will help each other with menial tasks and emergencies, meaning finances are diverted only to the rent and other basic needs. As an option, children can give love gifts to their parents’ housemates who have consistently provided much-needed aid.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Share Space?

Though risky at first glance, the value of shared housing services is hard to understate. They provide financial, emotional, and physical support to the elderly at reduced costs while maintaining their sense of purpose and community.

To know more about the benefits, contact us for an appointment! Stayhaven Homes is a community of sharing houses in Modesto that offer properties and services that are safe, affordable, and inclusive. We look forward to hearing from you!