The Department of Health and Human Services reports that 15 million people in the US have alcohol use disorder (AUD.) AUD, or alcoholism, refers to someone’s problematic or uncontrolled drinking.
Roughly one million (or seven percent) of these 15 million patients will pursue addiction treatment. One resource for these patients is a sober living home.
Check out our guide that will show you what top five factors you should pay attention to if you’re choosing sober living homes. Consider these sober living home features so you’ll find the right treatment format for you.
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What’s a Sober Living Home?
A sober living home is a transitional living environment between AUD inpatient treatment and independent living. These living facilities support a patient’s treatment in a supervised rehabilitation environment.
These “halfway” environments also help patients transition back into their independent living status. Options for homes to choose from include the following models:
Short/Long-term Treatment
Short-term treatment programs offer rigorous yet short interventions. These programs for sobriety will last up to six weeks, depending on what the client needs.
Long-term treatment programs last around six to12 months long. The patient’s condition dictates the length of the treatment period.
Therapeutic Communities
Therapeutic communities are facilities where treatment providers and patients live together onsite. These sites show clients how to make lifestyle changes that improves their honesty and willingness to learn new skills.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sober Living Homes
Are you or a loved one considering a sober living home? If so, here are some factors to consider when you begin your search.
1. Benefits of a Sober Living Home
Sober living homes help promote abstinence following the client’s inpatient treatment. Constant onsite guidance helps patients recover in an atmosphere free from the temptations that caused their original problems.
Patients then work on resuming their normal life functions. These functions can include finding a job or repairing their broken relationships with family or friends.
2. Treatment Plans Offered
Treatment plans should include goals and a time frame for the patient to satisfy their goals. Treatment plans also specify how clients will continue contact with their family and friends to receive ongoing support. The goal is to create a strategy that helps patients extend their lives longer.
3. Treatment Periods
Assess your commitment and comfort levels to decide on your length of stay. Treatment might mean taking time off from your current job. Some facilities design treatment plans that complement current schedules and obligations.
4. Insurance Coverage
Sober living home coverage will depend on your individual insurance plan. You can call these facilities directly to find out if they will honor your insurance. If you choose a facility outside of your insurance plan, you will have to pay for what your deductible won’t cover.
5. Client’s Personal Auto
Most facilities allow their clients to keep their vehicles onsite if they have a driver’s license. Keeping a car onsite helps clients reach the goal to maintain their current working status or find a new job.
What’s Your Next Step?
Talk to your doctor for their input on choosing sober living homes. Review your other life commitments to see if an onsite treatment works for you.
Contact your insurance provider for the details on your coverage. See any promising facilities outside your insurance network? If so, then start comparing home costs to make sure you can directly cover their costs.
It’s time to conquer the nightmare world of addiction! Consider these factors and you can start your stronger life today!
