TRANSITIONAL LIVING
Whereas most addicts and their families weigh treatment options carefully, there is often relatively less consideration given to transitional living arrangements. This is due to a phenomenon in both addict and family, wherein each is susceptible to the wistful idea that the proverbial storm has past.
Suffice it to say, in the year following 28-day treatment it is highly recommended that both addict and family stay in counseling, in order to lend the best possible outcome to the substantial emotional and, often, financial investments that have already been made. Furthermore, transitional living is arguably the most crucial phase of the entire recovery process, not only because it is significantly chronologically longer than is treatment, but also because it is, by definition, the stage in which addicts are charged with the responsibility of actually integrating all that they have learned into their daily lifestyle.
Transitional living facilities offer a wide array of program structures. Most sober houses are gender-specific, for only men or only women; however, some offer co-ed campuses. Transitional houses usually require residents to go to 12-step meetings (or some form of community or professional support) and to secure employment. Most delegate chores and stipulate curfews, allowing for incrementally increased freedom as residents demonstrate incrementally increased responsibility. Accommodations can also vary greatly, ranging from private rooms to shared rooms.
Suffice it to say, in the year following 28-day treatment it is highly recommended that both addict and family stay in counseling, in order to lend the best possible outcome to the substantial emotional and, often, financial investments that have already been made. Furthermore, transitional living is arguably the most crucial phase of the entire recovery process, not only because it is significantly chronologically longer than is treatment, but also because it is, by definition, the stage in which addicts are charged with the responsibility of actually integrating all that they have learned into their daily lifestyle.
Transitional living facilities offer a wide array of program structures. Most sober houses are gender-specific, for only men or only women; however, some offer co-ed campuses. Transitional houses usually require residents to go to 12-step meetings (or some form of community or professional support) and to secure employment. Most delegate chores and stipulate curfews, allowing for incrementally increased freedom as residents demonstrate incrementally increased responsibility. Accommodations can also vary greatly, ranging from private rooms to shared rooms.