Top 5 Benefits Of Staying In A Recovery Home

Attending an intensive outpatient program is one of the most exhausting and overwhelming times of an addict’s life. After living in active addiction for years, many of these individuals just don’t know what “normal” looks like. Often the only stable thing in life before recovery was chaos. During treatment, a newly recovered individual is still vulnerable to isolating and backsliding if they are not in an environment that truly supports their journey. It is extremely helpful for a person attending an intensive outpatient program to have a structured community environment to support them throughout their program rather than spend their off-hours alone. Whether someone is recovering at 20 or 60, a healthy and supportive environment is critical to their success. Here are the top 5 benefits of staying in a recovery home.

1. Accountability​

Recovery homes are strictly alcohol and drug free as well as free of pornography and all forms of gambling. This creates an environment where residents know they will not be able to use or act-out without consequences. Regular check-ins and being surrounded by other individuals in recovery creates an environment of trust and integrity.

2. Safety​

Residents of recovery homes are safe in the knowledge they will be able to avoid triggers or other stressful situations while outside of program hours. Additionally, recovery houses with curfews and live-in house managers provide round-the-clock supervision. Many recovery homes are in upscale neighborhoods near IOPs for added convenience as well as safety.

3. Support​

Working a program of recovery is actual work. At PCS, clients may be attending treatment for up to 13 hours a day. Staying in a recovery home that understands how strenuous this journey can be is preferable to spending this intensive week alone in a hotel. Some of the best people to help individuals in early recovery are those who have successfully walked through it themselves. This also makes it easier for residents to stay motivated & prevents them from isolating. Coming home after a long day in treatment to a house full of sober, happy roommates is inspiring.

4. Structure​

Newly recovered people often don’t know what to do with their “off-time” and can quickly slip into old behaviors. Recovery homes that advise their residents fill their evening hours with self-care, fellowship and/or service work help restore a sense of purpose for newly recovered individuals. If the recovery home encourages daily rejuvenating spiritual practice, such as morning and evening meditation, that is even better.

5. Nutrition & Fitness​

For many addicted people, keeping a healthy body wasn’t a priority. It is a huge benefit to clients to be able to return home after a long day at PCS to a healthy hot meal. A recovery home that provides daily balanced meals & encourages regular fitness is an important way to take stress off residents while promoting their overall physical health.

Alcoholics and addicts of all types recover faster when they are able to adopt a holistic lifestyle early in recovery. For newly recovered people, the connection between mind, body and spirit takes a while to rebuild. Providing the newly recovered individual a safe community environment while they go through treatment is truly the best way to ensure their success.

By Michelle Sheydayi – Camelback Recovery