Category: treatment

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used and abused substances in the United States. Data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates approximately 55% of adults over the age of 18 report drinking in the past month, and more than 85% report drinking at some point in their lives. Although these statistics may seem underwhelming, it is essential to note that frequent, excessive drinking increases one’s risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The same survey reports that more than 14.5 million people over the age of 12 meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder in the United States. Of those, as many as 414,000 adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17 had an alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, of the nearly 22 million people with an alcohol use disorder who could benefit from addiction treatment, only about 12% (in 2019) received treatment in the past year. 

How to Identify if You Are Addicted to Alcohol

Enjoying an occasional drink with friends or a glass of wine after work does not necessarily mean you are or will become addicted to alcohol. However, there are limitations to how much and how often one can and should drink. Alcoholism (now referred to as an alcohol use disorder) is a condition that causes an overwhelming desire or physical need to consume alcohol regardless of any known harmful effects. If you struggle with an alcohol use disorder, it is difficult (sometimes impossible) to reduce how much or how often you drink without the help of a professional addiction treatment program. 

If you are trying to identify if you are addicted to alcohol, it is important to look for common warning signs, including:

• The inability to limit your alcohol consumption.
• A family history of alcoholism-especially a first-degree relative such as your mother or father.
• New or worsening problems at home, work, or in social environments. 
• New or worsening physical or mental health symptoms. 
• Experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms if you do not drink. Some examples of these may include nausea, sweating, or shaking (DT’s).
• New or worsening legal troubles related to drinking. 
• Needing to consume increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel the effects that one drink used to achieve.
• Using alcohol as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress or physical discomfort. 

Most importantly, if you find that getting and drinking alcohol takes precedence over all else, it is important to reach out for help at an alcohol rehab like Relevance Recovery. 

How Alcohol Rehab in Toms River, NJ Can Help You Stop Drinking

The first step on your journey to recovery from alcohol addiction is admitting you struggle with alcohol. Next, it is vital to contact an alcohol rehab in Toms River, NJ specializing in alcohol addiction treatment. Although it is possible to stop drinking without help, detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous. Alcohol detox can produce intense, sometimes life-threatening symptoms, making it difficult to go through detox on your own. Unfortunately, many who try to stop using alcohol “cold turkey” relapse when withdrawal symptoms become too overwhelming to manage. For this reason, it is highly suggested that you detox at a program like Relevance Recovery, where trained specialists can help you detox and transition to a comprehensive therapy program designed to help you stop drinking. 

If you or a loved one are ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact our admissions team today to learn more about our Toms River, NJ alcohol rehab and how our programs can help you stop drinking. Our treatment team will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan focused on your unique treatment needs and goals. If you are ready to get sober, contact Relevance Recovery today. 

Although addiction affects the individual who uses it, they are not alone in their struggle. When someone struggles with addiction, it is not uncommon for them to do or say things that inflict emotional pain and discomfort on those they care about most. This happens due to what a struggling individual may say or because of how their behaviors and moods change in harmful and often self-destructive ways. These are among the many reasons why addiction is often referred to as a “family disease.” 

What Are the Effects of Drug Addiction on Family Members? 

Addiction does not offer immunity to any member of an addict’s family or social circles. Their family members, friends, spouse, children, and even coworkers all serve as a witness to their loved one’s mind and body experiencing drastic changes. As addiction takes hold, the home or work environment becomes toxic as moods and behaviors change. Trust and communication are often the first things that are compromised as arguments and misunderstandings become a day-to-day occurrence.  

Addiction affects family members in many ways; however, two of the most common are loss of relationships and financial struggles. Drug addiction is costly. Depending on the severity of one’s addiction and their substance of choice, addiction can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars every month. These financial impacts extend throughout the entire family as untreated addiction forces addicts to turn to family and loved ones for financial support. Sometimes this money is used to pay bills or buy food; however, in other cases, it is used to buy drugs. Also, family members who may be desperate to see their loved one get the addiction treatment they so desperately need may drain personal financial resources such as savings accounts, retirement accounts, or even take out a mortgage on their home to help pay their required funds for rehab.

Addiction also has a significant impact on the relationships an addict has with their family. Unfortunately, families are a vital resource for those who struggle with addiction, and it is essential to maintain these relationships whenever possible. It is not uncommon for family and friends to focus their support so intensely on the person with the addiction that they forget to support one another throughout the recovery process. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, supportive relationships, including family support, are one of the four pillars of essential recovery, making repairing and maintaining these relationships a vital part of addiction treatment and recovery. 

What to Do if You Are Struggling With Addiction

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, seeking therapy is vital to recovery for everyone. As a family member of a loved one with an addiction, encouraging your loved one to seek treatment is only the first step. The next step is to find an appropriate program that suits their needs and can provide adequate therapy for your loved one and their family members. Without family therapy, it can be challenging to heal damaged relationships and open the lines of honest, trusting communication, which are so vital to ongoing sobriety and recovery. Family plays a critical role in ensuring their loved one’s lasting recovery. Through our family therapy programs at Relevance Recovery, we will work with you to ensure everyone receives the support and guidance they need as your loved one works towards sobriety and family members learn more about the role family plays in that process. If left unaddressed, addiction can have detrimental and irreversible impacts on family relationships. Make today the day that your family vows to confront addiction by contacting Relevance Recovery. 

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that interacts with the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to produce intense feelings of euphoria and energy. Cocaine is a manufactured drug created using the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Cocaine is processed into a fine white powder that is commonly consumed by snorting it into the nose; however, it can be rubbed onto the gums, smoked, or mixed with liquid and injected into the veins. 

In 2018, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health data indicated cocaine was the second most common drug associated with fatalities in the United States that year. The effects of cocaine are immediate and intense, yet they are not long-lasting. The short-lived nature of the impact of the drug leads many people to come back for more frequent and often more substantial doses. For many who struggle with a cocaine addiction, achieving sobriety and recovery are challenging without detox and comprehensive addiction treatment. 

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine use leads to physical and psychological effects on the user. To better understand if you or a loved one should seek treatment for cocaine use, it is necessary to understand the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Chronic, long-term cocaine use can lead to significant physical and psychological health risks. Some of the most common signs you may notice immediately after using cocaine include excessive energy, runny nose, improved concentration, dilated pupils, appetite changes, and paranoia. These symptoms generally wear off after a very short time, typically no more than 30 minutes.

As you begin to develop a tolerance to cocaine and an addiction to the effects of the drug, larger and more frequent doses are often required to attain the same high you achieved when you first began using. As cocaine use becomes more regular and the dosing size increases, cocaine can start to have irreversible and overwhelmingly detrimental effects on the body. Examples of common physical effects include headaches, increased blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, chills, seizures, heart attack, stroke, and death. Psychological effects of chronic cocaine use may include significant mood changes and difficulties with memory and focus.

The extent and severity of the long-term effects of cocaine use depend on the severity of one’s addiction. The more often and the more frequently you use cocaine, the more likely you are to develop potentially life-threatening symptoms and side effects from its use. Chronic use of cocaine will eventually lead to detrimental and often irreversible effects on vital, life-sustaining body systems, including the brain, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system.

Different treatment approaches and therapies

Cocaine treatment centers employ a range of treatment approaches and therapies to address addiction and promote recovery. Some common approaches include:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with cocaine addiction. It aims to develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies to prevent relapse.

2. Motivational Interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that aims to enhance an individual’s motivation to change addictive behaviors. It involves exploring and resolving any ambivalence about quitting cocaine and reinforcing personal motivations for recovery.

3. Contingency Management: Contingency management is a reward-based approach that provides incentives for drug-free urine samples or achieving specific treatment goals. It reinforces positive behaviors and motivates continued abstinence.

4. Family Therapy: Family therapy involves the participation of family members in the treatment process. It helps improve communication, addresses family dynamics, and provides support for both the individual in recovery and their loved ones.

Types of Cocaine Treatment Centers

When it comes to choosing a cocaine treatment center, there are various options available. The most common types include:

1. Inpatient Treatment Centers: Inpatient treatment centers provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to focus solely on their recovery. These centers typically offer around-the-clock medical supervision, counseling, and various therapies.

2. Outpatient Treatment Centers: Outpatient treatment centers allow individuals to receive treatment while still living at home. This option is suitable for those with less severe addiction or those who cannot commit to residential treatment due to personal or professional obligations.

3. Luxury Treatment Centers: Luxury treatment centers provide a high-end, resort-like setting for individuals seeking a more luxurious and comfortable rehab experience. These facilities often offer additional amenities such as spa treatments, gourmet meals, and recreational activities.

4. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers: Dual diagnosis treatment centers specialize in treating individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, alongside cocaine addiction. These centers provide integrated treatment to address both conditions simultaneously.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cocaine Treatment Center

Choosing the right cocaine treatment center is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the recovery process. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Accreditation: Ensure that the treatment center is accredited by recognized organizations such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Accreditation ensures that the facility meets high standards of care and safety.

2. Treatment Approaches: Different treatment centers may utilize various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, group therapy, or holistic approaches. Consider which treatment modalities align best with your needs and preferences.

3. Location: The location of the treatment center can play a role in the recovery process. Some individuals may prefer a facility close to home for the convenience of family involvement, while others may choose a more secluded location for privacy and focus.

4. Cost and Insurance Coverage: Treatment costs can vary widely depending on the facility and the level of care provided. It’s essential to consider your budget and review your insurance coverage to ensure that the treatment center is financially feasible.

5. Staff Credentials and Experience: Research the qualifications and experience of the treatment center’s staff, including physicians, therapists, and counselors. A highly trained and experienced team can provide the best care and support throughout the recovery journey.

6. Success Rates and Reviews: Look for testimonials or success stories from former patients to gain insight into the treatment center’s effectiveness. Positive reviews and high success rates can give you confidence in your decision.

How Cocaine Recovery Treatment Works

If you are concerned you or a loved one may have a cocaine addiction, it is vital to seek addiction treatment help immediately. Long-term untreated cocaine addiction can be fatal. Cocaine changes how the body produces and releases chemicals in the body responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Eventually, the user believes they need to use cocaine to feel “normal.” Although cocaine withdrawal does not produce significant physical symptoms (as you may see when detoxing from alcohol or opioids), the psychological symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can vary widely and be challenging to manage without comprehensive treatment support.

A treatment program for cocaine addiction typically focuses on behavioral change. Using a combination of evidence-based therapy models and alternative therapy options, the team at Relevance Recovery will work with you to design a treatment program that meets your unique treatment needs and goals. The most common behavioral therapy used to treat cocaine addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. The CBT model encourages you to examine negative thoughts and behaviors to better understand the roots of your addiction. Only after understanding the triggers that lead you to cocaine use can you change your addictive behaviors. Other common therapies may include contingency management or motivational incentives, therapeutic communities, and community-based recovery groups such as 12-step programs.

Importance of Seeking Professional Help

Cocaine addiction is a serious condition that requires professional help to overcome. Attempting to quit cold turkey or without proper guidance can be dangerous and increase the risk of relapse. By seeking treatment at a reputable cocaine treatment center, individuals can receive the necessary support and guidance to overcome addiction.

Reach Out to Relevance Recovery Today

Left untreated, cocaine addiction can have overwhelmingly harmful impacts on your physical, psychological, and spiritual health. With the proper support and the right treatment environment, recovery and long-term freedom from cocaine are possible. If you are ready to begin your journey towards healing, contact us at Relevance Recovery today. 

The Benefits of Heroin Treatment in New Jersey

Are you or someone you know struggling with heroin addiction? It’s time to take control and reclaim your life. Heroin treatment in New Jersey offers a lifeline for those battling addiction. With its comprehensive and evidence-based approach, heroin treatment can provide the necessary support and tools to help individuals overcome their addiction holistically.

One of the key benefits of seeking heroin treatment in New Jersey is access to a wide range of treatment options. From medically assisted detoxification to individual counseling and therapy, these programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Additionally, New Jersey boasts a supportive and understanding community of professionals who are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and live fulfilling lives.

Choosing to embark on a heroin treatment journey can be daunting, but the rewards are immeasurable. Not only does it provide an opportunity for physical healing, but it also addresses the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. Through therapy and counseling, individuals can gain a better understanding of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms for a successful recovery.

Understanding Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a complex and devastating disease that affects individuals from all walks of life. It is a highly addictive opioid drug that rapidly binds to receptors in the brain, leading to intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Over time, regular heroin use can cause severe physical and psychological dependence, making it incredibly difficult to quit without professional help.

The importance of seeking treatment

Seeking treatment for heroin addiction is a crucial step toward recovery. It takes immense courage to admit that you have a problem and ask for help, but it is the first step towards reclaiming your life. Heroin treatment in New Jersey offers a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals can receive the care and treatment they need to overcome their addiction.

Heroin Treatment Options

One of the key benefits of seeking heroin treatment in New Jersey is the wide range of treatment options available. Each individual is unique, and their journey to recovery should be tailored to meet their specific needs. Heroin treatment programs in New Jersey offer a comprehensive approach that includes medically assisted detoxification, individual counseling, group therapy, and alternative therapies such as art or music therapy.

Benefits of Heroin Treatment in New Jersey

Choosing to embark on a heroin treatment journey in New Jersey comes with numerous benefits. Firstly, the state boasts a supportive and understanding community of professionals who are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and live fulfilling lives. The treatment centers in New Jersey provide a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can heal and rebuild their lives.

Additionally, heroin treatment in New Jersey focuses not only on the physical aspect of addiction but also addresses the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. Through therapy and counseling, individuals can gain a better understanding of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms to maintain long-term recovery.

Finding the right treatment center

Finding the right treatment center is essential for a successful recovery. When choosing a heroin treatment center in New Jersey, it’s important to consider factors such as the center’s accreditation, treatment approaches offered, success rates, and aftercare support. It’s crucial to find a treatment center that aligns with your values and offers a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.

The role of therapy in heroin treatment

Therapy plays a crucial role in heroin treatment as it helps individuals address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction. Individual counseling allows individuals to explore the root causes of their addiction, identify triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Group therapy provides a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, gain insights, and learn from others who have overcome similar challenges.

Support Systems for Recovery

Recovering from heroin addiction requires ongoing support and a strong support system. Heroin treatment centers in New Jersey understand the importance of a supportive environment and offer various support systems to aid individuals in their recovery journey. This can include support groups, alumni programs, and aftercare services to ensure individuals have the necessary resources and guidance for long-term sobriety.

Overcoming the Stigma of Heroin Addiction

One of the barriers to seeking treatment for heroin addiction is the stigma associated with it. Many individuals feel shame and fear judgment, which prevents them from reaching out for help. However, it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Heroin treatment centers in New Jersey provide a nonjudgmental and understanding environment, free from stigma, where individuals can receive the help they need without fear of discrimination.

Conclusion: Taking the first step towards reclaiming your life

Recovering from heroin addiction is not an easy journey, but it is possible. Heroin treatment in New Jersey offers a comprehensive and supportive approach to help individuals overcome their addiction and reclaim their lives. By seeking treatment, individuals can access a wide range of treatment options, receive therapy and counseling, and build a strong support system for long-term recovery. Don’t let heroin addiction hold you back any longer. Reach out for help and embrace the benefits of heroin treatment in New Jersey. It’s time to reclaim your life.

If you are considering alcohol rehab, it is likely that you have come across various types of programs available to meet your addiction treatment needs. While researching addiction rehabs near you, you will see facilities that provide inpatient residential care, intensive outpatient care, and outpatient treatment programs, among others. Deciding which program is right for you can quickly become confusing. Outpatient alcohol rehab is a popular and highly effective way to treat alcohol use disorder (or alcoholism). Outpatient rehabs provide those seeking treatment the ability to get help for their addiction without interfering with day-to-day obligations and responsibilities. Outpatient programs offer various services, including medication-assisted detox and therapy and peer support groups.

What Are Outpatient Alcohol Programs?

Outpatient alcohol treatment programs provide similar comprehensive, evidence-based treatments like those found in an inpatient residential setting. The most significant benefit to outpatient treatment programs is the ability to receive potentially lifesaving services without having to live onsite at the treatment facility throughout the duration of your program. Also, outpatient programs are usually not as intensive as inpatient residential programs due to the design of the treatment environment. This provides you the freedom to continue going to work, school, and meeting family obligations while receiving treatment. 

Outpatient programs are often an excellent option for someone with a mild addiction or someone who has completed an inpatient treatment program and is not quite ready yet to resume day-to-day life without the ongoing support found in the treatment environment. Also, outpatient programs are an excellent option for those with a stable home environment and limited concerns about exposure to triggers. However, it is important to note that outpatient programs, while a great alternative to 30-, 60-, or 90-day inpatient residential programs, are not a good fit for everyone. 

If you have completed an addiction treatment program before and experienced relapse, outpatient treatment is likely not the best fit for you. Additionally, if you’ve been struggling with a long-term drinking problem or have a severe addiction, an inpatient residential treatment program might be the best place to start before stepping down to an outpatient program like Relevance Recovery.

How Do I Know an Outpatient Alcohol Program Is Right for Me? 

Your treatment needs and the severity of your addiction will help determine if outpatient rehab is right for you. Like inpatient programs, outpatient programs involve daily treatment (including counseling, therapy, or group sessions). Many outpatient programs last between three and six months but can last longer if needed. There are several benefits to outpatient care, including lower cost, different types of care and care intensity levels, variable appointment availability, and likely, most importantly, the ability to continue receiving life-changing treatment while living at home. Another benefit to outpatient alcohol rehab is the integration of peer support groups, including traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and like-skill programs, including help with housing, educational applications, and employment assistance. 

Reach Out to Relevance Recovery Today

Acknowledging a struggle with alcohol is difficult. Deciding to seek treatment and overcome an adverse relationship with alcohol is also challenging. At Relevance Recovery, many of our treatment providers have shared a similar experience and, therefore, understand the struggles associated with going to rehab. Addiction is a disease, and like many chronic illnesses, it can be successfully treated. At Relevance Recovery, our treatment team will work with you to design a comprehensive outpatient treatment program that addresses your treatment needs and goals. If you are ready to begin your journey of sobriety, today is the day to contact the admissions team at Relevance Recovery to learn more about how our Freehold, NJ outpatient alcohol rehab can help you overcome alcohol addiction. 

Opioids (or narcotics) are medications prescribed by doctors to help reduce symptoms associated with chronic or persistent pain such as headaches or backaches. Some prescription opioids are also used by patients recovering from a surgical procedure or struggling with severe pain associated with cancer or chronic injury. Most of the opioid drugs people are familiar with are legal; however, a significant portion of the population struggles with addictions to illegally manufactured opioids as well. Opioid drugs, whether prescription or illicit, work by attaching themselves to the opioid receptors in the brain, on the spinal cord, and in other parts of the body. This connection blocks pain messages sent from the body through the nervous system to the spinal cord and the brain. When someone uses a prescription or illegal opioid, the pain that they struggle with becomes manageable. Prescription opioids are highly beneficial for pain management; however, the risk of addiction requiring intervention at an addiction treatment center is high. 

What Are Opioids? 

Opioids are a class of drugs that includes illegal substances (such as Heroin), synthetically produced opioids like fentanyl, methadone, and suboxone, and prescription pain medications such as oxycodone morphine, and hydrocodone, among others. All opioid drugs, whether prescription or otherwise, are chemically related. Each acts on the opioid nerve cells throughout the body and brain, producing feelings of euphoria, joy, and pain relief. Even prescribed use can lead to dependency and addiction. 

Suboxone and methadone are frequently used in an addiction treatment setting as part of medically assisted addiction detox and therapy. When used under supervision, methadone and suboxone can significantly help to decrease the intensity and severity of withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, they are also frequently misused, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms. 

How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids bind to opioid receptors, which are proteins that attach to nerve cells. These receptors are found in the brain and spinal cord, as well as in the gut and other body parts. When opioids bind to these receptors, they block pain messages that the body sends to the brain, which in turn sends pain messages back to the brain via the spinal cord. Although opioids are effective at relieving pain, they come with some risks and are highly addictive. Opioids are particularly addictive when used to treat chronic pain over an extended period.

What Are The Potential Side Effects?

Opioids may result in various side effects, including but not limited to:

• Sleep disturbances
• Constipation
• Nausea

Additionally, opioids can lead to more severe, potentially life-threatening side effects. An opioid overdose may manifest with symptoms such as:

• Shallow breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Loss of consciousness

Abrupt cessation of opioid use can also give rise to withdrawal symptoms, including nervousness and insomnia. It is crucial to note that opioids have a significant potential for addiction. These substances influence the brain and body, creating a perception of the drug as necessary for survival. Over time, tolerance may develop, prompting individuals to seek higher doses for pain relief, ultimately increasing the risk of addiction. Disturbingly, over 2 million Americans engage in opioid abuse annually, and more than 90 Americans lose their lives each day due to opioid overdose.

Why It’s Important to Go to a Treatment Center That Understands Opioid Addiction

Regular opioid use, more often than not, leads to the development of tolerance to their effects. Tolerance inevitably leads to physical and psychological dependence. When you are dependent on a substance and stop using it, painful and unpleasant symptoms can develop. In the case of opioid addiction, these symptoms, also called withdrawal symptoms, can sometimes be dangerous and even fatal. These detox and withdrawal symptoms are key reasons why it’s essential to go to a treatment center that understands opioid addiction. 

When you stop using an opioid after developing a dependence on its effects, you will experience withdrawal. Some of the most common opioids that lead to withdrawal symptoms include prescriptions such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine, and Morphine; illicit drugs like Heroin and medications used to help treat addiction, including methadone. Depending on the substance you use, withdrawal symptoms can begin in as little as six hours after your last dose. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include sweating, gastric disturbances, anxiety, body aches, agitation, nausea, and vomiting. Other, more severe symptoms include delirium tremens (DTs), irregular respirations, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. 

The more severe symptoms related to opioid withdrawal make detoxing in a safe environment essential to your health and safety. It is not uncommon for someone addicted to opioids to attempt to detox on their own or “cold turkey.” Due to the unpredictable and often unpleasant nature of withdrawal symptoms, these unsupported attempts frequently lead to relapse as withdrawal symptoms eventually become too difficult and overwhelming to manage. In a medically supervised detox setting like Relevance, trained medical staff is available to guide you through the detox process and ensure your safety throughout while assisting with symptom management. Detox is often a difficult process, but it is the first essential step on the journey to sobriety. 

 If you are ready to start your journey toward overcoming addiction, reach out to the team at Relevance Recovery today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs. 

Sober living environments often serve as an excellent stepping-stone between addiction treatment and transitioning to your home environment after your treatment program ends. Regardless of their level of care (inpatient, outpatient, etc.), many treatment programs encourage participants new to sobriety to spend time in a sober living home. The period immediately following treatment is often challenging, and many struggle with adjusting to their newly sober lives. Sober living homes offer a safe setting between the highly supportive treatment environment and home. Time spent in sober living in Monmouth County, NJ, provides you the opportunity to practice and reinforce the coping skills you learned during rehab. Often, sober Living in New Jersey can make the difference between maintaining long-term sobriety and relapsing back to old patterns. 

Sober Living Homes Explained 

During rehab, clients are immersed in the activities of their recovery plan. Once outside of treatment, this changes, and in some cases, difficulties related to maintaining sobriety arise. In a sober living environment, residents are not confined within the home. For some, this newfound freedom is a blessing, yet it can increase the challenges of maintaining ongoing sobriety and avoiding relapse for others. The goal of a sober living home is to allow addicts new to recovery a safe space to ease back into “normal life” while slowly resuming day-to-day tasks and activities. Although sober living environments are far less restrictive than many treatment programs, there are still rules that must be followed, including curfews, mandatory attendance at group meetings, and in some cases, random (and required) drug and alcohol testing. Testing is used as means to ensure those living in a sober living home have not relapsed and or are not exposing others in the environment to substances and potential relapse triggers. 

What Do You Do When You Live in a Sober Living Home?

While living in a sober living home, residents can attend ongoing treatment and participate in support groups. In many cases, support groups take the form of traditional 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. In addition to peer support groups like AA and NA, residents staying in a sober living home often continue to participate in ongoing addiction treatment therapy either in a group or individual setting. Continued therapy helps reinforce coping skills learned in early treatment while providing a safe and supported environment to talk about fears and challenges related to sobriety. 

Another significant benefit to a sober living home is the opportunity to forge friendships with like-minded peers who will help reinforce the desire to remain sober. Unfortunately, when a former addict gets sober, it often changes their relationships with family and friends. Friends who do not share the same view on sobriety may increase exposure to triggering situations and relapse potential. Many addicts in recovery feel they need to distance themselves from family and friends to reduce trigger exposure leading to isolation and struggles with depression. Sober living homes provide a support system that can not only help residents avoid the isolation that comes with going directly from intensive addiction treatment back home but provides an environment of increased support during the early and often fragile stages of recovery. 

If you have recently completed addiction treatment or are participating in a treatment program at Relevance Recover in Freehold, NJ, talk to your treatment team about how sober living in Monmouth County, NJ, can help on your journey to long-term recovery. The support provided by treatment staff and peer groups can be of significant benefit during the often challenging early stages of sobriety. If you would like to learn more about our sober living community or our addiction treatment programs in New Jersey, contact the admissions team at Relevance Recovery today.