A Way Out
Recovery is never as easy and uncomplicated as just quitting cold turkey and immediately switching to a “normal” lifestyle, as if there’d never been substance abuse in the first place. It takes many months and years of training up good habits, learning about your new self, and building a support system that keeps you on the right track and is there for you if times get tough.
A big part of that process is making sure you have a constructive, healthy environment to grow in. It can be hard to resist drugs and alcohol if they’re a presence in your own home, or if you live alone and feel you need someone around to keep you focused.
And it can be especially hard to set up a positive environment for yourself if you’ve just gotten out of a rehab center and don’t know where you can go next.
That’s why a sober house is an important option to consider. And if you’re in the Chicago area, New Directions Addiction Recovery Services has houses for both males and females in Crystal Lake that could be the next step that’s right for you.
What Is a Sober Living Home?
In many ways, a sober living is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a home exclusively for residents who are going through recovery, and is run by professionals who help them through the process.
However, a sober house is not a rehabilitation center, even though the staff are accredited substance abuse professionals. A rehab center administers treatment, whereas a sober houses are meant to help people transition back into everyday life after they’ve left that treatment. Residents have the opportunity to get their foot in the door and begin leading a productive life as part of a community.
This is important because often, recovering substance users have nowhere to go after they’re released from rehab. Maybe they can’t go back home because they lived with other drug users, or they aren’t ready to live alone where they might be tempted to relapse.
A sober house provides services that help them plan their next move while they live in a stable and safe environment that helps them keep their sobriety going.
Of course, to maintain this environment for everyone in the home, there are requirements that the residents need to fulfill. These often include:
- Staying sober the entire duration of the stay
- Completing daily chores to help maintain the home
- Attending weekly or daily 12-step program meetings
- Following a curfew
- Staying considerate of other residents
- Keeping your sleeping area clean
- No relationships with fellow residents
- No lending money to fellow residents
- No weapons
- No smoking on the premises
Services at New Directions Sober Living
So, what exactly does the New Directions Sober Living offer its residents and the community?
New Directions operates 3 homes in Crystal Lake; The Ellsworth home serves 11 male residents, the Lincoln home serves 5 female residents and the Tile Line home serves 8 male residents. Not only do these homes gives 24 residents a safe and stable living environment, but also provides services that help them integrate back into the community and further develop themselves in meaningful ways.
Case managers will work to help them build a resume, reclaim a lost driver’s license, pay off outstanding court fees, and more. They also get to participate in regular outings and events at The Other Side, the New Directions sober bar, to help them become part of a supportive social group.
