Learning to navigate everyday life after completing addiction treatment is a real challenge, and many people could benefit from some additional support and guidance during this critical period of their recovery.
Transitional housing is a form of post-treatment recovery care that can help you ease into your new life of sobriety. The best transitional living facilities share certain qualities that provide their clients with the greatest chances of success. In this article, we’ll look at a few key characteristics that the best transitional living facilities have in common.
1. The best transitional living facilities offer structure.
Transitional living facilities place a strong emphasis on rules, routines and responsibilities. If you want to continue living in transitional housing, you’ll need to follow the rules and pull your weight. All residents pitch in with household chores and are held accountable for their actions. Everyone is expected to maintain their sobriety during their time in transitional housing, so you may have regularly scheduled or random drug tests. The structured lifestyle of a transitional living facility helps residents develop a sense of purpose and responsibility as they adjust to post-treatment life.
2. Transitional housing provides round-the-clock support.
The early weeks and months of recovery can leave you feeling isolated; you’re no longer in the supportive environment of the treatment center, and you may not have a strong network of supportive family and friends to rely on.
The best transitional living facilities offer positive social opportunities, and they usually provide access to 12-step meetings and other important recovery resources. You’ll never feel alone in transitional housing—staff members and other residents are always available. This level of social support can be a real game-changer during the tougher parts of early recovery.
3. A transitional living facility is a safe environment.
It’s difficult to stay sober when your living environment isn’t conducive to recovery.1 Transitional housing offers a safe and stable space for people navigating the challenges of early recovery.
The best transitional living facilities ensure that the environment is completely free of drugs and alcohol. When these triggers and temptations are removed, it’s easier to focus your energy on getting healthy and rebuilding your life. Studies have shown that people who spent time living in transitional housing had better outcomes—they were more likely to remain employed, stay out of trouble with the law and avoid relapse.2
If you’ve completed an addiction treatment program and could benefit from a safe place to practice and strengthen your new life skills, a transitional living facility may be the right choice for you. Be sure to do your research before choosing a facility to ensure that you select one of the best transitional living facilities in your area. With the structure, safety and support provided by transitional housing, you’ll build the strong foundation you need to move forward in your recovery journey and maintain lasting sobriety.