The road to recovery is not a direct route for many. It may wind and weave through daily struggles as those taking it slowly make their way toward sobriety. Because of this incremental nature, there are stops along the way that help those who are improving their lives one day at a time. According to addiction psychiatrist Dr. Hamilton Gaiani, for some people a recovery house (also known as a sober house) can be an important stop along the way. Not everyone is familiar with these facilities so Dr. Gaiani, who is vice president of sober home inspection organization CCORR, would like to take the time to explain the workings. In the end, he hopes readers who are considering a sober home for themselves or a loved one have a better idea if it’s a move that’s right for them.
The first step to conquering substance use disorders is engaging in treatment with a qualified specialist who can route people to the appropriate level of medical or mental health care, such as residential or outpatient addiction treatment. There are a number of evidence-based treatments that can be provided in these settings with proven benefit. For many, in addition to core specialty addiction treatment, improving psychosocial aspects of their lives can be a meaningful addition to their core treatments. For instance, many people may wish to improve their social networks and build insight into their problem by engaging in community support groups, such as AA, NA, SMART recovery, and many more similar programs. For those wishing to be fully immersed in a supportive environment, qualified recovery homes serve this unique purpose by creating a positive, structured and substance-free living environment.
According to Hamilton Gaiani, a number of things should be considered when choosing a recovery home. Would the person benefit from additional social support, a structured environment and drug screen monitoring? Are they feeling unsafe in their current environment, or entering a high-risk period such as relationship problems, or grieving the loss of a loved one? Are they trying to avoid triggers in their current environment? Have they benefitted from a recovery home in the past? Would they benefit from encouragement and assistance getting back on their feet, achieving career goals or just re-engaging in the workforce? He warns however that not all recovery homes are created equal, and people should ensure the home they are considering adheres to a code of ethics and engages in appropriate quality improvement, ensures a safe and sober environment and are equipped to handle emergencies.
The amenities at a recovery home may also be considered when choosing which one to reside at. Dr. Gaiani has founded the Phoenix 43 house (phoenix-43.com) in New Haven, Connecticut, a recovery home that boasts private rooms, wireless internet, cable television, a washer and dryer as well as other amenities that can make a recovery home feel like… home. It’s this type of environment, where just about every form of daily need is accounted for, that helps people with substance use disorder. When you’re worried about clean clothes, safety, being able to apply for jobs and not knowing where you’re going to sleep that night, slipping back into substance use becomes a real risk.
The disease of addiction and ongoing overdose crisis will be a defining issue of this era. Very few of us don’t have someone in our circle of friends or family who hasn’t been impacted by substance use problems. Substance use problems, particularly the most severe ones, often require a multifaceted approach that focuses on one’s medical and mental health, support systems, community, family, and ensuring a safe environment.
Hamilton Gaiani 