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What is Sober Living for Mental Health?
Sober living for mental health is a formal program that provides housing for someone who is in treatment for a mental health disorder. They may also have a substance use disorder. The presence of both a mental illness and an addiction to drugs or alcohol is called a dual diagnosis.
Many sober living homes provide a place to live for those who deal with just addiction, just mental illness, or a combination of both conditions. The person has access to different types of therapy modalities that help them learn to manage their mental health. They attend these sessions during the day, or outpatient rehab and return to their sober living home at night.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis Disorder
When someone has a dual diagnosis disorder, they may not be aware of what’s happening. Most commonly, a person abuses alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate to relieve symptoms of a mental health disorder. For example, if they feel depressed or anxious, they may drink or use drugs in order to soothe or hide these symptoms. If the individual often experiences symptoms, they often prove more likely to turn to substance abuse.
Additionally, signs may include hiding substance use and/or the presence of a mental health disorder from loved ones. The person may start to perform poorly at work or in school or find that their personal relationships have started to suffer. As well, the person may try to stop or cut back on their drinking or drug use and find they cannot do so on their own. Withdrawal symptoms may occur, making it quite possible they can benefit from sober living for mental health and addiction at the same time.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
As part of life, people can find that they develop a mental health disorder. Several types exist, and we provide access to treatment for a variety of them. The types of mental health conditions we treat include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Dual diagnosis
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
As part of life, people can find that they develop a mental health disorder. Several types exist, and we provide access to treatment for a variety of them. The types of mental health conditions we treat include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Dual diagnosis
Benefits of Sober Living for Mental Health
Many people who choose to work on their mental health find it easier to do away from their homes. They may live in an unstable home environment and need a break. In addition, they may be near people who tend to trigger mental health disorder symptoms, such as anxiety, moodiness, and symptoms of trauma. Going to a sober living home for mental health can provide a neutral setting free of the usual distractions from life.
This combination of getting focused care for a person’s mental health and having a home free of distractions can be a powerful combination. It helps people graduate from treatment with improved skills for managing their mental health.
The peer support that comes with living with others on a similar path to healing proves beneficial, too. Residents bring common experiences and emotions to the table, making it easy to relate to each other. They can build bonds with each other and offer and receive valuable support.
The Stage System at Creekside Recovery Residences
The Creekside stage system is designed to help you progress in your recovery, community, and personal growth. Below are the guidelines and expectations that must be followed while in supportive housing to increase your stage and privileges.
Stage 1
Stage I (first 30 days):
- Follow all program and housing rules
- Attend all clinical recommendations/requirements ON TIME
- Keep up with your chores and maintain clean personal space
- 8pm curfew Sunday- Saturday
- Attend weekly community meetings AND applicable house meetings
- Vehicle keys must be checked in & out with staff
- When off property in personal vehicle, must check in with BHT on duty every 4 hours 7. Complete stage 1 assignments and present in group
- Treatment Team will discuss step up to Stage 2 once the above criteria has been met.
Stage 1 Curfew and Passes:
- Curfew: Sun-Sat – 8pm
- No overnight passes
- Vehicle keys must be checked in and out
Stage 2
Stage II (30-60 day mark):
- Attend all clinical recommendations/requirements ON TIME
- Keep up with your chores and maintain clean personal space
- 9pm curfew Sunday – Saturday
- Attend weekly community meetings AND applicable house meetings
- Help the new-comer get settled in; demonstrate leadership in the community 6. Get connected to a support community
- One overnight pass per week if approved by Program and Clinical Director
- Must complete safety plan for overnight passes with therapist
- Access to personal vehicle (if applicable)
- When off property in personal vehicle, must check in with BHT on duty every 4 hours 9. Complete a safety plan for outings
- Complete stage 2 assignments and present in group
- Treatment Team will discuss step up to Stage 3 once the above criteria has been met.
Stage 2 Curfew and Passes:
- Curfew: Sun-Sat – 9pm
- One overnight pass per week
- Free access to personal vehicle (if applicable)
Stage 3
Stage III (60-90 day mark):
- Attend all clinical recommendations/requirements ON TIME
- Keep up with chores and maintain clean personal space
- Continue making and building connections within your community and expand support 4. Attend weekly community meetings AND applicable house meetings
- 10pm curfew Sunday – Saturday
- Weekend passes may be approved by Program and Clinical Director
- Complete a safety plan for outings and overnights
- Access to personal vehicle (if applicable)
Stage 3 Curfew and Passes:
- Curfew: Sun-Sat – 10pm
- Weekend passes
- Free access to personal vehicle (if applicable)