How to Stay Sober When Your Roommates Are Not
How to Stay Sober When Your Roommates are Not
According to research, nearly 15 million people in the United States are coping with an alcohol abuse disorder. This makes it one of the most common forms of addiction, and considering that alcohol is a legal drug, it can be an exceedingly difficult addiction to escape.
Addiction is especially challenging when you live with individuals who do not share your commitment to sobriety. Studies show that over 50% of Americans have consumed alcohol in the past month, and for individuals who enjoy alcohol, it is not uncommon to have a bottle of wine or another drink within the home.
While this may not be an issue for those who are not struggling with addiction, those who are in recovery will often struggle in the presence of alcohol. Therefore, a bottle of alcohol “for special occasions” can be an unfair temptation to someone in treatment. Hopefully, roommates and friends understand your recovery journey and are open to the changes required to help support you, but it may be necessary to find new accommodations while you pursue treatment.
Resurgence Behavioral Health, which offers residential treatment, can be part of your journey. Providing you with separation from alcohol influences and immersing you in a social group dedicated to your recovery, you will find the peace of mind needed to achieve your goals.
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What is it Like to Stay Sober When Your Roommates are Not?
Alcohol is the single most widely abused substance in the United States. According to studies conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 6.8% of the U.S. population was dependent on alcohol in 2012. Furthermore, since alcohol can be found at sporting events, restaurants, charity gatherings, and even work celebrations, some have argued that there is more stigma in quitting alcohol than abusing it.
This can feel especially true if you live with individuals who continue to drink while you seek recovery. Even more problematic situations can arise when those roommates also struggle with alcoholism. In these cases, it is not uncommon for these individuals to actively discourage recovery or begin to withdraw their friendship.
In some cases, recovering alcoholics have indicated that the pressure to drink can feel insurmountable. Though it can be painful to do, you may need to distance yourself from those who are unwilling to support your commitment to protect your long-term physical and emotional health. Despite this emotional distress, the benefits of sobriety are meaningful.
Quitting alcohol can reshape your health and finances and help you build relationships based on mutual interests and support. That is the happy, stable life you deserve.
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Effects of Staying Sober When Your Roommates are Not
Many individuals who have entered recovery programs have indicated that they lost some of their friends in the pursuit of sober living. While that might sound devasting, it is important to remember that achieving sobriety is one of the most important steps you can take for your health and future.
True friends and caring roommates will respect that choice. However, you may need to distance yourself from those who do not. Remember that recovery is a journey, and not all individuals are ready for sobriety at the same time.
Should you have to leave your apartment, there are sober living houses dedicated to helping men and women in recovery find connection with others who are dedicated to sobriety. Research indicates that these houses can provide an effective companion strategy to other recovery programs.
In some cases, these sober houses are run by treatment centers, churches, or non-profits or managed by property companies. You may also be able to seek assistance with identifying sober roommates through online resources, 12-Step Programs, or other trusted connections.
Seeking residential treatment can also be an opportunity to escape the stressors of a non-sober living environment and meet individuals who share your desire for long-term sobriety.
Mental Illness and Staying Sober When Your Roommates are Not
Substance use disorders and mental illness are closely connected. While users often seek relief from underlying mental health issues through drugs and alcohol, the very same substances can cause mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, suicidal ideation, and anger issues.
As these behaviors set it, it is common for the substance user to demonstrate increasingly erratic conduct. They may push away family and friends who do not understand their substance use and develop friendships that align with their new choices.
It is common for individuals who drink to excess or who use illegal drugs, to live with individuals who share these behaviors. Trapped in a cycle of “partying” in which peer pressure is strong and rehabilitation is stigmatized, it can be hard for an individual to find support for sobriety – especially if connections from their former life have been lost or family estranged.
At this point, a professional rehabilitation center is a safe, welcoming choice to provide relief. While in rehab, those seeking sobriety can begin to build a new life with a new, sober support system.
Treatment and Staying Sober When Your Roommates are Not
There is no stigma in seeking help. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Treatment centers can provide judgment-free, personalized programs in friendly, welcoming environments that can help you build resilience.
Many of the centers will have residential options, which means that you will live in a community environment designed with comfort and emotional support in mind. These centers are often beautiful, with scenic locations. There you will be able to rest, relax, eat nourishing food, and connect with others who share your commitment.
A variety of flexible treatment programs will also be available to help you find hobbies and resources that encourage healthy, sober living. Some of the programs you might find at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center include:
- Spiritual Therapies
- 12-Step Treatment
- Prescription Therapies
- Peer Support Groups
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation
- Music or Art Therapy
- Family Counseling
- Marital Counseling
- Medical Detox
- One-to-One Counseling
- Nutrition Therapy
- Yoga
- Medical Detox
- Physical Therapy
- Holistic rehab options
- Long-term rehabilitation arrangements
- Aftercare
Many people want to help you achieve recovery. Embracing treatment, and the new relationships that come with it will help you feel stronger and more empowered.
Payment Information
Resurgence Behavioral Health opens doors to recovery and offers resources that make you feel truly supported. We offer payment plans and options to fit almost any budget, accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment, and even communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf.
Just call us at 855-458-0050 and experience the connection.
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How to Get Help
Imagine walking into an affirming space and connecting with people who support you.
They understand your experiences and are excited to encourage your new, sober way of life. That experience is the Resurgence Behavioral Health commitment. Here, you will feel at home from the moment you walk through the door.
With locations in Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Fullerton Hills, and Huntington Beach, sobriety is so much closer than you think. We offer a variety of evidence-based, flexible strategies to help you build confidence, resilience, and health, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, one-to-one counseling, 12-Step Programs, holistic treatments, and much more – all to help you build connections and achieve your recovery dreams.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, you can build a life free from addiction. Welcome to your future.
