What comes to mind when you hear someone mention their aftercare program? Do you picture a sober living facility, such as a halfway house? Do you envision people meeting together in a church basement to discuss the 12 steps? Both actually play important roles in a well-structured aftercare program for drug and alcohol addiction. And to many in recovery, aftercare is their most formidable weapon against relapse. But aftercare is so much more than just support groups and group housing. In reality, it becomes a way of life necessary to maintain a drug-free future.
Other Services Provided by an Aftercare Program
Many drug and alcohol treatment facilities also feature alumni programs as part of aftercare. Alumni programs allow clients to return for regularly scheduled group events, such as picnics, dances, conferences, and annual reunions. During an alumni event, clients reconnect with those with whom they shared their recovery experience. They converse with others in recovery to discover new resources and methods that others find helpful.
Alumni events inspire and may encourage clients to re-dedicate themselves to maintaining a life of sobriety. Learning from the success of others is an important feature of drug and alcohol addiction recovery. It’s often during these types of alumni events that those who feel depleted find the inspiration and encouragement to continue.
The Role of a Sober Living Facility in Aftercare
Sober living facilities are usually group-type homes or apartments. They provide housing for clients who’ve completed the treatment program and attempt to transition back into regular, unsupervised life. As a transition point, sober living homes are beneficial because they require residents to become contributing members of the community. Most require residents to gain employment and pay a reduced form of rent. In return, residents receive comfortable housing and continue to take part in regular counseling activities. As a result, clients can transition slowly back into productive citizens’ roles — a vital role in addiction recovery.
What Should I Look for in a Recovery Home?
Recovery residences, also known as sober living homes or halfway houses, play a crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders. These homes are meant to provide a safe and supportive environment, however, there are some things to be aware of when considering living in one.
Look for residences that are certified by reputable organizations and/or adhere to industry standards. This ensures that the home meets basic requirements for safety and quality of care. In Virginia, recovery residences can be certified by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), but many are not. In fact, the only two ways for a recovery house to become certified in Virginia is to be part of the Oxford House organization or to be certified through the Virginia Association for Recovery Residences (VARR). These are the only two certifying agencies that DBHDS acknowledges.
If you are looking at a recovery home that is certified through DBHDS, there are still things you should know. There are different certifying criteria for VARR and Oxford Houses and both models have differences in their organization and processes. While both models can provide a strong sense of community and peer support that is crucial in recovery, it’s important to note that not everyone is ready for a recovery residence that is solely peer run. Most people need the support of a recovery home with staff on site. Oxford Houses and Level 1 VARR housing are run by the people who live in them and do not have staff on site. If you can find a home that has staff on site (either VARR Level 2+ or some non-certified recovery homes), research to ensure they are trained in addiction recovery and mental health support. They should also be available 24/7 for assistance and guidance.
A well-structured environment with clear rules and expectations helps residents stay focused on their recovery goals. The best recovery residences have a curfew, require attendance at weekly house meetings, require all residents to either be in school or hold employment, conduct random drug screenings, have Naloxone on site, and recommend treatment. Before moving into a recovery home, ensure you are informed of what the expectations are and if they are adequate to provide the support needed.
While recovery residences play a crucial role in supporting those suffering from substance use disorders, it’s crucial to highlight the limited oversight provided at these homes–even those homes certified by DBHDS. New legislation hopes to change that. SB190 was introduced this year to establish a uniform set of certifying criteria for all DBHDS certified recovery residences, require DBHDS to maintain on its website the certification standards of the credentialing entity for each recovery residence, and require certified recovery homes to report any death or serious injury that occurs in the recovery residence to DBHDS. Unfortunately, that bill did not pass. The only part of that bill that survived and is still in the legislative process would require any death or serious injury that occurs in a certified recovery residence to be reported to DBHDS (SB19). We continue to fight for the safety of this vulnerable population.
Due to the limited oversight and different standards in each recovery home, it’s important you research the home you or your loved one are thinking of residing in. Look for reviews and testimonials from former residents and their families to get an idea of the residence’s quality. Their home has a significant impact on their recovery.
The goal of a recovery residence is to provide a supportive and structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery and rebuild their lives. By considering these factors, you can find a residence that meets your needs and supports your journey to sobriety.
For more information on standards of VARR, DBHDS, and Oxford Houses or to follow the progress of SB19, please click the links. If you have any questions on recovery homes or how we can support you, give us a call at 703-214-9499.
The Aftercare Program at Insight Recovery Centers
For clients in Ashburn, VA, Insight Recovery Centers provides safe, effective treatment for addiction and mental wellness. Through our outpatient care program, clients find relief from addiction, depression, trauma, anxiety, and more. And once clients have been through our program, they automatically transition into our high-level aftercare program. The aftercare program at Insight Recovery Centers offers all the support our clients need to regain a firm footing in the community.
For more information regarding the aftercare program at Insight Recovery Centers, visit us online or call today at 703.592.6946. We’re here to support you through recovery and beyond.