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Community in New Jersey

Where Ongoing Support Meets Resilience

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Discover the Power of A Sober Community

The recovery process is truly a journey—one that demands resilience, commitment, and a supportive, healing environment. We all draw upon our connections with others to sustain us.

A sober community and sober living solutions offer a place to share experiences, bolster your connections, and reinforce your foundation for a brighter future. Far more than just a place to rest your head, sober living communities provide a structured environment for lasting change and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

While we do not offer in-house sober living programs at Ikon Recovery, we partner with some of the industry’s best providers for professional sober living support. You’ll be connected with powerful resources and a thriving community to help see you through your sober journey.

What Is a Sober Community?

A sober community refers to a living arrangement designed to support people recovering from substance abuse, addiction, or other behavioral issues.[1] It serves as a transitional environment for individuals who have completed a formal substance abuse treatment program, such as intensive outpatient, and are working toward reintegrating into daily life while maintaining their sobriety.

Sober living participants typically take part in both ongoing outpatient treatment (such as counseling and support groups) and also work together to maintain the living space. Sober communities are staffed by dedicated professionals who provide ongoing guidance and support, and other mental health and addiction providers can also visit to engage the residents in various therapeutic activities.

The total length of time in a sober community is not inherently defined. Some individuals may stay in sober living arrangements for a few months, while others may choose a longer duration. Ultimately, the goal is to equip individuals with the skills and support needed to maintain lasting recovery. Most residents may decide to leave when they feel ready to transition to a more independent living situation.

Ikon Recovery Center provides outstanding, comprehensive care for the recovery process, including our partnership with sober living communities. We believe in the journey of recovery, and that’s why we’re committed to empowering you with the very best in treatment, support, guidance, and innovation to boldly create the kind of life you were always meant to have. Call today to learn more about how we can aid in your recovery.

How (and Why) A Sober Community Works

Sober communities work through a combination of structured support, shared experiences, and a commitment to maintaining a substance-free environment that’s conducive to ongoing recovery and healing:[2]

Structured Support:

Sober communities provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals in recovery. This structure often includes house rules, regular group meetings, and professional guidance. This helps to create a sense of routine and accountability, which can be crucial for individuals navigating the challenges of early recovery.

Transitioning To Independence:

Sober living serves as a transitional phase between more intensive forms of treatment and independent living. It provides individuals with the opportunity to gradually reintegrate into their daily lives while still having a supportive safety net.

Peer Support:

One of the key elements of sober communities is the presence of peers who share similar experiences. Peer support is invaluable in the recovery process, as individuals can relate to each other's struggles, celebrate successes, and offer understanding without judgment. The sense of camaraderie and shared goals helps to foster a supportive community where residents feel understood and accepted.

Providing A Safe And Substance-Free Environment:

Sober communities create a safe and substance-free living environment, removing the triggers and temptations that may be present in other settings. This controlled environment is conducive to recovery, allowing individuals to focus on building a foundation for a sober and healthy lifestyle.

Accountability:

Sober living environments typically have rules and expectations, including sobriety requirements and responsibilities within the community. This accountability helps individuals stay focused on their recovery goals, encouraging responsible behavior and discouraging relapse.

Professional Guidance:

Sober living communities have staff or counselors, either onsite or visiting, who provide guidance and support. These professionals can offer counseling, facilitate group meetings, and help residents address challenges they may encounter during their recovery journey.

Shared Responsibility:

Sober communities often encourage residents to take on responsibilities within the household, such as chores and contributing to the upkeep of the living space.

Ikon Recovery Center harmonizes each aspect of the recovery process, offering a comprehensive range of services that extend far beyond the reach of traditional treatment models. Sober living isn’t just a phase —it’s a profound, empowering chapter in your journey towards renewal.

Our connections with several sober living communities help provide the very best in ongoing support and engagement, helping you to grow your resilience and sustain your recovery.

The Efficacy of Sober Living and Developing A Sober Community

Research has long demonstrated the vital role that social support plays in the recovery process,[3] and several studies have shown that sober living communities improve overall treatment outcomes by increasing resident’s social support and recovery environment.[4]

Studies have also shown that participants at sober living homes demonstrate overall improvement at 6 months post-residency in a variety of areas, including active substance use, work performance, and decreases in legal issues and psychiatric symptoms.[5]

A Sober Living Community With Ikon

The recovery process never happens in isolation. Having a robust support network is part and parcel of the healing process.

Ikon Recovery is dedicated to providing you with access to the very best in evidence-based treatments, innovative therapeutic approaches, and tight-knit sober community resources that understand the power of collective support. While we do not offer an in-house sober living program, you’ll be connected with a sober living community that is aligned with your overall recovery goals.

We recognize that the journey to recovery is a shared endeavor and are committed to cultivating an environment where individuals uplift each other in their respective journeys.

Treating Addiction

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Partial Hospitalization Program
Intensive Outpatient
Outpatient
Dual Diagnosis
Trauma-Informed Care

Frequently Asked Questions about Sober Living Communities

Can I work or go to school while in a sober living community?

Yes, many sober living communities encourage residents to work or pursue educational opportunities. Maintaining employment or attending school can be an essential part of the transition back to independent living.

Can family members visit residents in sober living communities?

Policies regarding family visits vary, depending on your recovery program, but many sober living communities encourage healthy family involvement for continuing support.

Are sober living communities only for individuals completing formal treatment programs?

While many residents transition stepwise from more restrictive levels of treatment, sober living communities are open to individuals at many stages of the recovery process. Some may enter directly from inpatient treatment, while others may join after outpatient programs

Can individuals with co-occurring mental health issues join a sober living community?

Yes, many sober living communities are equipped to support individuals with co-occurring mental health issues. It’s important to communicate any dual diagnosis during the intake process to ensure you receive the appropriate support.

Are there recreational activities or outings in sober living communities?

Many sober living communities incorporate recreational activities and outings as part of the overall wellness approach. These activities help residents build positive social connections and engage in sober, enjoyable experiences.

Sources

[1] Polcin, D. L., & Henderson, D. M. (2008). A Clean and Sober Place to Live: Philosophy, Structure, and Purported Therapeutic Factors in Sober Living Houses. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 40(2), 153–159. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2008.10400625 on November 27th, 2023

[2] Reif, S., George, P., Braude, L., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Recovery Housing: Assessing the Evidence. Psychiatric Services, 65(3), 295–300. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300243 on November 27th, 2023

[3] Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R. A., Bond, J., & Galloway, G. (2010). Sober living houses for alcohol and drug dependence: 18-Month outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 38(4), 356–365. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2010.02.003 on November 28, 2023

[4] Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Bond, J., & Galloway, G. (2010). What Did We Learn from Our Study on Sober Living Houses and Where Do We Go from Here? Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(4), 425. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2010.10400705 on November 28, 2023

[5] Polcin, D. L., & Henderson, D. (2008). A Clean and Sober Place to Live: Philosophy, Structure, and Purported Therapeutic Factors in Sober Living Houses. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 40(2), 153–159. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556949/#R23 on November 28, 2023