6 Surprising Things I Learned in Florida Sober Living
The Sunshine State has so much to offer people in recovery, and Florida Sober Living is the best way to adapt to a new area while working on maintaining sobriety. I personally put a lot of value on my experiences through living in a Florida Sober Living facility. Not only does Florida Sober Living provide affordable housing for people who need help with the transition back into society, it also creates an environment where you can build relationships with other positive people in the sober community, stay accountable to yourself and others, and gives you a supportive place to come home to where you can safely adjust if you plan on relocating. Here are 6 Surprising things I learning in Florida Sober Living.
1. Florida Sober Living Residents are Normal People
Initially I thought that once I moved into a Florida Sober Living establishment, that I would immediately be surrounded with degenerates and homeless maniacs. The mere mention of the word ‘Halfway House’ caused me to imagine a glorified homeless shelter. I was so wrong! What I found were other people who like me were serious about going to great lengths for their sobriety and to change their future. I met incredible individuals I learned to admire, and later came to love like long lost family members who taught me a lot about who I was, and how to expect the unexpected.
2. Florida Sober Living Staff Care and Understand
Florida Sober Living housing complexes are actually usually full of staff that have been through treatment, or are at least active men and women in the recovery community. Many facilities even have staff that put together groups, drive residents to meetings, and will take the time to speak directly with residents about their own experience and how Florida Sober Living has changed their lives. These are not people who just show up for a pay-check and to keep you in line, they are people who believe in the program, and believe in helping others.
3. Florida Sober Living is Affordable
Not everyone comes to Florida to retire, and most people in recovery need to continue providing for them-selves while growing in sobriety. Some Florida Sober Living locations actually accept insurance benefits for IOP while a resident acclimates to their surroundings until they can find a job. Not all cost the same rental rates, some are specifically designed for those who can afford more exclusive housing, and others are set up for those who need a little more assistance financially until they can be independent. There are even instances where communities will provide scholarships on a case by case basis until you are employed and can comfortably take care of yourself. It is always wise to be careful and do your research if necessary before commitment, but there is not always room to be too critical if we are to learn any humility.
4. There are Different Styles of Florida Sober Living Communities
For me it was important to remove the opposite sex from the equation when in early recovery and focus on learning more about myself and retraining my mind emotionally and socially, so I went to a gender specific establishment. But this is not the only option, or the only way to get sober. There are several facilities that have both men and women on the same campus. Some allow coed dorms, and some keep the men and women dorms separated but still on site while leaving room for socializing and connecting with men and women both. Each individual has to decide for themselves if they feel the other sex would be a hindrance on the work they need to do for their personal development and future. There are also Florida Sober Living communities that focus on different types of recovery strategies, and others are set up to cater to culturally specific values.
5. Florida Sober Living Communities Can Be Beautiful
Almost one of the most shocking discoveries I made was the living conditions of Florida Sober Living facilities are not the slums you may envision when you hear the term ‘Halfway House’. Again, it is always a good idea to do some research before committing to anything, never agree to a rental without seeing the property. Not every experience is a positive one, but that in mind don’t always believe the hype. Florida Sober Living communities are beautiful and comfortable. Maybe not always a beach front portion of paradise, but they have the luxuries of home and the beauty of Florida to make it seem close enough. No over packed bedrooms and crazies sleeping in the hallways, no dilapidated buildings, and no bunk beds- unless you’re into that.
6. Opportunity For New Levels of Self Discovery
seek your own meetings or recovery planNot only are most Florida Sober Living establishments good for keeping a strong network of sober support, they are also a place to take steps towards getting a head start on your independence. By living for a time in Florida Sober Living you have the chance to get used to staying accountable financially, building a solid structure for your recovery, but also to explore and be your own person outside the borders of inpatient treatment. You reach a new level of care that gives you the freedom to find your own support groups, your substance abuse that truly bring you joy and peace. Living in a safe and sober environment like Florida Sober Living is an opportunity to rediscover you.
Florida Sober Living is an option and an experience that can deeply influence the way your recovery evolves and grows. By placing yourself in the right atmosphere to change, and nurturing your change with the right people in an amazing community, you can give yourself a new start, with people who care to see it through with you, and find new freedom in sobriety.
If you of someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and addiction, please call 1-800-777-9588