Sober Living Thailand Overview
Going directly from an inpatient rehab centre back to your routine environment at home can be an extremely difficult process. This holds true even after you’ve engaged in a number of different therapies and group sessions.
During the rehab program, you will be immersed into structured activities which keep you busy and occupied. There are rules and limits to adhere to which will help you to stay on the right tract and facilitate a healthy recovery.
Inside the treatment centre, there are no triggers and no negative influence; realistically, people at the rehab are protected and safe. All this is done for specific reasons and the greater good of the person, but when you leave, you will have to take the reins and learn to control yourself and societal influences.
This can be easier said than done. And so to further the recovery, it’s often recommended for a newly sober person to transition from rehab into a sober living house.
What is a sober living house?
A sober living house in Thailand, or elsewhere, is a drug and alcohol free environment where addicts in recovery move to and live after getting intensive inpatient treatment. These places may be onsite of the rehab facility or nearby. Many people will transition to a sober house after a 30-90 stay at the rehab. Here, they may live for up to one year; although another 30 days to 6 months is the most common.
To engage in the most effective journaling, it’s important to write on a daily basis. Whether you are feeling great or feeling a little low, writing can help you put things into perspective. It will clear your head, alleviate stress and remind you of the hard work and strength you have put into getting sober.
What You Can Expect When you go to a Sober Living Home
Once you are at the sober house, also known as a recovery house, you will be provided with a room that you may or may not share with another person. There will be a comfortable, home like feel which will help you to get used to being in the standard environment most people are used to. A staff member may also live in the home to ensure all the guidelines are being followed.
During your stay, you may not be engaged in the formal treatment you had gotten used to at rehab. However, therapy and meetings will still take place. The level of sober living home structure and programmes vary by facility, but will include the practice and implementation of tools and techniques you learned during treatment. You may also learn how to better communicate, manage money, create a resume, apply for job and other vital life skills you will need when you immerse yourself into the real world.
Social Support
The drug and alcohol free environment of a sober living home is one of the most obvious benefits, but another benefit of these facilities which often goes unnoticed is the social support you will have. Social support, according to research, is important to the recovery process. Knowing there are people around you who have been through similar experiences and want the same thing you do can make a big difference. You know there is always some kind of support; likewise, you will be able to give your own advice to others when needed.
Your roommates at the sober living house are like your own personal social network. You will help one another get through tough challenges and stay sober. You can do activities together and practice things you have learned at therapy and group meetings. You will quickly realise that choosing to go to a sober living house after rehab will be the second best decision you have made in a long time (the first being treatment).
A rehab facility will help you to identify your triggers, whether they are external or internal. From there, addressing them in a healthy way and working to overcome them will be confronted in various therapies. Even so, it’s important to continue working on your own recovery to avoid a relapse. Maintaining triggers is a key element to do this; here are a few strategies to help get you started.
Acknowledge Your Triggers- Sometimes you may think you’ve identified all your triggers when actually the most notable ones are deeply hidden. Carefully consider feelings, emotions, people, places, social situations and objects which could cause you to want to drink or use drugs. Make a list of these triggers and do your best to acknowledge, and expect, them.
Plan Ahead – Once you have identified your triggers, you can begin to plan. Referring to the example above, if you know you are triggered when you drive past the bar after work, find a different route to take home. Likewise, if you know your low self esteem is causing you to have triggers, it’s important you address this so you can begin to feel better about yourself.
Note the Desire – When you realize you are being triggered, rather than trying to ignore the feeling, acknowledge that it really exists. Once you can accept it’s there, you can wait and allow it to subside. It will disappear. If it does not, you should remove yourself from the situation because it is likely triggering you. Once it’s gone, realize how proud you should be of yourself.
Think and Think Twice – When you are feeling triggered and want to prevent a relapse, think about the thoughts going through your mind. Start to break them down; slowly asking yourself why these thoughts are there, how they make you feel and what you can do to eliminate them. If you still feel triggered ask yourself if this is what you really want to do and what could happen if you do it. If you’re still feeling out of control, think about whom you can call immediately. At the same time, avoid counterproductive thoughts like “I cannot fight this”.
Find a Distraction – If you’re feeling like a situation which is triggering you cannot be avoided, find a distraction. This can be difficult; often, we don’t immediately realize what distracts us because it’s rooted in the subconscious mind. Take time and make a list of healthy distractions. These could be walking, dancing, singing, writing, exercising, cooking, calling a friend or even meditating. Imagine yourself overcoming the trigger with the distraction. Keep a positive attitude and think about something that makes you smile. This will automatically start to release dopamine which eases anxiety and fear; ultimately reducing the trigger.
Reach out – It’s okay to reach out for help and support. If you are experiencing a trigger and think you’re going to relapse, go to a local support group meeting, call a sober buddy or loved one or contact a therapist. These places will encourage you to discuss problems, emotions and your triggers in a safe and supportive environment.
Finally, recovery from an addiction takes time and triggers will be a part of this experience. Rather than dwelling on the past, feeling guilty or upset, stay focused and remain positive. This mindset will have a psychological impact and help you to live a happy, sober life.
A Smooth Transition into Regular Life
It’s understandable to want to resume normal life, go back to work and socialize with family and sober friends; unfortunately sometimes this can be a rocky transition. Abrupt and uncomfortable situations can occur leaving you feeling anxious and confused. It is in these situations you will be most prone to a relapse.
Another benefit of moving from rehab to a sober living in Thailand home is the transition into reality is slower, more steady and balanced. You’ll still have structure and security, but not as much as in the rehab. More importantly, these coupled with the support and guidance will continue to act as a safeguard. At this secondary treatment facility, you will learn to grow as a person, gather your thoughts and readjust to society and everything that comes with it.
The sober living home environment is one of the most suitable places to spend your early recovery. If you’re feeling anxious about returning home after rehab, consider this alternative option.
Alternatives in Thailand
Siam Rehab is a unique program in Thailand as we offer much longer term programs then most. Some of our clients are with us for 6 months or more.
While in a long term treatment program at Siam, your program will addapt and everyone in the program must be doing some form of education. That could be boxing and Muay Thai training, learning a language, working on your A-Levels, taking counselling courses, the options are endless.
The benefits: of staying in long term treatment at Siam are a more structured and controlled environment, generally less opportunity to relapse and. a familiar safe setting.
Disadvantages are: Siam rehab is remote and there it is difficult to travel to town, even in long term treatment at Siam you are not allowed to leave the property unescourted, you will however be leaving and going out a considerable amount more then the new clients. There are not any in person courses you can take nearby.
Are you ready to go to rehab or a sober living home?
If you or someone you know has an addiction to drugs or alcohol and is ready to make changes towards a positive, healthy and sober life, Siam Rehab Thailand can help. We are primarily an inpatient addiction treatment programme and do not generally offer sober living afterwards. We do however have a considerable number of resources and can guide you in finding a sober living home in Thailand or your home country.
