Transitional Living Program
Sometimes, we are not ready to advance to the next platform of life. Occasionally, we need to transition ourselves in order to ensure a successful life change. Transitional living is a temporary living situation that prepares people for what comes next. The majority of transitional living facilities are serviced for either recently released inmates or for people going recovering from drugs or alcohol. Both sets of people are venturing into a new phase of life – completely different from where they had been.
Walking out of a substance abuse rehab is, of course, a risk. To most recovering addicts, succumbing to their urges is a terrifying thought. Perhaps though, the risk is not as large if the individual carefully transitions themselves back into society.
Substance abuse recovery is a long and fulfilling journey. Not everyone is strong enough to make it to the end. Even those who make it to the end of their rehabilitation program are not quite ready to conduct a regular life.
Transitional recovery provides that final burst of confidence. Individuals who have reached this final phase of their recovery have successfully destroyed their addiction. But anyone in this position knows that there is so much more required to secure a place in society, such as a job or a home. Former addicts deprived of such necessities are more likely to return to their drugs of choice.
What Kinds of Transitional Living Facilities are There?
There are two sorts of transitional living facilities. First, a shelter transitional living facility is for more short-term usage. Anyone can come into this shelter and be provided with food and board. Shelters are typically flexible on the length of stay. People leave when they are ready to leave.
The other sort of transitional recovery program is rehabilitation. The policies of such facilities usually focus on a particular social ill, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or battered women, to name a few.
Transitional living facilities often are gender-specific, and residents who have already completed inpatient treatment, also often have 24-hour therapeutic support. The significant difference between transitional living and residential treatment is that transitional living allows residents to interact with the surrounding society. Such privileges serve as a significant confidence booster.
Most transitional recovery centers are self-sufficient. Individuals pay rent, and in exchange, get a clean and safe home with meals provided. In addition, individuals staying at transitional recovery will often be taught some sort of learning process that will eventually allow them to transition into society easier.
The Importance of a Transitional Recovery Program
When individuals go directly from rehab into an unstable environment with easy access to drugs or alcohol, this can be a serious barrier to those trying to achieve sobriety. Even the most devoted individuals to their rehabilitation are at risk of returning to their addictions when placed in dangerous environments. Various clinical studies, such as this one, conclude that transitional living facilities are effective solutions for those transitioning from recovery into society.
The Benefits of a Transitional Recovery Program
- Weekly field trips
- Three meals a day
- Internet access
- Fully furnished living accommodations
- Free internet, television, and phone usage
- Gym privileges
- Transportation provided to AA and NA meetings
Even if a person could step out of rehab and hibernate for a year, once that hibernation was over, they still must interact with the same society they had last seen as a substance abuser. This will undoubtedly be the most challenging challenge a recovering addict will face in their lifetimes. Did you know that more than 50% of addiction substance abusers return to their drugs of choice within a year of leaving rehab?
Such data is most disheartening. Especially when you take into account the struggle and dedication that individuals exert in trying to achieve sobriety. It just takes one sip of alcohol or one puff of smoke to disregard months or even years of rehab! Some individuals are able to maintain their sobriety. But many of these people have a powerful support system waiting for them after rehab.
A transitional recovery program reinforces everything learned in inpatient rehab. More importantly, a transitional recovery program will prolong that period of sobriety well after rehab. As a result, countless clinical studies prove the efficacy of transitional living programs.
Transitional Living Program Rules
A transitional living facility is the final step someone going through substance abuse recovery will take before re-entering society. Therefore, a transitional living facility attempts to mirror society as closely as possible. However, there are still a few transitional living program rules that residents will be forced to meet.
For example, residents at most transitional recovery facilities must meet a zero-drug and a zero-violence tolerance. In addition, most transitional facilities have a curfew that residents must obey. We all know that there is no good reason to be out at three in the morning! Randomized drug tests still take place in residential recovery. If a relapse occurs, residents must enter detox.
BRC Recovery is a Good Place to Start Researching Residential Recovery Facilities
As soon as most people going through substance abuse recovery complete inpatient treatment, they get a slap on the back and are released into the jungles of society. According to scientific data, for most addicts, this is not enough. Addiction is a disease, and for most people, after rehab, the disease has just been waiting patiently to strike again.
Call us at 1-866-588-0772 to find out how their residential recovery facilities can benefit you or your loved one.
Some rehabilitation facilities only treat certain addictions. However, at BRC Recovery, we provide clinically advanced treatment for all addictions. More specifically, we offer treatment for acute withdrawal, substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis.
Patients, as well as residents living at our facility, obtain individualized treatment and care that is required to successfully combat addiction.