One in 10 Americans over age 12 find themselves dealing with addiction. For the millions of people living with the chronic condition, an important part of the recovery process is not simply seeking treatment, but maintaining a healthy life post-addiction. Both for those who are newly sober and those who have been in recovery for years, going back to normal life afterwards is difficult. The routine aspects of everyday living – such as renting a home – can be limited by a number of different factors. In addition, environmental factors including your home environment can influence your recovery. Therefore, it is important that your home is somewhere that supports your recovery journey.
Renting After Rehab
Most people in recovery find themselves having to deal with the financial complications of their addiction. Poor financial decisions under the influence and drug-related debt can impact your finances, including earnings and savings. This takes time to repay, and can hamper your credit references and score. In addition, some people who seek treatment find themselves unable to pay for a market value rental or mortgage immediately after leaving the treatment facility. New to the job market, it will take at least a few months to become financially stable. With the housing shortage and rising prices, it may seem like a daunting task when trying to find accommodation in recovery. However, there is help available, and more options than you can imagine, all aimed at helping you get your life back on track.
Private Recovery Housing
One of the first options to consider is recovery housing. There are two alternatives: a halfway house and sober living facilities. Both of them are suited for different stages of your recovery. While similar in some regards, a halfway house is more closely aligned with a treatment program, and focuses on separating a recovering addict from harmful environments or triggers. They also come with a time limit for residents; most of them allow stays between 3 and 6 months. This type of housing is aimed at people currently in treatment or newly sober. While there are many government funded halfway houses, there are also private alternatives, such as The Florida Model. Some facilities also include additional support, such as career help services to help you get back into employment.
Sober living housing, on the other hand, is a further step in your reintegration into society. They provide support, but do not have time limits on your stay, which means you can stay there until you have worked and saved enough to get your own home. In short, it is a long term alternative for those who prefer to have the support of a halfway home, including peer support. When choosing a sober living home, consider the extent of structure and independence it provides. Some people just coming out of rehab can become accustomed to the routine and structure a treatment program provides. It is also important to take into account the accountability measures in place, such as drug testing and the consequences of relapsing.
Sublet Private Accommodation
You can also opt to rent a room or converted apartment from private landlords. They work on a similar premise to renting your own apartment, with the inclusion of standard rules such as no alcohol or drug use, a curfew and landlord secured policies against late payment from tenants. As owners of a private sober home, the landlords are required to undergo training to equip them with the proper tools and knowledge to help you reintegrate into society, so you can be sure of having support during your ongoing recovery. You can also rest assured that your addiction will not hinder your chances of securing the flat, since those dealing with mental illness and addiction are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which bans discrimination based on disability.
However, you should take the time to consider your immediate finances and whether you will be able to comfortably meet the rent payments each month. Stress, including financial stress, is one of the top factors in addiction relapse. If you are doubtful of renting on your own, there is the option of subletting with friends as a roommate. This gives you a break on rent costs compared to renting your apartment alone, and gives you the support of friends and family close by.
Government Supported Affordable Housing Programs
There are also housing models in place that are aimed at helping recovering addicts. The permanent supportive housing program offers low-cost permanent housing options to those looking to maintain a stable home or who may find themselves homeless after treatment. This is particularly applicable to you if you were renting before seeking help. In a United States Conference of Mayors survey, 68 percent of the 25 participating cities listed substance abuse as the number one reason for homelessness in their city. By removing the high cost and other barriers for people, it allows you to be in a better position to rebuild your life and continue to seek treatment if needed.
Recovering from addiction or mental health problems can be an incredibly long and grueling journey, but it is one that is worth it. On your path to complete health and well-being, having a safe place to call home is acutely important, and these options can help you find that place.
2 Comments
Fantastic post. I’m so looking forward to reading your other posts. Thank you.
A very informative piece. I am sure it can help many grsppling with this dilemma.