The transition from rehab to the real world can be a rough one. When you are in rehab, you are under intense treatment that allows you to safely get through withdrawals and address triggers, but there is a big difference between having that structure and living in the real world. 

If you get through rehab and aren’t sure that you can stay sober on your own, you might opt for sober living. Sober living gives you the ability to leave rehab and still have some structure to your life. The group home setting allows you to focus on your treatment and sobriety while you get back on your feet. 

But sober living does much more for you than that. A sober living situation is sort of the halfway mark between rehab and normal life. It helps you face and cope with your triggers as they make their way back into your life.

Before you make the decision to live on your own after getting sober, you need to evaluate your ability to stay sober in normal situations and circumstances. Ask yourself these questions before deciding to look for your own place.

• Have you cut toxic people out of your life who cause triggers for substance abuse?
• Have you left behind all of the people you knew before rehab who are still using drugs and alcohol?
• Does your current circle understand that you don’t want to be at social gatherings with drugs and/or alcohol present?
• Do you have a good support system outside of your sponsor and healthcare providers? 

If the answer is no to any of these questions, you should really think about moving to a sober living facility instead of getting your own place right after rehab. While you are in sober living, you can evaluate your social circle, everyday triggers, and family relationships, and take actions to ensure they don’t affect your sobriety.