Person That is Sober Living in Boston Massachusetts

Sober Living in Massachusetts

So you’ve decided to get sober and now you’re hearing the term “ Sober Living ”. Maybe you’re in a treatment center or detox facility. Maybe a friend or family member is suggesting sober housing as an alternative to living at home. So what is it like? This is my story about how living in a sober house changed my life.
In 2007, I decided that my life had become unmanageable and that I didn’t want to continue living the way I had been. Everything about my life had become centered on the next drink and drug. I had designed my career to accommodate my addiction, and all of the things that were important to me fell short of booze on my priority list. After entering treatment, I began to hear about “Aftercare” and “Continuing Care”. These were terms for the work that I would continue to do in order to maintain my sobriety, after treatment ended. This is where I first heard of living in a sober home.

Living a Sober Life on My Own

After deciding that I was fully capable of maintaining my own sobriety without someone else “controlling my life”, I decided against a sobriety house, and chose to move in with friends from my treatment center instead. While my intentions were sincere, my conviction to stay the sober path was soon challenged.

I was faced with many temptations, intense emotions, and unanticipated life struggles. What I had imagined to be an easy path to walk in my newfound sobriety became a dangerous tip toe through a wild jungle. Before the end of 8 months, I had relapsed, and things got bad… fast!

I had heard that when you drink again, you “pick up where you left off”. This was certainly the case for me as I found myself ready to leap from the 17th floor of my apartment building- only a higher power could have kept me alive through the events to follow. It took me more than a year to get back into treatment.

Getting Sober Again

Returning to treatment in 2009, I vowed to do things differently. I spent 90 days in residential treatment and decided to move close to my treatment center in Los Angeles, where I had begun to build a sober community and fellowship. As I approached the end of treatment, a sober home was suggested for me. But again, I was reluctant to give up control and live with strangers. Besides, I had heard that sometimes people actually used in sober livings!

I would move out into my own home, but near my community, I decided. Within six months, I found myself back in crisis, lost in desperation, and far from the sober way I had envisioned.
After completing a 3rd visit to residential treatment, I was beaten. I knew then that my decisions were not serving me. I decided to trust others, and I accepted that an aftercare plan may need to include this off-putting concept: living in a sober house.

The Reality of Sober Living

I arrived at my new sober living house in September of 2010. I quickly discovered that my mind’s concept of a controlling environment with supervision and strict management was very different from what I entered into that day. I wasn’t supervised, I was supported. I wasn’t controlled, I was given suggestion. When I made a choice, it was my choice, and what I learned in the following months taught me how to make good choices for myself. My house manager, Joe, told me “I can’t get sober for you dude. This is your journey… I’m just here to help you find your way”. Joe would quickly become a mentor and friend, offering much needed advice about everything from work to women. I made many friends that year, some who are still close to me today. I thought I would be giving up my free will… instead, I was learning how to reclaim it.

Tharros House

Fast forward to 2016 where I now sit, writing this blog in the office of Tharros House, my own High Standards Structured Sober Living home in Lexington Massachusetts. With 8 current clients who are learning to walk a great path, all desiring a different life than they are leaving behind, I am struck by how different I thought it would be those years ago when I entered Joe’s house in Los Angeles. I experienced many new things through the people I met and the opportunities I was afforded in sobriety. I found a way to live life that is far happier than I ever had before the drinking or drugs began.

I am now grateful for my addiction! Without it, I wouldn’t have the life I have today, nor would I have learned how to live the way I do now, with great meaning and joy. At Tharros House, my team and I work with only 10 clients at a time to ensure that we provide the support and suggestion that can help each individual design their own successful recovery. Each client at Tharros House learns to apply the tools from treatment in a way that is both fun and effective. Clients participate in sober events and learn to have fun while living sober in the city of Boston. Our team is here to help each person find their way.
Learn more about what a sober living home can offer for you. You deserve a joyous and meaningful life, and the right support and guidance can help you find your way. Visit us at www.TharrosHouse.com to learn more about Tharros House in Lexington, MA.

Group of friends at beach laughing while staying sober in Boston, Massachusetts.

Best Ways to Stay Sober

Recovery is a lifelong journey. Relapses are common, especially in the first few years of sobriety. However, there are many things you can do to help maintain your sobriety. Staying sober takes hard work and time, but finding the “real you” and building a life you can be proud of is worth persevering through the tough times.

How to Stay Sober

1. Identify Your Triggers

One of the best things you can do for yourself when trying to remain sober is to identify your own personal triggers. Triggers can include people, places, items, situations, or anything else associated with your substance abuse. When you know more about the specific challenges that you face, you can start working on techniques to avoid or combat them.

2. Stay Away from Your Old Habits and Old Routines

To stay sober, it is a good idea to avoid locations and people associated with the substance you used to be addicted to. For example, if you were addicted to alcohol and are now sober—you can help yourself stay that way by avoiding bars and staying away from your former “drinking buddy” types of acquaintances.

3. Build a Structured Schedule

Another way you can work on your sobriety is to create a structured schedule for your life and daily routines. You can do this by finding a job, signing up for a class to learn more about a particular hobby, joining a gym and starting to work out in the mornings, or even attending group meetings with others who are also navigating recovery.

4. Find Positive Support Networks

Positive support networks can be extremely valuable when it comes to sobriety.  You can join support groups for newly sober individuals, find a mentor to help you navigate building a sober lifestyle, or even just make new friends who share your interests and desire to remain sober.

Tharros House in Massachusetts

Living in a sober living home is also a great step toward continued sobriety. Sober living homes have many benefits, including helping residents with all of the above methods of staying sober. Reach out to us today at 617-249-1087 for more details on what Tharros House has to offer.

Burnt cigarettes on table against green background.

Is Addiction to Substances Common?

If you have recently gotten sober after battling an addiction, you may be wondering just how common it is to deal with a substance use disorder.

While statistics vary between different types of substances, generally speaking, there are approximately 20 million people in the U.S. who currently struggle with a substance abuse disorder of some kind.

What Is a Substance Use Disorder?

Some drugs or alcohol unnaturally increase dopamine levels in the brain’s reward system.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain that is involved in feeling pleasure and motivation. Common examples of dopamine-raising substances include nicotine, cocaine, prescription painkillers, alcohol, and other illicit substances.

When someone abuses one of these substances, the increased dopamine teaches the brain learns to associate the substance with pleasure. This can cause the person to become addicted and develop an uncontrollable urge to use that substance. They might also begin engaging in other harmful activities, even though they know there could be negative consequences. A person with a substance use disorder they may be mentally or even physically unable to stop using the substance, even when they want and try to quit.

Consequences of Substance Use Disorder

When someone with an addiction does not get treatment, they can cause lasting damage to important relationships in their lives, lose their jobs, suffer health issues, and develop financial and legal problems. Over time, excessive drug and/or alcohol use can also lead to a range of severe health issues and may result in overdose or death.

Due to the serious consequences of a substance addiction, it is crucial for people dealing with an addiction to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for a substance abuse issue can involve many different methods, including medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Sober Living at Tharros House

Once a person is ready to overcome their addiction and enters recovery, looking into sober living homes can be a good next step in maintaining sobriety. Tharros House, in the Boston area of Massachusetts, is a great choice for men looking for somewhere to live among other sober individuals to help rebuild their life following a battle with addiction. Call us today at 617-249-1087 to learn more.

Dark photo of drugs on table with mans hand tensely gripping, close to relapse.

Why Do I Keep Relapsing?

If you have recently made the positive life choice to become sober, you might be surprised to learn how common relapses are. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40-60% of people in recovery experience one or more relapses. Relapses happen often, but there are some things you can try to prevent them.

Why Is It So Common to Have a Relapse?

One of the reasons it is so common to experience a relapse after getting sober is that addictions are extremely powerful and tend to cause lasting changes to the brain. For this reason, it is vital to understand the common relapse triggers, so you can do your best to avoid them.

Common Triggers That Can Lead to a Relapse

There are many different triggers that can contribute to an addiction relapse. Keep in mind that since everyone is different, a significant trigger for one person might not have the same kind of effect on you. However, having a general awareness of the most common triggers can help you figure out the best way to manage them.

Some common triggers include:

  • Stressful situations,
  • Toxic relationships,
  • Spending time with people still suffering from addiction,
  • Going to places connected with your former substance abuse routine,
  • Seeing a bottle of alcohol or item associated with your substance abuse.

Relapsing and Sober Living Homes

One of the best ways to help prevent a relapse is to live in a sober living community. Residents of sober living homes are required to stay sober. These communities provide residents with a structured environment that can help them stay on track and maintain their sobriety.

Tharros House is a sober living home for men located near Boston, Massachusetts. Call 617-249-1087 to learn more about what our sober living home can offer you.

Sign on sober living house 'Welcome To Our Home'.

Is It Worth It to Live in a Sober Living Home?

While living in a sober living home is a huge change and can be quite expensive, many people find their stay is worth the costs. Many people struggle with addiction relapses, which are not uncommon once someone commits to recovery. Sober living homes provide residents with many benefits, and living in one can be a great way to continue your sober lifestyle in a supportive environment.

The Benefits of Living in a Sober Living Home

There are many different benefits of living in a sober living residence. One major benefit is the opportunity to form relationships with other individuals in similar circumstances. Having sober friends that you can confide in and lean on for support in tough times will always benefit you.

Another benefit of living in a sober living home is that the home provides a structured and safe environment. Structure is very important to individuals who are working on maintaining their sobriety after addiction. Without a structured environment, it can be easy for people with substance use issues to fall back into old habits, which will harm their chances of recovery.

In addition, sober living homes often offer life skill assistance and classes. Many people who have struggled with addiction may not be ready to reacclimate to society because they might not have learned certain life skills along the way. Some sober living residences offer classes that teach residents how to exercise, eat nutritiously, do laundry and tasks around the house, and find and maintain a job.

Is Living at Tharros House Worth It?

There are many different opportunities available to residents living at Tharros House. Tharros House is a sober living facility for men living in the Boston area. At our sober living home, residents can take advantage of fun community events, sobriety meetings, job search resources, yoga classes, and much more. Give us a call today at 617-249-1087 to learn more about Tharros House and decide if it is the right choice for you.

Red bricks with light in Massachusetts sober living house.

What to Expect at a Sober Living Home

If you are thinking about moving into a sober living home, it is a good idea to do some research beforehand, so you know what to expect once you move in. The biggest part of living in a sober living home, as you might guess, is maintaining sobriety. However, beyond sobriety, there are some other things that you can expect when you move into a sober living residence.

Most Sober Living Homes Have Rules

Every sober living home is unique, but many of the rules are the same from home to home. Of course, the number one rule is that you must maintain sobriety while living there.

One thing to keep in mind is that sobriety can mean different things to different people—so it is crucial to read through any paperwork or handbooks given to you by your chosen residence. For example, while someone recovering from a heroin addiction might use marijuana from time to time, this is a substance that is typically banned from a sober living facility.

Other Things to Expect When Moving into a Sober Living Home

Some other things that you can expect when moving into a sober living residence include attending community events, sobriety meetings, and engaging in various forms of athletic activity, such as yoga, hiking, and running. You can also expect to have new opportunities that can help you return to the workforce, such as job-seeking workshops, resume assistance, and transportation to interviews and workshops.

What to Expect at Tharros House

Tharros House is a premier sober living home for men located in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Our sober living home provides a structured environment for people who are managing their sobriety and are ready to begin reconnecting to society and their communities. You can learn more about what we have to offer by giving us a call at 617-249-1087.

Suitcase with clothes on table at sober living home in Boston, Massachusetts

Checking Into a Sober Living Home

After you have decided to move into a sober living home, you might be wondering about how the whole move-in process will work. Now that you have signed up for your new living environment and completed the initial paperwork, the next big step is checking in to your sober living home.

The Check-In Process for Sober Living Homes

Although the check-in process may vary slightly from home to home, many sober living homes use the same basic steps for checking in. Many facilities provide new residents with handbooks or checklists that can help them prepare for their move-in day.

As you are packing, first make sure that you do not pack anything that is not allowed in the sober living home. Most facilities will provide you with a list of forbidden items when you register, so be sure to refer to that list as you pack.

Once you arrive at your sober living home, ready to move in, you can typically enter through the front entrance and check in at the main desk. Someone who works at the facility can show you where your room is located and help you get settled in.

What to Do After Checking into a Sober Living Home

After you check into your new sober living home, you can get settled in and unpack your belongings. If you feel ready on the first night, you can also attend any events hosted by the house. This is a good way of making friends and connections with other residents.

Checking Into Tharros House

Tharros House near Boston, Massachusetts, is a safe and supportive sober living home for men. We provide a structured environment where you can make connections, set and achieve goals, and transition to a fulfilling, enjoyable life in recovery. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, please give us a call today at 617-249-1087.

Woman with red hair sleeping in bed with white sheets.

Tips to Fall Asleep When Restless

Trying to fall asleep and being unable to is a frustrating feeling. Tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable sleep position can sometimes just make it worse. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help yourself get to sleep and have a restful night.

Sleep in a Cooler Environment

One of the easiest ways to get yourself to fall asleep faster is to turn the room’s temperature down a bit. Studies have shown that cooler temperatures allow us to fall asleep faster and to sleep more deeply.

The reason this works is thought to be that our body temperature tends to naturally drop as our circadian rhythms get close to the sleep phase. This temperature drop tends to remain lower until a few hours before your typical wake up time.

Calm Your Mind and Focus on Breathing

Your breathing patterns have an impact on your autonomic nervous system. This system regulates your heart rate, motivation levels, muscle tension, and other aspects of excitement or relaxation.

When you breathe shallow and rapid breaths, you might experience a sense of anxiety. On the contrary, when you breathe slowly and deeply, you can experience feelings of calmness. When you lay down at night, try to focus on taking slow, deep breaths.

Upgrade Your Mattress

While a mattress upgrade can be an expensive solution to this problem, it might make a huge difference in your sleep patterns. It is a good idea to go to a store to get a feel for different mattress types. Everyone is different, so there is no perfect mattress that fits everyone’s needs. Test out some mattresses to see if a firmer (or softer) mattress might be best for you.

Tharros House is a sober living community that helps its residents continue to live a restful, sober lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to us today.

Table with addictive substances under black light

What Are the Most Addictive Substances?

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that more than 21 million Americans aged 12 and older have had a substance abuse disorder. Drug and alcohol addictions are common enough that if you haven’t experienced it yourself, someone you know most likely has.

Learning more about what substances are the most addictive can help you avoid developing an addiction problem in the future. If you are worried you might already have an addiction, this information might help you realize when it is time to get help.

What Is a Substance Addiction?

A substance addiction is a disease that impacts your brain and behavior. It is characterized by an inability to control your use of the substance. Addictive substances activate the pleasure center of the brain, which can cause someone to continue to use that substance repeatedly to get that experience or feeling.

What Are the Most Addictive Substances?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse regularly conducts studies and analyzes data regarding addictive substances. It has found that the top five most addictive substances include the following:

1.      Alcohol

Alcohol is a legal substance and is one of the most abused. It enhances mood by altering dopamine levels, however it also works as a central nervous system depressant.

2.      Heroin

Heroin is an illegal drug that works by activating opioid receptors in a person’s brain, which blocks feelings of pain, increases feelings of relaxation, and induces a sensation of euphoria with the way that it impacts dopamine levels.

3.      Nicotine

Nicotine is another legal substance that many people are addicted to. It triggers the brain’s reward center, which causes people to continue to use it and eventually become addicted.

4.      Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines are powerful stimulant drugs that cause a euphoric high. It is a particularly dangerous type of drug because tolerance develops quickly.

5.      Cocaine

Cocaine works by flooding the brain with dopamine, which is connected with pleasure. The effects are short-lived, so it is a substance that can quickly become addictive.

Trying to Stay Sober?

Tharros House is a sober living home that can help you live a sober life more enjoyably and effortlessly. Contact us today to learn more.

Sober community with hands on top of each other

How Can My Community Keep Me Sober?

Becoming and remaining sober can be challenging, but it is genuinely worth it in so many ways. By staying sober, you can begin to rebuild former relationships that may have suffered throughout your addiction and become healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your community can also have a significant impact on helping you stay sober.

Find Support Groups and Meetings in Your Community

Support groups and meetings are designed to help former addicts come together to share stories, advice, and support. There are many different types of support groups, so you are sure to find one that fits your needs.

Some support groups are religion-based, so if that is something important to you, it can be an excellent way to get started finding others like you in your community. Other support groups are activity focused. These types of support groups are great for people who share similar hobbies, and it is an easy way to make new friends with the same interests as you.

Sober Living Communities

Another way that your community can help you to stay sober is to move into a sober living home. A sober living home is geared toward individuals who have been sober for a while and want to remain sober while starting to get their life back on track. Many people living in sober living homes have begun searching for jobs or have even started to work again.

These living communities are a great resource because you can live with other people who have gone through similar struggles as you have. It can be a place for support and encouragement, and even true life-long friendships. Many sober living communities also have group activities on a regular basis, such as game nights and other entertaining activities. The can not only be fun, but also work to build lasting connections with others.

Tharros House is a sober living home in the Boston, Massachusetts area. We are a sober living community that offers our residents many benefits, such as onsite support groups, group activities, and more. If you are thinking about joining a sober living community, we would love to speak with you to help you decide if we’re a good fit. Give us a call today to learn more about what Tharros House has to offer.

Three people excited about living a sober life

Relapse Prevention Tips

Although you are committed to sobriety, you should prepare for some of the challenges ahead. Unfortunately, relapses are a relatively common setback. But just because relapses can happen—it doesn’t mean that it must happen to you.

1. Understand the Signs of a Relapse

One of the most critical steps you can take to avoid a relapse is to educate yourself on the signs of it. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when you need help. Some common signs to watch for include:

  • Becoming defensive
  • Feelings of anger
  • Poor sleeping and eating habits
  • Isolating yourself
  • Mood swings
  • Lying about your behaviors or feelings
  • Spending time with friends with who you used to drink alcohol with
  • Fantasizing about drinking alcohol
  • Thinking about or planning to try using alcohol or drugs again in the future.

2. Fill Up Your Free Time

Another thing that you can do to help avoid a relapse is to find fun hobbies and activities to fill up your free time. When you are involved in many other things and have additional responsibilities, it makes it hard to slide back into old habits.

3. Continue to Attend Meetings and Support Group Sessions

After you have been sober for some time, you might start thinking that you don’t need to attend meetings and support group sessions that help sober individuals stay that way. Try to resist the urge to give up these meetings and support groups—as they can be helpful for long-term sobriety.

You can also consider a sober living home, where you reside with other sober people similar to you. Tharros House is a great place to continue living a sober lifestyle. Give us a call today to find out if it might be the right fit for you.