Category: Sober Living Homes

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.

Addiction to drinking and gambling in Massachusetts

What Constitutes Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary chronic disease of brain reward, memory, motivation, and related circuitry, which is reflected in an individual pursuing reward or relief by substance abuse. Addiction to nearly any substance can have a substantial negative impact on your life and the lives of those around you.

What Are the Basic Characteristics of Addiction?

Multiple unhealthy emotional responses or behaviors typically characterize addiction. Some examples of these behaviors and emotional responses include:

  • Impairment in behavioral control
  • Dysfunctional emotional responses
  • Cravings
  • Inability to abstain from using a substance or engaging in an activity
  • Diminished recognition of interpersonal and behavioral problems.

Additionally, substance abuse and dependence can cause impaired perception, learning, impulse control, and judgment. Because of these effects, individuals who suffer from addiction can have a hard time recognizing the extent of their problems. When someone with an addiction seeks out help, it is often due to close family or friends encouraging them to get help for their addiction, rather than seeking help on their own accord.

Signs of Addiction

If you believe that you or someone you care about is suffering from an addiction, there are some signs and indicators that you should be aware of that can help you move forward with seeking help. These signs include:

  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Excessive time spent recovering from the usage of alcohol or drugs
  • Substantial focus on pursuing addictive substances
  • Adverse physical and emotional consequences from substance use
  • Worsening preoccupation with drugs or alcohol
  • Lack of desire to give up problematic behavior

Tharros House

For individuals who have suffered from an addiction in the past and are now living a sober life, moving into a sober living home can offer many benefits. Contact us today at Tharros House to find out if our sober living residence is a good fit for you.

Girl working out, trying sober things to do during Covid in Boston Massachusetts

Sober Things to Do During Covid

With many places shutting down and the ongoing limitations on in-person gatherings and activities, sober individuals may have difficulty finding sober activities to engage in. Fortunately, there are still many different things to do so that former addicts can continue to avoid activities that could trigger a relapse.

Covid-19 Restrictions and Sobriety

It is no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic that the world is currently facing may cause added stress and some complex challenges for everyone as we all attempt to move forward. For sober individuals, dealing with these additional stressors can make them more likely to suffer a relapse. This is particularly true for people who have poor coping skills. In order to continue on a sober path, it can be helpful to stay busy and participate in a variety of activities to occupy your time.

What Are Some Ideas for Sober Things to Do During the Pandemic?

There are still plenty of things to do for fun despite the pandemic. Although the weather is getting colder, outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and going for walks are still great ideas, even in a pandemic. These activities allow for plenty of social distancing while also giving you the added health benefits of exercise.

Other sober things to do include reading books and listening to audiobooks. Reading or listening to a book are great ways to engage your mind and learn new things. For those who enjoyed reading before the pandemic—now is an excellent time to continue enjoying this hobby that you love. For others, now is as good of a time as any to give reading a shot as a new hobby.

Tharros House

Tharros House is a sober living facility in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain your sober lifestyle.

Man and woman holding up home blocks for sober living house

How Do Sober Living Homes Work?

Sober living homes are group living residences for people who are in the process of recovery from addiction. Most sober living homes have a set of house rules that the residents must follow in order to live there. The most critical house rule is that the residents must remain sober and free from substance abuse.

Residents of sober living homes also often contribute to the house in different ways, such as completing chores based on a schedule. A structured living environment like a sober living home can be a great way for someone to adjust to life during and after treatment.

There are many people that use sober living homes to help them in the transition from rehab to independent living. Generally, those living in sober living homes can come and go as they please as long as they are following certain rules established by the home. For example, residents may be required to be home by a particular time or may have a curfew.

Who Can Live in Sober Living Homes?

There are some basic requirements for individuals who are considering living in a sober living environment. Most importantly, residents of sober living homes must be sober and be committed to remaining sober while they live in the home.

In the majority of cases, sober living home residents have already completed a substance abuse rehabilitation program before they move in. Residents who have already started living a sober lifestyle and have begun learning tools to help keep them sober tend to be more successful with adjusting to a sober living environment.

Tharros House and Sober Living

Tharros House is a sober living home in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Sober living homes offer many benefits to someone who is in recovery from addiction and wants to live with other sober individuals before living independently. Give us a call today for fill out the contact form on our site to learn more about how a sober living home can help you maintain your sobriety.

Man with cloud of cigarette smoke wondering if he is addicted to something.

How Do I Know If I Am Addicted to Something?

People can enjoy many pleasurable activities in a healthy way that does not cross the threshold of addiction. However, sometimes the line between healthy enjoyment of an activity and developing an addiction to it can be crossed without someone even realizing it.

What Is an Addiction?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic disease that impacts the brain’s motivation, reward, and memory functions. A person with an addiction will feel as though they crave that substance—and may even ignore other areas of their life in order to fulfill their desires and support their addiction.

What Are Some Typical Signs of Addiction?

While addiction may be hard to recognize at first, there are some indicators of addiction that everyone should be aware. This may help you notice it as soon as possible in order to turn it around. Some signs of addiction include:

  • An inability to stop engaging in a behavior or using a substance
  • Lack of control
  • Decreased socialization and neglecting relationships
  • Ignoring risk factors, such as sharing needles even though there could be severe health consequences to doing so
  • Physical effects, such as experiencing withdrawal symptoms

For someone with an addiction, it can be challenging to recognize that the addiction exists and take steps to overcome it. Many addicts will continue to find ways to continue and justify their behavior. It can be beneficial and even life-changing for supportive people in their lives to get them help if they begin noticing these signs of addiction.

Tharros House Sober Living Home

Tharros House is a sober living home that can be found in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Sober living homes are an excellent option for people who have gotten sober and wish to maintain their sobriety and live among other sober individuals. Contact us today at Tharros House in order to learn more about how we can help you continue and strengthen your sobriety.

Friends for Accountability

How Does Accountability Help with Staying Sober?

Holding yourself accountable in life can help tremendously in maintaining your sobriety. It helps you add the necessary structure to your life to achieve your goals and build a better life for yourself.

Sobriety and Accountability

Having family, friends, and counselors in your life who hold you accountable for your actions can be very helpful. These people can help a person in recovery keep their focus on what matters and to stay on track with their sobriety.

During a person’s recovery process, it is important for them to work toward an addiction-free life with good health and positivity. Accountability plays a crucial role in this recovery success. Without having accountability, a recovering addict will not be able to recognize their faults and take responsibility for their actions.

Accepting accountability will help to provide the tools that you need to stay sober. Accountability can also help people maintain their motivation throughout the recovery process.

Why a Lack of Accountability Can Be a Problem

It is not uncommon for people who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse to place the blame for their actions and behaviors on the substances that they have been using.  Some people use their addiction as an excuse to avoid dealing with certain emotions.

The recovery process forces people to face these behaviors and emotions head on to begin healing. Failure to take accountability for your own actions can only hurt you in the long run, ruining relationships and leading to bad decisions.

Sober living homes can help people in recovery remain accountable for their actions. These homes also often have strict rules and regulations to assist you in building a better life for yourself.

To learn more about sober living homes and what they can offer, contact the Tharros House today at (617) 249-1087.

Group of friends looking out into the sun outside of a sober living home

How Do I Know If a Sober Living Home is Right for Me?

If you are committed to remaining sober and want to work toward becoming more independent, a sober living home may be the right choice for you. Sober living homes are group residences, where people who are recovering from addiction can live.

Life in Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes typically require that their residents follow certain rules. One of the most serious rules that must be followed is that residents must remain sober. Other common rules include a mandated curfew and a ban on any form of violence. Different sober living homes have different rules; however, the main goal is to provide structure and responsibility for residents.

Residents living in a structured environment tend to have a better chance at lasting recovery. Sober living homes allow residents to adjust to life and its responsibilities both during and after treatment. Many residents opt to reside in sober living homes while they make the transition from rehab to independent living.

Thriving in a Sober Living Home Environment

A sober living home is a great residence for someone who has completed inpatient rehabilitation and feels almost ready to live independently. Sober living homes provide independence in many aspects, but also serve as a helpful community.

Job searching is encouraged for residents, and on-site job training programs are available at some homes. Some homes also offer transportation for their residents so that they can more easily get back to work. If you feel ready to go back into the workforce and begin the steps necessary to reacclimate into society, a sober living home may be the right choice for you.

If you are thinking about moving into a sober living home, contact us at the Tharros House today at (617) 249-1087. The Tharros House is a sober living home for men that is located in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

sober living home hourglass in Massachusetts with Sun Shining

How Long Should I Stay at a Sober Living Home?

Many people decide staying in a sober living home is a great way to maintain their sobriety. If you are considering sober home living, you may be wondering how long you should stay there.

There are many benefits to staying in a sober living home. Studies have shown that time living in a sober living home has a positive impact on rates of employment, sobriety, and relapse prevention. Sober living home residency has also been associated with a decrease in incarceration.

Factors That Determine How Long You Should Stay in a Sober Living Home

The exact length of time that you should stay in a sober living home will vary depending on the person and their unique situation. You should make the decision based on what you feel is best for you and your sobriety after taking in all of the factors.

One of the biggest factors in determining the length of stay is your financial situation. Some sober living homes can be expensive, so you will have to consider your financial needs.

Another factor that impacts the length of your stay in a sober living home is your willingness to follow the rules. Sober living homes often have strict rules and guidelines in place. Residents must follow these rules to continue living there.

Even if following rules is difficult for you, you may find that staying in a sober living home helps improve this and brings much needed structure to your life.

Some sober living homes offer their residents job training programs. These programs help residents prepare themselves for long-term recovery and independent living.

If you wish to learn more about sober living homes to determine whether it is the right step for you, contact the Tharros House today. The Tharros House is a sober living home for men in the Boston, Massachusetts area. You can give us a call at (617) 249-1087 to schedule a tour or visit.

Man holding blank card, not identifying with his addiction.

Identifying with Your Addiction

An individual’s identity, or self-image, constantly adapts to the environment, rather than just remaining static.

Most people are able to incorporate multiple different identities into their daily life. For example, someone may have a work identity in the workplace, along with a different identity while they are relaxing with friends and family.

Since identity is never fixed, as an adult, a person may have an evolved identity or self-image from their teen years.

The Identity of An Addict

People who fall into an addiction tend to adopt a certain new type of identity. Their new self-image is typically influenced by other substance abusers.

An addict identity may involve different beliefs, ideas, behaviors, and motivations, such as:

  • The priority in life is getting drunk or high
  • A belief that substance abuse causes people to be more creative
  • A distrust of addiction professionals
  • The idea that sober people are boring
  • A higher tolerance for sexual promiscuity than the average person
  • A willingness to use dishonesty to achieve a goal
  • An “us against them” mentality used to bond with other groups of addicts

How to Escape the Addict Identity

When an addict decides to become sober and to recover from their addiction, part of the process involves shedding the negative aspects of the addict identity. A recovering addict will often need to avoid friends and acquaintances with whom they used to drink or do drugs. These individuals will only pull the recovering addict back into their former identity.

To escape the addict identity you may decide what type of person you would like to become, and then move forward with building those positive personality traits.

The environment that you are in can have a huge effect on your identity. Therefore finding a sober living home can be one of the best steps to changing your life.

Contact the Tharros House today to learn more about how a sober living home may benefit you in your recovery.

Man Thinking About Alternatives for Alcohol and Drugs While Stressed

Alternatives to Drugs and Alcohol for Stressful Times

Experiencing stress can be a trigger for the consumption of alcohol and drugs. For former addicts, stress can contribute to a relapse of alcohol or drug abuse. Since many substances can give you temporary relief of the negative effects of stress, it may be tempting for former addicts to return to using these substances again. In order to be able to maintain your sobriety during stressful times in your life, it is crucial to learn to cope with stress without using alcohol or drugs.

Identify What You Can and Cannot Control

One of the first steps to coping with stress is to identify the source of your stress. From there, you can begin to identify what aspects of it you can and cannot control. For example, during this nationwide pandemic due to COVID-19, you may not be able to control whether or not you contract the virus—but you can control the steps that you take to protect yourself.

Make Time in Your Day to Do Something You Enjoy

Distraction can be a powerful tool in managing stress. During stressful times in your life, make sure to take time for yourself and engage in an activity that you enjoy. Having a happy experience may help alleviate some of the stress you are experiencing. At worst, it may provide a welcome distraction.

Participate in Physical Activity

Another way to cope with stress is to do a physical activity. One example would be to go for a run, as physical activities can release endorphins, which make you feel better. Staying physically active also has many health benefits—not only for your physical health but also for your emotional and mental health.

Sober living homes can provide structure for former addicts who are working hard to maintain their sobriety. These facilities can also help their residents by providing the tools to cope with stress in other ways. Contact the Tharros House today to learn more about how sober living homes may benefit you.