Category: Sober Living Homes

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.

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.

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.