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Recovery

Understanding & Recognizing Transfer Addiction

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sober, addiction, transfer addiction, recovery

When walking the often unsteady path to recovery, it can be easy to miss a condition many are unaware of known as transfer addiction, or sometimes referred to as cross-addiction. It is important for those in recovery, and those trying to support someone in recovery, to understand the concept of transfer addiction and its potential effects on sobriety. 

What Is Transfer Addiction?

Transfer addiction is when an addict attempts to compensate for the uncomfortable changes in their addictive habits and routines. It does not mean both addictions are present at once. For example, an addict might replace a substance for a hobby such as gambling. As they continue down this path of substitution, they may not realize that these seemingly harmless behaviors have become just as harmful as their original addiction. In other words, they’ve traded one form of addiction for another without really thinking about or acknowledging it. 

How Can I Identify Transfer Addiction? 

The signs of transfer addiction vary from person to person, but there are some common signs that you should look out for if you suspect someone has developed a transfer addiction. 

  • Spending large amounts of time indulging in certain activities such as watching television, playing video games, or engaging in online activities. These could be indicators that something else is going on beneath the surface. 
  • Preoccupied with certain hobbies or interests which can lead them into financial trouble
  • Experiencing obsessive behaviors or feeling depressed when without something related to the addiction

How Can I Prevent Transfer Addiction? 

Transfer addiction can often be prevented if people take the proper steps while on their sobriety journey. The most important step is to create a foundation based on healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes. This can include exercising regularly and engaging in meaningful activities such as volunteering or attending support groups. Other methods include discovering new hobbies such as reading books, painting, learning a new language, etc., all of which can help fill the void left by drug or alcohol use when trying to achieve sobriety.

Recovery is a journey to wellness — it’s all about balance. You can enjoy activities that distract from drug and alcohol use and still maintain your outlook on sobriety. Be mindful of what triggers these thoughts or behaviors so that you are aware when you need help getting back on track with your recovery journey. With the right support system and self awareness, it is possible to reach lasting sobriety without resorting back to old habits!

6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

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Shopping for someone in addiction recovery can be tricky.

Afterall, what gift says ‘supportive, encouraging, and fun’ at the same time?

Well, we’re here to tell you (or at least, drop some hints). Below, we’ve compiled a list of gifts for people in recovery that won’t end up in the return pile.

Let’s get started.

6 Holiday Gifts for People in Recovery

1. A Shared Experience

Although you can’t wrap an experience up with a neat bow, you can make sure that it is a very special gift for the recipient.

Not only does it allow for quality time and community, but it creates an opportunity for loved ones to try something different, have a good time, and enjoy new experiences.

Another reason this is a great gift for people in recovery? It’s totally personal. Got a thrill-seeker on your hand? Consider sky diving, hot air balloon rides, martial arts classes, or scuba diving lessons.

Got an adventurous or curious soul? A cooking class, book club, concert, show, or seminar could be amazing.

It’s the extra thought that makes the gift so special.

2. Gratitude Journal

Much of recovery is focused on self-reflection and improvement, and many find writing and journaling to be a key component.

Find (or custom order) a gratitude journal for your friend, and they’ll have something that is beneficial in their sobriety journey, but also deeply personal.

A journal may not mean something to you, but it will be a great addition to them. Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best gifts for people in recovery.

3. Instrument

If money isn’t an option, gifting an instrument definitely is!

This is something that could be fun for someone in sobriety, as it gives them an excuse to learn (and excel) at a new hobby, stay busy, and appreciate more music in their life. Finding healthier ways to spend time is one of the practices that allow for long term sobriety.

If your friend or loved one already plays an instrument, you could even create a custom songbook with all their favorite songs, so they can learn to play the music that makes them happy.

4. Books & Movies

If you’ve got favorite books or movies, they would make great gifts for people in recovery. There’s something special about sharing laughter, tears, smiles, and experiences in the form of entertainment.

This doesn’t have to be deep, serious, or thought-provoking (although it can be). Have fun with it!

5. Personalized Items

Personalized items make great gifts. The recipient feels seen, cared for, and important – and it’s not a difficult thing to buy.

Maybe you create a photo album full of good memories, a playlist for special moments, or engrave an item they will use daily (a watch, phone case, desk trinket – you can get creative).

The cost of an item doesn’t convey its worth, and intent is so important for people in recovery.

6. Something They Need

Okay, so this isn’t as fun as the others options, but sometimes it’s just as necessary.

Choosing to live a sober life is a big decision, and it impacts someone’s life in many different ways.

If you’ve got a friend or family member in recovery, and they are struggling financially with bills, home renovations, car repairs, or the like, this is where you can step in and help.

You don’t have to give them cash, but you can cover the cost of a car inspection, give them a gift card to a local home store, come or offer your services and help with home repairs.

Still Unsure About Your Gift?

Don’t be afraid just to ask what someone wants or needs. The answer might surprise you and take away some of that gift-buying anxiety.

Just remember: the best gift you can give them is to just be there, support their sobriety, and be an encouragement when things get hard.

7 Tips to Finding Employment After Addiction

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We’ll just come right out and say it: finding employment after addiction or substance abuse is often no easy feat. 

Not impossible, but a little strange. Between the unexplained gaps in your resume and the fact that you may have taken an extended leave of work during your treatment, finding new work can be difficult to navigate. 

That being said, financial stability is a HUGE step toward lifelong sobriety, and at SAL, we want to help you get there. 

You may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start. Because returning to an old job is not usually an option, you’ll be starting from scratch. Over time, we promise that things will get better, but the transitional phase may take some adjusting. 

To help, we’ve outlined 7 tips for finding employment after addiction below. Let’s jump in.

7 Tips for Finding Employment After Addiction or Substance Abuse

1. Update Your Resume

A resume is required for most job applications, so this is a solid step one. If you don’t have one, this is your opportunity. And if you do? It’s likely time for a refresh and overhaul. There are lots of resources online to help you highlight your best skills and experiences. 

Maybe you didn’t gain new work experience during your time in treatment, but you could have gained valuable skills worth mentioning. For example, strong communication, work ethic, and self-motivation are great to include. 

Consider your volunteer work, as well. This looks great on a resume and helps add to your existing skill sets. 

2. Take Advantage of Your Resources

There are so many resources available to you – you’ve just got to tap in!  

Treatment Recovery Centers

Most treatment centers and programs provide services to help with your transitional time. This can look like transportation, housing, childcare, and job assistance. 

Don’t overlook this incredible resource for finding employment after addiction. Ask your treatment provider what assistance is offered in this area.

Sober Living Resources

If you’ve completed treatment and found a sober community to live in, you probably have resources available to you there, too. 

For example, we offer all kinds of job-related services to our residents at Sober Apartment Living (SAL). Between job assistance, career planning, transportation, skill development, and our technology center onsite, we put a special focus on finding employment after addiction.   

The career support will vary depending on the community you live in, so make sure you ask and utilize all that your sober housing has to offer. 

State-Operated Assistance Programs 

There are plenty of state-operated assistance programs to help you find work. Check out the Vocational Rehabilitation program through Arizona to learn more about their services.  

3. Use Your Network

Ask your therapist, counselor, doctor, support group, friend, or family member for help. Your recovery journey has put all these people in your path, and there’s a chance that one of them can help you out. 

Whether they tell you about a job opening or simply ask around on your behalf, these networks can be very useful when finding employment after addiction. 

4. Search for Opportunities Online

There are a ton of great websites to help people in recovery find lasting work. We’ve outlined a few of our favorite resources for finding employment in sobriety, including sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. 

5. Do Your Research

Before you head into an interview, know your rights. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ensures that, in an interview, potential employers cannot ask about your history with legal drugs like alcohol and prescribed medication. 

You are welcome to share your recovery journey, as employers are not allowed to discriminate against you for participating in a recovery program. However, we recommend sharing only what is necessary – if any related information is necessary at all. 

Your recovery is not who you are, nor is it all you offer a workplace. Focus on all the positives, while keeping your answers honest. 

6. Don’t Overdo It

At the end of the day, your healthy recovery is the most important thing. Don’t push yourself too hard to get to a certain place because it feels like you should. 

Check in with yourself often and assess new job opportunities through this lens. If you need to start in an entry-level job or on part-time hours, do it. 

You can always work your way up if and when you want. 

7. Let Go of Your Expectations

Finding employment after addiction is going to have its ups and downs. When you feel discouraged, just remember that this is a process. Things might not work out right away, but you’ll get there.

Getting Ready for Employment After Addiction

Finding work in this crucial life stage is huge, but it’s something that you should take in stride. 

Before you make any big moves, make sure that you are in the right physical and emotional place for this next step. Having a strong and supportive community is a major component – even in the workforce. 

Here at SAL, we offer sober apartment living for people who want to live a sober life in freedom and community. To assist our residents, we do offer career-related services, as well. Learn more about our sober community today. 

5 Tips for Staying Sober

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Community of friends

If you’re in recovery and looking for that elusive “finish-line” to signify success in sobriety, you’ll be looking for a long time.

Lifelong sobriety isn’t something that can be checked off a to-do list once you’ve reached a certain point. It’s a continuous journey that takes work and commitment – but it’s also extremely rewarding and life-changing!

Think of it like a race with important milestones along the way, constantly taking you toward something bigger and better. While there may be setbacks, you’re always moving forward.

Some legs of this journey may be more challenging than others, so we’ve outlined five of the most the most important tips for staying sober and ensuring continued success in your recovery.

Let’s get started:

5 Tips for Staying Sober

1. Stay Structured

There’s a reason why so many treatment programs implement a strict routine in recovery: it’s proven to help with long-term sobriety success.

If you’re interested in following a similar structure after treatment, you can start by creating a schedule for mealtimes, group sessions, therapy, or external activities. Not only does this decrease idleness and keep you from the temptations of boredom, but it also supports the pursuit of positive thinking and healthy activities.

Living a more structured life doesn’t have to be boring – just make sure that you leave room for fun! The recovery journey is a great time to try something new, like a running club, a recreational sports team, a form of artistic expression, and more.

2. Maintain Moderation

As you add structure to your routine and include new activities, you’ll want to mindful that you practice moderation.

It’s common for recovering addicts to give up substance abuse or drinking while they’re in recovery, then pursue a new (seemingly normal) hobby with the same unhealthy mindset.

The illness of addiction can impact someone’s relationship to exercise, sweets, work, and more. By practicing moderation and mindfulness, you can seek help if or when you see these issues arise.

Being aware of your own progress is one of the most valuable tips for staying sober because every journey undergoes ups and downs.

3. Consistent Accountability

Just because you’ve completed a treatment or recovery program does not mean that you need to approach your sobriety without support.

Whether it’s therapy, group meetings, or relocating to a sober living community, consistent care is great for a number of reasons. In addition to accountability and community, these environments provide encouragement and fellowship from others in similar situations.

4. Find Ways to Serve

One of favorite tips for staying sober? Exploring new ways to serve the community.

When you commit your own time to help others, it can really put things in perspective and give you a new outlook on life. That’s why many treatment programs encourage community service during the recovery process.

Here at Sober Apartment Living, we invite our residents to volunteer with local organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance every month, and we’ve seen this have a great impact on the participants.

5. Avoid Triggers

During treatment and therapy, professionals can help you identify the triggers in your life, so that you can avoid these in the future.

And despite how it may feel, we want to assure you that there’s no shame in taking additional precautions when it comes to certain people, places, hobbies.

Being able to recognize harmful situations and purposefully evade them for the sake of your mental and physical health is a sign of strength – and one that will be extremely valuable in your sober journey!

Need Additional Tips for Staying Sober?

There are tons of ways that you can stay sober, but each person will be different. Our staff at Sober Apartment Living would be happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to resources and sober living environments in Scottsdale, AZ.

We know that choosing a life of sobriety can be difficult, but it’s also the best decision many people can make. We’re here to support that choice every step of the way.

 

 

 

Types of Sober Living Homes to Consider After Treatment

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When you get sober and enter into recovery, there’s a LOT to celebrate, and it’s okay to embrace the victory and pride that comes with clean living. It’s also important, however, to address the unknowns.

Some of these will be uncontrollable, but there are certain components of recovery that you can control – like your post-treatment living arrangements. Establishing the right home for yourself is an extremely important step to maintaining sobriety and starting fresh.

As you read through the different types of sober living homes below, keep personal preferences and professional recommendations in mind, so you can find the absolute best fit.

Let’s dive in!

Types of Sober Living Homes

Sober Dorms for Students

Students need sober living, too. In fact, four out of five college students drink alcohol, so exposure to substance and alcohol abuse is much higher in the college environment.

Sober dorms, however, are a great option for students who wish to live on campus and avoid the “party” scene. These dorms do not allow alcohol or drugs onsite, so students can focus on their social and educational growth.

While sober dorms do not offer treatment or staff supervision, they rely heavily on peer evaluation and university health and counseling resources. Depending on the school, they might even provide social events and programs to encourage sobriety.

If you’re a college student who has struggled with clean living in the past, sober dorms might be perfect for you! Of all the types of sober living homes, this may be the best match for the younger demographic.

Halfway House

Halfway houses are sober living environments designed to help people transition out of unstable situations (incarceration, addiction, or homelessness) and re-enter society.

Because each house serves a unique purpose and population type, the specific resources and support structures may vary, but the goal remains the same. These state-monitored homes create a structured environment by providing resources, accountability tests, and supervision.

Through custom services and support, these environments teach residents how to manage a healthy lifestyle after they’ve moved on, preparing and equipping them to live successful and sober lives in the real world.

It’s important to note that Halfway Houses usually limit a person’s stay, whereas other sober living homes do not.

Oxford House

An Oxford House is a sober living environment controlled by the residents, rather than a staff or management team. These sober homes are extremely common in the United States, as they put a lot of emphasis on peer support during recovery and do not require participation in any in-house treatment or recovery program.

Many Oxford Houses, however, do offer 12-step programs or classes to those who want them. For the most part, residents are focused on fulfilling household duties and chores, as well as paying rent.

Structured Sober Living

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and hands-on sober living home, the Structured Sober Living Home might be the best fit!

Of all the types of sober living homes, this environment does require a little bit more from its residents. As a result, it can be an effective way for people to stay sober early in their recovery.

Often recommended or provided by an inpatient treatment provider after completing the 90-day treatment, this sober home provides quite a bit of clinical supervision.

Many Structured Sober Living homes make drug screening, house meetings, and self-help groups/treatment mandatory, in addition to encouraging in-house services and 12-step programs. With a system like this people have easy access to the additional support and accountability they need.

Because this takes a more treatment-specific approach, it is sometimes covered by insurance.

Sober Apartment Living

While there are similarities between sober apartment living and the other options listed above, apartment style living has its own benefits.

For example, in a shared sober living apartment, residents can enjoy onsite management and support, career assistance, sobriety meetings, sober social events, and added privacy. This gives them the independence they need to grow and learn with support available when needed.

These sober apartments do not operate like a treatment center or provide clinical services, but they are an excellent transitional option for someone going from treatment to independent living. In addition to encouraging personal responsibility and upholding group accountability, many sober apartments show residents how to have fun in sobriety, too!

SAL, Sober Apartment Living, Co., is great at this, and their team plans sober social activities, events, and outings on a regular basis.

Which Type of Sober Living Home Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can answer that question! Make a list of what you’d like from your sober living situation and consult with your treatment facility before making any decisions.

There are so many different types of sober living homes available, so one is bound to check all your boxes.

If you’re interested in learning more about SAL, our sober apartment community in Scottsdale, AZ, you can read more here.

Sobriety Tips to Help You Overcome Addiction

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You’ve made the decision to lead a sober life, and that’s worth celebrating! The hardest part is what comes next. Afterall, addiction recovery is not easy – and it’s definitely not something you can do alone. That’s why we’ve put together this list of sobriety tips to help you find success in your recovery journey.

Hopefully these tips on staying sober will be a great help to you. Let’s get started:

Sobriety Tips

Get a head start on your recovery with these highly effective ways to stay sober.

Assess Treatment Options

Because each person is different, the treatment will need to be different as well, personalized for specific needs. Programs can vary from residential, partial hospitalization (php), outpatient, and inpatient treatments depending on the person, the addiction, and severity. In the end, it’s important to always seek professional advice.

Your regular physician can offer the best suggestions for local and out of state sobriety resources, since they already know you, your addiction, and your medical history. This information will help the doctor find the best fit.

As you work on overcoming your addiction, treatment centers will focus on both your physical and mental health. That means you’ll need to think about your life in a whole new way.

Consider these topics as a starting point:

When you’re sober…

  • What will you do in your free time?
  • How will you cope with stress?
  • Who can/should you spend time with?

Your answers will help you maintain your sobriety long after treatment has ended.

Explore Sober Apartment Living & Find Community

We couldn’t make a list of sobriety tips without including this one. Community and support are absolutely essential to overcoming addiction because they provide encouragement and accountability in a time when you’re struggling with temptation.

Some people find this community in a support group, but sober apartment living is another great option! This puts you in an environment FULL of people supporting you and doing the same thing: finding freedom from addiction.

Staying sober is so much easier when the people around you are pursuing a similar goal. For example, at SAL, we provide sober living apartments in AZ with ongoing support through staff who have already found freedom in recovery. They’ll help you in times of need, while encouraging you to take steps toward a brighter future – offering career advice, weekly meetings, and job assistance.

Not to mention, SAL offers fun & exciting sober social events on a regular basis!

Distance Yourself from Temptation & Avoid Triggers

It might sound simple, but this sobriety tip can actually be the most difficult.

In a time where you’re trying to establish a new life, you need to be intentional about putting distance between yourself and the old life. One of the best ways to stay sober is to live differently in recovery than you did in addiction.

Identify your triggers and do your best to avoid the people and places that encouraged unhealthy habits. Maybe you need to change your route home from work to avoid seeing that bar, or maybe you need to find a new store to shop at in order to avoid that person.

You know yourself and your triggers best, so be wise!

Another option, however, is to simply relocate. Moving to a sober living facility out of state allows you to start fresh. This does not mean you are running away from your problems, simply making the hard decision to say goodbye to them.

Our Sober Apartment Living Community in Arizona is full of out-of-state residents who have been able to find solidarity and success in a new place.

Set Goals

Of all the sobriety tips above, this one ranks pretty high in terms of recovery success because it deals with the ongoing struggle of addiction recovery.

Staying sober is a process, and it’s one that you’ll need to plan. Set goals for yourself and track your progress. In our experience, structure is a great way to stay on track because it helps you form better habits and leaves less time to let your mind wander.

Celebrate Every Win

One of the more fun tips on staying sober is simply to celebrate. By beginning treatment and working on recovery, you are committing to do something huge in your life, and each milestone counts.

Don’t forget to take the time to acknowledge each and every win and applaud yourself at the progress. You deserve it!

Additional Sobriety Resources for Staying Sober

As a sober apartment living community, we partner with a handful of organizations to help others find recovery success. If you’re interested in speaking with a team member or learning more about our sober apartments in Scottsdale, AZ, please get in touch.

In the meantime, we’d like to share a few resources below:

Local Treatment Centers:

  • Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center
  • Cornerstone Healing Center
  • Scottsdale Recovery Center
  • Springboard Recovery
  • Calvary Healing Center

…and so many more.

No matter where you are or how long you’ve been pursuing the freedom of recovery, just know we’re cheering you on. Keep up the good work!

 

 

Sober Apartment Living is a growing portfolio of sober apartments dedicated to providing individuals a supportive community to maintain and thrive in their recovery.

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6825 East 4th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251

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