Understanding & Recognizing Transfer Addiction

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!

How Does SAL Compare to Other Sober Living Places?

If you’re looking for a sober environment to help with your recovery, you’re doing the right thing.

This is a big step, and we want you to feel completely prepared for what’s to come. To get a better idea, we’ve outlined some of the most popular FAQs about Sober Apartment Living (SAL) and how it compares to other sober living options below.

Let’s get started!

FAQs about Sober Apartment Living

What are the rules?

Just as you would expect, SAL prohibits alcohol and drugs on the premise in addition to restricting access to these items. Certain limitations on medication are also in place, as these may not be beneficial to an individual’s recovery.

As an added support, however, SAL does require its residents to attend weekly meetings onsite and encourages further groups or treatments from external medical facilities, if needed. Because SAL is not a treatment facility, we don’t offer those services ourselves.

Other sober living environments may be different, however! Some actually do offer counseling, treatment, or recovery programs in order to  keep a closer eye on the residents with additional involvement and accountability.

There is no right or wrong way to do sober living, so make sure you look for a place that gives you what you need in order to be successful.

How much does sober living cost?

Price comes up often when discussing FAQs about sober apartment living – and it’s definitely important to consider! But as a nonprofit, SAL works hard to keep monthly fees at a reasonable rate, so residents can afford them and receive the treatment they need.

For example, rent at SAL can range from $625 – $790 per month*, depending on the specific floor plan. And because many enter a sober living apartment without employment, our staff provides career assistance to help people get back on their feet.

Many sober living options are similar in that way, as they recognize that full recovery includes financial independence and money management. However, job and career help is not guaranteed at every sober home or apartment.

Even more so, prices can fluctuate from place to place. For some, costs may align with the housing market in the area and match the general cost of living, making them more expensive.

*(prices subject to change)

How do I pay?

Payment at SAL is simple! You can use money order, cashiers check, Square, or PayPal to pay your rent at SAL.

Our team is very hands-on in helping residents find steady work, prepare for interviews, and hold a job. With our career assistance, many feel confident that they can pay rent each month. This additional onsite help can be key to keeping up with payments, and it is offered at many sober living options. Just remember that “many” is not “all” and most often insurance won’t cover your cost of sober apartment living.

Taking on the monthly fees is part of the sober apartment living process, so you’ll need to clarify what their team is willing to do for you before selecting a place to live. With a career assistance and a steady job, payment shouldn’t be a concern.

Is counseling and treatment offered?

Not at SAL – we offer a sober living environment, but we do not provide medical treatment or counseling. Our residents are welcome to get this elsewhere while living with us, though!

As mentioned in our first FAQ about sober apartment living, each sober living place has its own rules, restrictions, and expectations. There are definitely sober living homes and communities out there that offer additional support through counseling and meetings, if that’s what you need.

If you’ve undergone treatment, your treatment facility can provide recommendations based on your current state of recovery and your specific needs.

How long can you stay? 

While SAL does not limit the time of your stay, we do ask our new residents to undergo a 30 day trial period to ensure they can meet our community guidelines.

After a bit of research, you’ll find that this practice is common in many sober living homes, as well as the unlimited stay. Recovery is a personal journey, and we want to make sure our residents have all the time they need without pressures to relocate before they’re ready.

Keep in mind, however, that this is not always the case. Some places do ask that you move on after an agreed-upon time frame. If that’s not what you need personally, you’ll want to take that into consideration.

Are the sober apartments coed?

Yes! At SAL, we house both men and women, but we take special precautions to keep the living areas separate. With certain limitations in place, we can encourage a coed community while establishing trust, safety and security amongst our residents.

Some places agree with us and follow similar protocols, but many sober living options are gender-specific.

Determine what works for you, so you can narrow down your search for sober living.

Are visitors allowed?

Yes! We allow visitors at SAL during the day, as long as they don’t spend the night.

In the same way, many other sober living apartments and homes do allow visitors, but they might restrict visits to certain days, times, or people. You’ll have to ask the actual community about their policy if this is important to you!

How do sober living places differ?

There are tons of places to choose from when looking for a sober environment, and only you and your treatment provider can truly gauge what will be the best for your long-term sobriety. If you’re interested in learning more about your options, we’ve outlined a couple of the most common types of sober living homes on our blog.

Still have more FAQs about sober apartment living?

Our team at SAL would love to help you find the right home. Get in touch to learn more!