“It is now well recognized that many persons with alcohol or drug problems require more than acute care interventions,” wrote Polcin, Mericle, Braucht, and Wittmand in their 2023 review of research on sober living houses (SLHs) also known as recovery residences. “Mutual-help programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), have been important because persons can stay involved as long as they wish and derive the benefits of ongoing peer support. However, some individuals live in environments that undermine their recovery efforts. Residential recovery homes are a good option for many of these individuals because they provide an abstinent living environment and peer recovery support.”
SLHs can be instrumental in maintaining sobriety in the early stages of the recovery journey. Recovery Housing reduces the risk of relapse because people are not exposed to possible triggers the way they would if they returned home immediately following treatment. Because these triggers are mostly absent, residents can continue to work on their recovery, practicing the coping skills they learned during their acute treatment phase.
“Over the last decade studies of SLHs have shown residents make significant improvements in terms of reducing or eliminating substance use, arrests, psychiatric problems, and unemployment,” concluded Polcin, Mericle, et al.
The Blanchard Institute’s recovery residences are gender-specific, providing extended care in a structured environment where residents can feel safe and supported by their peers while attending outpatient treatment.
Unlike traditional facilities of this kind, our recovery residences are not just sober homes but constitute an extended care program holding each resident accountable for their treatment and recovery.
For success in extended care, a certain commitment is required from residents:
- Keep a positive attitude, taking inventory of your actions and feelings
- Show up on time and prepared to participate
- Attend all required meetings, events, and clinical sessions
- Maintain appropriate hygiene and dress
- Be respectful to housemates, neighbors, and the larger Charlotte community.
- Maintain the confidentiality of any privileged information you may receive
- Become actively engaged in a community recovery support group
- Work regularly with a sponsor or equivalent
TWO GENDER-SPECIFIC RESIDENCES
Our recovery residence for women is called Bettie’s House. It provides women with a safe, affordable place to heal and recover while receiving treatment. The residence was named after the mother of our founder and CEO, Ward Blanchard, since she was an integral part in supporting his journey to recovery.
The men’s recovery residence, Austin’s House is named after a survivor of the the horrific school shooting at Columbine High School. Austin Eubanks and Ward Blanchard became close friends through their personal and professional journeys. Austin envisioned a society with people who didn’t medicate their pain with substances and unhealthy coping behaviors, and he devoted his life to helping others so this dream could become a reality.
CLEAR BENEFITS OF EXTENDED CARE
A 24/7 structured environment helps to hold residents accountable for their actions, making it easier to stay sober and learn new healthy habits.
Extended care reinforces what residents learned in treatment and provides further support in early recovery to reduce the risk of relapse. It also gives them space to repair personal relationships that may have suffered as a result of their substance use.
Participation in recovery communities provides a solid framework for a sober lifestyle. Sharing experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to recovery topics can promote valuable support and fellowship amongst peers.
The Blanchard Institute cultivates a safe, comfortable environment for clients and their families across North Carolina. Our recovery management and alumni programs support a life-long recovery.
Our admissions process is discrete and confidential. Call us at (704) 368-0776—our experienced admissions specialists will guide you through the process and treat you with the dignity and compassion you deserve.