Going through the recovery process is a difficult journey. However, it does not mean that one has to go through it alone. Sober livings can create the right environment for people to develop a peer support system.
Here are some tips for sober livings on how to encourage peer support in your house and help your residents form strong bonds with one another:
Attend meetings together
Suggest residents go to the same meeting locations and take public transportation together. For senior residents who have cars, ask them to offer rides to new residents so they can look out for one another.
Prepare meals and complete house chores
Food prep can be a great way for residents to bond with each other. Same with house chores, inspire the residents to be accountable for their living space and take care of it as their own.
Workout and meditate
Working out together is a good opportunity for residents to bond with one another. Meditation also promotes self-care and awareness especially during this time of constant changes in their lives
Plan outings and get-togethers
Take residents out of their daily routine by scheduling activities ranging from outdoor activities like hiking and going to the beach to something smaller like board games and movie nights. Don’t forget to ask for their ideas as well to make them feel included in the planning.
Encourage creative expression
While it can be sometimes difficult to share raw thoughts and feelings in a house constantly surrounded by people, create a space where they can express themselves in a healthy way through art or music. Encourage them to draw, write letters, create vision boards of their plans when they get out of the program, or provide a piano or guitar for the house.
Find mentors for the residents
Instead of speaking with a professional that will talk about their medical progress, mentors have most likely been through what the residents are currently going through. Having that type of guidance can be one of the most important things that can help them get through the tough times.
Celebrate milestones and successful transitions
The most inspirational form of peer support that you can provide is showing residents that one of them can successfully go through your program and transition out of the house. Seeing their own peers succeed in their goals and develop the confidence to go out into the world again makes them realize that sobriety is a real possibility. There is also a resident app that would allow you to set your sobriety date and notify you on your 30, 60 or 90-day anniversaries.