Sober living homes are one of many sources of ongoing treatment offered to
those who have abused drugs and/or alcohol. It is not their first step
towards recovery. By the time they have selected a sober living home, they
already are aware of the costs that the disease has done to their own bodies
and minds and are also aware of the effects on their families. They have
already been through more intense treatments and are now willing to take the
next step towards continuing their recovery.

Those who go to a sober living home realize that they are not yet ready to
face the questioning of parents, spouses and their friends. The ignorance of
those of us who haven't faced this disease is part of the problem. We may
tell them, "It's not so bad", I can put the drink down", "All you need is
willpower". These statements are not conducive to their recovery. The family
's lack of knowledge often causes the drinker to postpone their treatment.
Newly sober persons need the continuing encouragement of others who have
preceded them in recovery. The sober living environment provides peer
influences, teaching and camaraderie while they keep each other focused on
how to live without drugs and alcohol. As stated in the mission statement of
one sober living home's web page, "Our mission is to provide a sober living
environment to our residents which will lead to a life free of drugs and
alcohol. This will be accomplished by structure, education and mutual
support. Our friendly homes work in a family type environment. We all work
together supporting each other emotionally and spiritually while sharing our
responsibilities. After sharing and experiencing our program you will be
equipped with the necessary skills to meet life's demands alcohol and drug
free." [1]

We may think that the majority of those who are in a sober living home are
criminals, but most don't have any criminal history at all. Many individuals
go to a sober living home voluntarily after a course of intense in-patient
or outpatient treatment - as suggested by a medical professional and/or a
counselor. Others who have entered through the court system are criminals
only because they have violated laws dealing with possession or related to
being under the influence. Patients of certified sober living homes are
screened by the district attorney's office for violent individuals and sex
offenders. These people are not eligible for sober living homes in
neighborhoods.

Those who led the fight for Proposition 36 noted that a majority of those
who are arrested for possession of drugs or for driving under the influence
are not otherwise breaking the law. The solution proposed in proposition 36
is to require that these people have the alternative of treatment, including
sober living homes, rather than jail sentences. Given that we, the people,
overwhelmingly voted for this proposition, it seems necessary to increase
the number of sober living homes to handle the increase of these patients.
Treatment is effective and successful. One year after treatment, 53% are
completely abstinent and an additional 35% have reduced their use of alcohol
and drugs. Interestingly, these statistics are similar to diabetics who
fully adhere to their medication schedule (60%) after one year. [2] In a
speech in Phoenix on November 1st at a national conference of the affiliates
of the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the
President, Gordon Scheinhauer, stated that treatment outcomes are quite
predictable. "The longer the treatment is, the higher the chance of complete
recovery."

Should a sober living home be in my neighborhood? I think the answer is yes.
The people attending the treatment offered by a sober living home could
include my spouse, my parents, my children, my neighbors and my friends,
maybe even me. Almaden Valley residents are not immune from the disease of
alcoholism or drug abuse. Our relatives and friends need to recover where
they live, not be driven to other neighborhoods or communities. I have a
friend (a long-time math teacher in San Jose) whose wife abused medical
prescriptions. She was judged a criminal by the courts, but instead of
sending this 65-year-old person to jail, she received the option of
treatment and long-term living in a sober living home. Because of the gentle
treatment by a sympathetic judge, this productive neighbor has successfully
returned to society. Can we not help our neighbors recover?

[1] Sober Living Homes: http://www.wcrecovery.com/about_our_program.htm

[2] Just the Facts - The Effectiveness of Addiction Treatment, published by
Hazelden Butler Center for Research. www.naatp.org

NCADD Silicon Valley
255 North Market St Suite 175
San Jose, CA 95110
408-292-7292
www.ncaddsiliconvalley.org