Dealing with Roommates in Recovery

Dealing with Roommates in Recovery

Many people in addiction treatment find themselves in communal living situations, whether in sober living facilities or splitting rent with roommates. Sharing housing with other people can have a tremendous effect on the recovery journey, and making decisions surrounding living arrangements is a crucial step that needs careful consideration.

Home Sweet Home

Homelessness or inconsistent housing while struggling with untreated substance use disorder isn’t uncommon. So for many who are looking to turn their lives around, establishing a safe place to call home is a big confidence booster that can strengthen dedication to the recovery process. Finding housing and reentering the workforce are goals that usually go hand-in-hand for those entering treatment, so many seek out roommates to ease living costs. Finding like-minded roommates can be a challenge, however, which is why building a support network through group substance use counseling is a major asset. Still, sharing a living space with someone won’t always be smooth sailing, even with the most compatible personalities, so navigating troubled waters with caution can make living with roommates a more positive experience.

• Choose wisely. Although not everyone is lucky enough to find the perfect roommate, choosing to live with someone with similar well-matched energy levels can help avoid major clashes. Although introverts and extroverts may get along very well in a social setting, it doesn’t mean that they will enjoy sharing a living space.
• Pick your battles. Disturbing the peace between roommates over a harmless annoying habit or instance is usually more exhausting than productive. Some arguments simply aren’t worth having.
• Don’t ruin a good day. Coexisting in the same living space has many challenges, but a good day should remain a good day despite what a roommate may have going on.
• Practice tolerance. It would be ideal if everyone were exactly to our liking, but it’s not reality. Finding ways to handle loud chewers, trombone nose-blowers, and elephant feet walkers takes patience and a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones.
• Guard sobriety. Two people who are in recovery and living together can be the ultimate partners in reaching recovery goals and keeping the home substance-free. Still, the pairing can be a double-edged sword when struggling with relapse or becoming a negative influence. A relapse prevention plan should be set in place between roommates should the event arise.
• Have an out. If a roommate becomes particularly toxic, a plan needs to be implemented before things escalate to a dangerous degree.

Looking into the Future

While some people in recovery cohabitate with roommates for a short period before moving on, others continue the arrangement for months and even years. Everyone’s needs are different, and provided that the living environment is peaceful and conducive to long-lasting recovery, some roommates can become lifelong friends! The most important factor is that recovery remains a priority.

Middlesex Recovery provides outpatient addiction treatment in private office-based settings. The convenient and private recovery programs are managed by specialized medical providers and nursing and administrative staff to ensure each patient is comfortable and has their needs met. All programs include substance use counseling, helping patients navigate their recovery journey. For more information, message or call a nearby Middlesex location today.