The Guide To At-Home Addiction Recovery

It’s a conversation we’ve become accustomed to having. Someone’s tried going to rehab a few times and had some success staying sober, but as soon as they return to their normal life, they relapse. And when we talk to people who haven’t tried residential rehab before, it’s usually because it wouldn’t work with their lifestyle or daily responsibilities in the first place. We created this guide for people who aren’t sure where to turn next. The good news is that when you or someone you care about is ready to commit to sobriety, the best place to start is by taking a more creative approach and envisioning what addiction recovery would look like from home.

The At-Home Addiction Recovery Model

The at-home addiction rehab model is as simple as it sounds—we move the point of care from the treatment center to the participant’s home environment. Why? We believe that addiction thrives in isolation and is most effectively treated through connection from the comfort and confidentiality of home.

All recovery services, treatment sessions, and support are provided in the privacy of the participant’s home, where they practice real-world sobriety strategies in a safe, comfortable environment.

For these reasons, at-home addiction recovery has become the most popular choice for individuals who:

Have tried residential rehab before and can’t get sobriety to “stick” afterward
Can’t commit to 30, 60, or 90 days in a treatment center
Have confidentiality or privacy concerns about entering residential treatment
Deal with pressing day-to-day responsibilities that could be contributing to the addiction cycle
Creatives and musicians whose work often takes them on the road

Treatment is delivered at home or anywhere else as needed on a one-to-one basis, making it much easier to explore and integrate lifestyle strategies that support sobriety, including fitness coaching, nutritional counseling, and executive coaching.

Our at-home addiction treatment model has been developed to treat:

What To Expect When You Attend Rehab From Home

When you or someone you care about is ready to attend at-home rehab, the intake process generally takes about a week from the time you reach out to our team. This includes:

Behavioral Health Assessments
Physical Health Screenings
Certified Recovery Agent Selection
Recovery Program Planning
Case Management
Family Member Resources and Education
Monitored Detox as Medically Necessary

From there, our team maintains contact to make sure the participant is stabilized and in a safe environment until the formal treatment program begins. We can also provide concierge sober transportation between locations across the globe before, during, and after the treatment program.

What’s the Typical Timeline for At-Home Addiction Recovery?

While the onboarding and planning process takes about a week, the ongoing treatment timeline largely depends on the participant’s unique needs and recovery goals.

By week two, your Certified Recovery Agent (CRA) has optimized the home environment for recovery and is providing 24/7 support. As a live-in sober companion, our CRAs help identify triggers and recommend coping strategies from day one. Worried about someone living with you? We encourage you and your family to participate in the CRA selection process so you can feel confident it’s the right fit.

By day 30 of treatment, we should know which aspects of the recovery program are working and which need to be fine-tuned. At this point, our team reevaluates recovery goals and progress with the participant to make sure we’re on the right track.

How long treatment lasts depends entirely on the individual. We choose not to restrict treatment to predetermined recovery timelines because we understand that everyone recovers and heals at their own pace. Some people achieve their recovery goals in 30 days. Other people may need a year or more of daily support before they’re confident navigating sobriety on their own.

Once formal treatment ends, our team is here to help with aftercare services. In conventional rehab settings, transitioning between treatment teams presents a risky time for individuals in recovery, but because you’re working with the same team the whole time with ALYST, those risks become much lower.

Want to learn more about how CRAs fit into our addiction recovery model?

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Preparing Your Home for Rehab

Looking for some things you can do to make sure your home is conducive to recovery? These steps keep your living space both safe and supportive before treatment begins:

Creating a Safe Space for Recovery

The space around you should reflect the positive change you’re striving to achieve. Begin by designating a quiet and comfortable area where you or your loved one can reflect, meditate, or participate in therapy. Make sure the space is calm and free from distractions. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, plants, and pleasant decor can create a sanctuary that encourages healing.

Removing Triggers and Temptations From the Home

Recovery is a vulnerable time, so it’s essential to remove all possible triggers that could jeopardize progress. This includes discarding alcohol, prescription medications not part of your treatment plan, and other substances or paraphernalia that could be abused. Remember, the key is to eliminate not just the substances but any items associated with addictive behaviors.

Prioritizing Privacy for Treatment

Privacy is a cornerstone of at-home rehab, as you’ll be participating in sessions that require openness and vulnerability. Discuss with family members the importance of having uninterrupted time and space for therapy and self-reflection. Setting clear boundaries regarding your private space and treatment times will help you and those around you respect your recovery.

The Best Coping Strategies for At-Home Addiction Recovery

One of the strengths of our at-home program is the practical coping strategies from day one, including:

Identifying Stressors and Developing Healthier Responses

It’s vital to acknowledge when triggers cause stress that could lead to relapse. These can include high-pressure situations, unhealthy relationships, specific times of day, or daily routines. Recognizing these patterns gives you the power to address them proactively, and your CRA can work with you to practice:

Time management to prevent feeling overwhelmed
Setting boundaries in relationships and work
Seeking support before high-risk situations escalate
Practicing mindfulness to stay anchored in the present moment

Practicing Techniques for Short- and Long-Term Stress Management

When stress spikes, having strategies for immediate relief can prevent negative coping behaviors. CRAs can help with:

Deep breathing exercises or guided meditation to calm the mind
Engaging in physical activity like a brisk walk or yoga to release tension
Using progressive muscle relaxation to reduce physical stress

For long-term stress management, a CRA can work with participants to incorporate lifestyle activities like:

Regular exercise that improves mood and reduces anxiety
Consistent sleep schedules to ensure adequate rest and rejuvenation
Learning new hobbies or skills that foster a sense of achievement and pleasure

Integrating Stress Management Strategies Into Daily Life

Introducing stress management and coping strategies into your daily routine is key to making them tools in your recovery. A CRA helps you start by:

Scheduling specific times for relaxation and self-care
Building stress-reducing activities into your daily routine
Maintaining habits that support your recovery
Remaining mindful of stress levels and taking action before they escalate

Remember, managing stress is not about eliminating it entirely—which is impossible—but about learning to navigate it in healthier, more constructive ways.

The Role of Family and Close Friends During At-Home Addiction Recovery

Recovery should not be a solo journey. When starting at-home addiction rehab, the support of family and friends is invaluable. CRAs help integrate family members and close friends into recovery by:

Educating Loved Ones About the Recovery Process

Education is the first step for family and friends in supporting loved ones on the recovery journey, even when that person hasn’t admitted they need help. It involves learning about the psychology of addiction, the challenges that come with recovery, and the best ways to encourage and celebrate progress. CRAs can equip loved ones with the insights and tools to provide compassionate and informed support.

How to Offer Support Without Enabling Addictive Behaviors

Offering support without enabling is a delicate balance. Family and friends must recognize the behaviors that, although well-intentioned, may inadvertently support the addictive habits of their loved ones. CRAs work with family members to encourage personal responsibility and independence as a key part of supporting recovery.

The Importance of Setting and Respecting Boundaries

Setting and respecting boundaries is essential for the health of both the person in recovery and their support circle. Boundaries define the limits of acceptable behavior and ensure that the recovery environment is conducive to healing. They also help prevent loved ones from experiencing burnout or being drawn into the cycle of addiction themselves.

Most importantly, family members can contribute to recovery with:

Encouragement: Offer positive reinforcement for progress, no matter how small.
An Open Ear: Be ready to listen without judgment, providing an outlet for shared thoughts and feelings.
Accountability: Help your loved one stay accountable to their goals and commitments in a compassionate way.

By understanding their role in recovery, loved ones can provide a powerful network of support that’s essential to the success of at-home rehab.

Is It Time to Rehab From Home?

If you or a loved one are ready to attend rehab from home, reach out to ALYST Health today. We make it easy to get started with a confidential consultation that ensures we’re the right fit and allows us to start discussing your options right away.