| Jake S. |
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As I completed in-patient treatment I felt better than I had in my whole life. I had answered many questions about myself and now had 28 days of sobriety, longer than i had ever been clean since using. I parted ways with my new friends and counselors to begin the long drive back to a new city, suddenly I felt very insecure now that i was leaving the safe and controlled environment of treatment to face the real world. I had a week to find a permanent residence for my probation with no money and no ties to my new city, Portland. I had heard about sober living houses through a counselor recommending it saying that it was necessary to be as close to other addicts/alcoholics in my daily life. Many of the locations were disappointing and the houses didn't look comfortable, in fact some of the homes looked like a step backwards for my recovery. time was running out and my need for shelter was imminent, even if it was temporary.A search online brought me to a small group of homes in Portland dedicated to sober living and group support with accountability and expectations of its residents. Serenity Homes of Oregon had 2 houses at the time in Portland both in excellent and safe locations with full utilities and an spotless appearance. I interviewed with the directors and room mates before i could move in, i knew that my prospective new room mates wanted what i did, the desire to live in the best sober environment they could find. For myself, sober living is the best way to maintain my recovery on a daily basis 24/7. Every time i step in the door I am accountable for my actions, chores, and commitments. The sober room mates create a casual recovery support group that is a welcome relief from the days of old in which room mates were people to use and manipulate or vice-versa. My life is completely different nowadays, i am respectable, honest and outgoing even for people to whom i have no connection. If you are looking for the easy way out, keep looking, this is not it. We push each other to excel in Recovery/Life and to attain spiritual growth so that we can one day go out into the world ready and willing to live sober one day at a time. These are the roots we lay down, our foundations, in recovery that will hold us through the storm of life. I will be forever grateful for my opportunity to live and be of service at Serenity Homes of Oregon. |
