Hawaii Island Recovery 
The use of addictive substances can be common throughout each service member’s time in the military. However, regardless of how each veteran is exposed to addictive substances like drugs or alcohol in the line of duty, transitioning to civilian life can also be an opportunity to challenge these destructive practices. Creating a sober home atmosphere is paramount after service, not just for challenging potentially destructive use of drugs or alcohol but also to ensure safe and healthy ways of navigating transition stress and exploring personal relationships. While each veteran’s situation will be unique, there are always options to explore at Hawaii Island Recovery to develop a healthy, sober home atmosphere.
Alcohol and Drug Use Among Veterans
Veterans and active service members are exposed to a myriad of challenges that can all inform the use of drugs or alcohol. For many, pervasive on-base drinking cultures can be common and can instill dangerous practices or perspectives surrounding alcohol use. Coupled with the destructive stigmas that surround veterans, it can be difficult to reach out for professional help. The use of drugs and alcohol can also develop as an attempt to self-medicate many of the other challenges that veterans face, from depression and anxiety to trauma, PTSD, grief, mental health disorders, transition stress, and more.
Veterans may also be exposed to highly addictive prescription painkillers due to injuries received on active duty, either while navigating an active warzone or even during training, which can have lasting effects on veterans. These painkillers can be incredibly addictive, with many service members carrying these addictions home in veteran life. Some may engage in “doctor shopping” to receive new painkiller prescriptions, while others may seek street-level alternatives like heroin or other opioids. Regardless of how substance use may manifest in veterans, establishing a sober home atmosphere is necessary to challenge the use of these substances and create a healthy, transformed, and sober approach to veteran life.
Creating a Healthy Home Atmosphere
Transitioning from active military duty to civilian life is difficult, with transition stress, culture shock, and more being common among veterans. Pursuing change and a healthy, sober veteran life demands daily effort, with each veteran’s home reflecting these sober efforts. However, a sober household goes beyond just avoiding having drugs or alcohol within the walls and instead is a wholly transformed atmosphere of support, caring, and healing.
Communicate Intentions
Communication is paramount for creating a sober home atmosphere. Veterans, especially those living with family, spouses, and children, will have to adapt, much like their families had to adapt to their established dynamics while a veteran was deployed.
Establishing clear boundaries, intentions, and consequences surrounding substance use alongside the family as early as possible can be paramount to truly transforming this living space. Committing to a healthy and sober home atmosphere requires that all people be involved in such a decision to prevent unnecessary stress, conflict, and misunderstandings.
Make Conscious Changes to a Home Atmosphere
Sobriety is a daily effort, and veterans challenging addiction and the dangerous use of drugs or alcohol may also benefit from making conscious changes and adapting the physical space of their home to create a healthier home atmosphere.
For some, this can mean removing reminders of past use from view to prevent unnecessary urges and cravings or cause veterans to romanticize past use. Others may benefit from changing the intentions of the rooms, such as changing a game room where drinking was common or expected to reflect a new hobby or support family activities to distance oneself from past routines and expectations.
Work With Family
Addiction recovery and sobriety are a familial affair. Regular communication is necessary to not only challenge the effects of addictive substances and create a healthy home atmosphere but also to avoid misunderstandings, challenge harbored feelings of blame or regret, and provide veterans with the proper support to navigate continued challenges, such as grief, trauma, and more.
Having a daily routine that involves checking in with family, having a structure that facilitates honest, open, calm, and non-judgemental conversations, and more can all be a great way of garnering at-home support while staying sober. These trust exercises can also help change the atmosphere of a given living space, creating a feeling of openness, support, and caring rather than one of stress or secrecy.
Some families may also benefit from engaging in an effective family healing treatment program at our rehab in Hawaii or working with the professionals at Hawaii Island Recovery to understand veterans’ challenges and implement effective strategies to facilitate healing at home.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is an integral part of daily life. Whether it is to support veterans overcoming addiction and substance use or helping family members cope with stress themselves, self-care is instrumental in maintaining healthy, sober changes at home.
For veterans, this means exploring and scheduling self-care outlets effectively and allowing others to explore their needs and goals. Celebrating new explorations of self-care outlets or even engaging in family self-care activities such as game nights and healthy family dinners can help improve resilience and create a new culture at home that celebrates and facilitates a sober home atmosphere.
A healthy and sober home atmosphere can be a great tool for veterans continuing to pursue a healthy life after service. Not only can a sober home atmosphere be devoid of unnecessary stress, but it can also be a place of peace, support, and understanding to tackle stress of any kind as a veteran. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand that treatment and recovery are not something that only exists within our walls, and we are prepared to work with you and your family to create a truly sustainable approach to change at home. Our rehab in Hawaii addresses a comprehensive set of needs and goals, from personal healing to addressing familial dynamics. Learn more at (866) 390-5070.
