Sober living homes are invaluable resources for people looking for a “middle step” between residential treatment and going home. These communities offer many advantages to recovering individuals. Each sober living house is distinct, so knowing the house rules when entering a sober living home will help sober living residents understand what to anticipate before arriving.
These residences are group homes for patients who are in addiction recovery. In most situations, sober living house residents must follow specific house rules and contribute their part by doing tasks. Most importantly, all residents must remain sober throughout their stay.
Living in this kind of atmosphere promotes continued recovery and helps people maintain their sobriety while they adjust to life during and after rehab. For many people, sober living facilities assist in the transition from substance abuse treatment to living independently without using substances.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
A sober living house is a group residence environment for individuals who are recovering from alcohol or drug abuse. Most sober living homes are privately owned, although corporations and charity groups own some group residences. These recovery houses usually are located in quiet, residential neighborhoods to create a peaceful, sober environment for patients in early recovery, typically after formal treatment is complete.
These sober living homes are different from addiction treatment facilities. Substance abuse addiction treatment centers usually offer more intensive recovery programs, and residents have less of an opportunity to engage in independent living. Those who reside in sober living homes can generally come and go whenever they want as long as they follow the house rules.
For example, sober living homes might require residents to be back at home by a specific time or must find a job that requires early daytime hours. Sober living home residents might also be subjected to random drug tests to prove their sobriety.
People who live in these sorts of facilities are required to be responsible for themselves. This is a critical step in the recovery process because addiction causes individuals to act irresponsibly, and loved ones often enable them. Sober living home residents typically have to pay rent, buy their food, and keep up with household chores.
What Do Sober Living Homes Require?
Sober living home rules will vary from each facility, but some rules are universal to most. Residents will agree to all the rules upon moving in, and violating the rules will come with consequences. Depending on the misdeed, the residents could have to pay a fine, make amends to other residents, or compose an essay about their actions. In some instances, the resident may have to leave the facility if they violate any rules.
The cardinal rule in all sober living homes is that residents must remain clean and sober. They’re not allowed to use any substances at all. In some instances, the residents can’t even cook with certain ingredients, such as vanilla, or use specific kinds of mouthwash. These items contain alcohol and could lead to false positives if the resident takes a drug test. Also, these products could increase the chance of relapse, as some residents may try to get high or drunk by abusing these items. Therefore, some sober houses ban the use of any items that contain alcohol.
In addition to these regulations, residents who live in this type of transitional housing are urged to go to school or find work during the day and also participate in doing chores. They also must avoid any violence. Some residents are obligated to be home by a particular time of night. These rules encourage residents to learn how to be accountable for themselves and their behavior.
Who’s Can Live in a Sober Living Environment?
Although most sober living houses don’t restrict who’s able to reside there, many residents have completed addiction treatment. This makes sense due to the residents committing to staying sober while living there. Those actively managing their recovery and spending time sober usually have learned tools and are more likely to succeed at sobriety.
Although the previous completion of a substance abuse rehab program is standard, it’s not always a necessity for living in a sober home. Several facilities still allow residents to stay there as long as they’re willing to remain abstinent and live by the house rules. When applicable, sober home residents should already have finished a medical detox to ensure stability and to prevent them from becoming ill and unable to work while residing in a sober living facility.
How Much Does Sober Transitional Living Cost?
Rent costs will vary, but usually, it costs about the same as it would cost to live in a modest home or apartment. Sober living home residents must pay rent every month. The rent is usually between $450 and $750 per month, depending on the location.
Residents will have to make payments on time, but they won’t have to pay the first and last month. They also won’t have to pay for utilities in most sober living homes, although they may be consequences if they overuse these.
Residing in a sober living home is usually less expensive than living in a residential treatment facility since the staff provides fewer services. Residents must frequently attend 12-step programs or other recovery programs. They could also have to meet regularly with a therapist.
Still, intensive therapy sessions are not mandatory for living in a sober living home. This helps to bring costs down. Also, a majority of sober living houses will ensure that residents can afford to stay there.
Is a Sober Living Home Right for Me?
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, a sober living home could be the best solution. These unique living conditions can help residents continue to stay sober by showing support and allowing them to resume regular activities like going to school or working. Residents can also develop new friendships with others dedicated to sobriety.
Still, it’s important to note that sober homes aren’t for everyone. Some individuals might need to go through medical detox or addiction rehab before they can successfully reside in a sober home or halfway house. However, sober living homes can provide a supportive environment to transition from a substance-abusing lifestyle to becoming sober and accountable. They offer drug-free living environments for recovering individuals.
Get Help For Addiction Today
Anyone struggling with substance addiction can benefit from a sober living home. These programs are a beneficial component of treatment where residents move between levels of care as their recovery proceeds. It is often the final step before returning to everyday life. People usually go back to school, work, and get back into their daily lives while living in a sober home.
As with all recovery programs, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Again, sober living houses aren’t for everyone. However, they offer a supportive opportunity for people who are working through their recovery and towards a substance-free lifestyle.
If you or a loved one could benefit from sober transitional housing, contact Harmony Ridge Recovery Center today. Learn more about our stable housing option which can help you maintain abstinence from substance use.
We can also inform you of our other treatment options and programs. Perhaps you’d like to discover whether our residential treatment program can help you. Or maybe you’re wondering if our outpatient program for addiction is something you could consider.
We support recovery and freedom with a compassionate and comprehensive approach to rehab. So, if you are in need of recovery housing, treatment for substance abuse problems, or support for your struggling family members, allow our team of specialists to get you the answers you seek.