Getting sober is not a one-size-fits-all process, and because of that, every addiction recovery journey looks different. Some people choose to enter a short-term program and return to their day-to-day lives while participating in a 12 Step fellowship. Others choose to enter a multi-staged program of recovery which includes detox, inpatient rehab, aftercare, and sober living. The right choice for you will depend on several factors including how severe your substance use disorder has become and whether or not you are facing any co-occurring issues. In many cases, a longer term program of recovery proves to be more beneficial; this often includes a transition into a sober living home once inpatient treatment concludes. Sober homes are structured, substance-free living environments designed for those who are new to sobriety. If you are interested in learning more about what sober homes are, how they operate, and how to find a sober home in your area, contact us today.

What is a Sober Living Home?

Early sobriety is a vulnerable and challenging time for many. Once you complete inpatient rehab you will begin implementing the skills you learned in a real life setting, all while adjusting to a substance-free lifestyle and rebuilding what you lost to your addiction. Because you are likely to face a range of unforeseen obstacles, it is always a good idea to be as prepared as possible. One great way to prepare for the road ahead is by committing to a long-term stay in a sober living home once treatment concludes.

Many newly sober individuals find that moving into a sober home truly means the difference between a life of continued, fulfilling sobriety and a return to drinking, drug use, and old, unhealthy behavioral patterns. When engaged in inpatient treatment, clients are closely monitored to ensure they are staying on the right path and consistently meeting their personal treatment goals. Once treatment concludes, it can be difficult to adjust to less structure and direction. It isn’t realistic to assume those who are new to sobriety will intuitively make healthy, self-serving decisions and quickly adjust to independent living. This is one of many reasons why sober living housing serves as a beneficial step on the road towards complete independence.

What to Expect from Sober Living

What should you expect when you move into a sober living house? While the rules and guidelines implemented by the house will vary, you can expect the following:

  • You will live in a shared space with other newly sober individuals. You will likely have a roommate, and you might participate in group meals, group cleaning days, and morning or evening meditations with your housemates.
  • You will either need to be working, continuing your education, or volunteering on a regular basis. As the saying goes, “Idle hands are the Devil’s playthings.” That is to say, it is important to stay busy in early sobriety!
  • You will decide upon monthly or weekly rent, and you will have to keep up with a set of rules in order to continue residing in the sober home. These rules include staying sober (staying away from all mood and mind-altering substances), being respectful to housemates, participating in daily chores, and fulfilling additional responsibilities.

Benefits of Sober Living

There are many benefits to residing in a sober living home, including:

  • A built-in network of sober supports.
  • Increased accountability (including regular drug testing), which can be extremely beneficial to those who are new to sobriety.
  • A set of rules and guidelines that foster personal responsibility.
  • The opportunity to practice conflict resolution techniques.
  • The opportunity to utilize healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies in a “real world” setting and process outcomes with like-minded peers.
  • The guidance and support of staff members who have been through the process themselves and who can offer encouragement based on personal experience.
  • Sobriety-centered rules, like daily 12 Step meeting attendance and keeping up with individual therapy sessions.
  • Affordable housing option for those who have lost a significant amount at the hands of their addictive disorder.
  • Safe and supportive housing option for those who might not have access to support from their family members or close friends/previous roommates.

How to Find a Sober Home Near You

When looking for a sober living home near you, it is important that you find a sober home that is both reputable, licensed, and run by a team of experienced and qualified staff members. Unfortunately, some halfway houses — also known as “flop houses” — are less concerned about the well-being of their residents and more concerned with making a profit. If you have recently completed inpatient treatment or you have committed to an outpatient treatment program and you are looking for additional support and accountability, we recommend taking several factors into account.

When looking for a sober home, make sure the following boxes are checked:

  • The sober home is run by a team of experienced, sober individuals who have experience in the addiction treatment industry and who are on premises 24-hours a day.
  • The sober living house is gender-specific, meaning the residents are exclusively male or female, leaving less chance of inappropriate fraternization.
  • The house itself is up to code.
  • The home offers a range of comfort-based amenities and recovery-centered services, including private or semi-private bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen, and rides to and from 12 Step meetings if that is a service you require.
  • The sober home offers regular drug testing, ensuring a higher level of accountability and safety of all residents.
  • Conflicts are handled appropriately, and residents are never kicked out with nowhere to go – a plan of action always remains in place.

When looking for a sober living home, it is a good idea to speak with past residents and pay attention to their personal experiences. Most sober homes keep a list of past residents, so potential residents can commit to their stay knowing they are in a safe place among trusted individuals. To learn more about finding the right sober house for you, contact us today.

Finding a reputable sober living home in your area might seem like a daunting task, but it isn’t too difficult when you know what to look for. If you would benefit from additional guidance as you navigate the process, or if you have any outstanding questions pertaining to what to expect or what to look for, we are available to help. Simply contact us today for more information.