Sober living homes serve as a vital bridge for individuals in the journey of recovery, offering a structured yet flexible environment that fosters independence while maintaining the support needed during this transformative period. As clients navigate through various stages of recovery, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient programs, the transition back to everyday life can be fraught with challenges and temptations.
Sober living homes provide a safe space away from potential triggers within a community of peers who can understand the complexities of addiction and provide ongoing support. This introductory guide aims to shed light on how sober living homes operate, their benefits, and what individuals can expect as they take this crucial step toward long-term sobriety and wellness.
Sober living homes, also known as sober houses or recovery residences, are structured and supportive living environments for individuals recovering from substance abuse. In general, these recovery homes extend a person’s access to support and guidance during the transition between residential treatment and independent living. For this reason, they are typically offered during partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient as a form of aftercare.
While staying in sober living, residents can continue to develop the skills and tools necessary for successful long-term recovery within a safe and stable environment. These living arrangements also reintroduce responsibilities such as chores, work, and recovery meetings and the ability to schedule different activities in between treatment sessions.
By slowly increasing freedoms within a structured, supportive setting, sober homes can help people rebuild a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. As a result, individuals learn to balance life, work, and recovery before returning to life on their own.
No one should have to wait to heal, which is why our specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the admissions process every step of the way.
Sober living homes often benefit clients who are ready to maintain their sobriety with more self-reliance. For this reason, these housing options are commonly offered during and after the outpatient levels of care. This helps to ensure that each client living in a sober home has already started the process of healing from their addiction. Not only have they uncovered the reasons behind their substance abuse, but they have learned and practiced healthy coping skills to combat triggers and cravings.
By staying in a sober living home, people can receive guidance from staff and peers as they begin taking on more of life’s responsibilities like work, family responsibilities, or school.
After inpatient addiction treatment, case managers will work with clients to create an aftercare plan for them. This is because going straight from the structure of treatment to regular life routines can feel overwhelming. We believe transitioning between the different stages with help is beneficial for maintaining sobriety.
Often, treatment providers will recommend sober living housing as a part of their client’s aftercare. Having those extra months of time in a supportive, sober community of peers provides a strong basis to re-enter society. Individuals learn how to successfully manage treatment, work, rent, and time with friends while abstaining from substances.
Living in a sober home will be similar to living in rehab, but here, you will continue to work or go to school and regain financial independence. Similar to inpatient rehab, you will participate in group meetings and live amongst others in recovery, but you can leave and return home to attend treatment, work, school, other activities. There still are curfews, a no-tolerance policy toward alcohol and drugs, and other rules in place to ensure that residents can thrive in a positive, encouraging environment.
They achieve this by imparting essential life skills, ensuring individuals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of life post-recovery. Sober living homes can help people in several aspects of life in recovery, such as:
Rather than simply living with others in recovery, sober homes offer a balance between the structure of inpatient rehab and the unstructured, often challenging circumstances in your home. As you settle into your home away from home, you can continue to practice healthy skills that encourage a sober lifestyle.
Through a moderated level of independence and ongoing support, these homes offer a transitional space for you to reenter society at a pace that’s healthy for you. With the help of dedicated recovery support staff and your peers, you can prepare for a successful return to independent living.
Recovery homes like to organize ways to spend time together in fun, sober activities. Housemates find they can get to know each other in a relaxed environment outside of obligations and chores. House managers also plan local outings and activities such as:
All activities are sober ones to show people can live a normal life and spend time with friends while abstaining from substances.
Rules are an important part of sober living homes to set them apart from regular housing. Many clients benefit from enhanced structure right after leaving treatment, where they are closely supported. Different recovery homes have different rules, but some standard ones often apply. You can expect to live under the following rules:
Each resident of a sober living home agrees to uphold the commitment to abstain from substance use. In other words, clients are required to maintain their sobriety to continue living in a sober home. To keep clients accountable, staff conduct regular drug tests.
*Note: All drug test results take into account an individual’s medication management protocols.
Shared chores are a standard rule so no person takes on more than anyone else. Through their participation, members of sober living homes often end up learning new skills they can implement in the future. Chores rotate between cooking, cleaning, yard work, and so on.
Tenants follow a curfew for when they need to be back home at the end of the day. Curfews vary depending on the level of care. Visitors are also allowed but some guidelines may be enforced.
Sober living residences also collect rent payments. While these prices are typically a fraction of average rental costs, making routine payments can help residents practice budgeting and financial planning for the “real world.”
Rehab sessions don’t take place in sober homes, since they are living situations, not treatment facilities. However, clients who are still progressing through outpatient care are required to attend therapy and other appointments per their individualized treatment plan. Whether they have completed treatment or not, individuals also are encouraged to participate recovery support groups in their own time. This may be a requirement, depending on the home.
Further, sober living provides individuals with a mix of private and social time. Recovery houses are overseen by house managers, who coordinate home meetings and group activities for bonding.
There are immense benefits to entering a sober living arrangement after treatment! The aftercare stage is an important chapter in anyone’s recovery journey. At this point, clients understand their reasons for choosing recovery but still have to make a daily choice to stay sober.
Our sober living residences offer an extra level of support to help hold individuals accountable to their commitment to recovery. Clients in aftercare are surrounded by supportive peers and mentors who understand their struggles. The community support they receive provides them with a stable foundation to build from.
For this reason, transitional housing is one of the best ways for people to stay accountable to their sobriety goals. While living with peers and staff who’ve been in their shoes, the group can tell when someone is struggling. Community housing builds accountability practices into its structure, with regular drug testing and a requirement to stay abstinent from substances.
Members of sober living also find they put into practice the coping methods and trigger management they learned in treatment. Housemates speak the same language of recovery, helping them all lean into the same values. Further, they develop interpersonal skills through living with peers and sharing tasks around the house.
If you’re considering sober living, we’d love to talk about how it will help you grow. Reach out to us today to discuss what sober housing could look like for you.
You likely have more questions about the ins and outs of sober living communities beyond the reasons why they’re beneficial. Here, we’ll explore some of the most frequently asked questions about sober living.
Sober living, also known as a halfway house, represents a crucial transitional phase in the recovery process, signifying the halfway point of a person’s journey to recovery.
Some other names for sober living include:
All of these terms identify the type of housing situation where clients are no longer in treatment but still staying sober. They use their recovery skills from treatment to build more independence outside of a rehab facility.
Yes, sober living typically allows you to have visitors. Generally, there are guidelines around visitation privileges, like how long your guest can stay. You can discuss the logistics with your house manager.
There is no set timeline for how long to live in sober housing. In reality, living in a recovery home is a choice you make, so you’re welcome to leave when you are ready. We encourage you to speak through your plans to move out with your house manager. They’ll ensure you are equipped for the next step. Overall, anyone following the rules is welcome to stay. Clients usually stay between a few months to a year.
It depends. Some transitional homes have private rooms, while others are set up to create roommates. Rest assured that all housemates are held to the same standards of respect, kindness, and participation in house life. However, when exploring your sober housing options, the rooming layout is a factor to consider.
Clients in sober housing aren’t allowed to use mind-altering substances, either in the home or outside. This is part of the agreement to abstain from substances while in sober living. With that being said, smoking tobacco and nicotine vapes are typically allowed. However, it is important to speak to the sober housing manager about the rules that apply to each specific home.
Living in a recovery home is the same as living in any housing and following a routine. As such, you will probably want to move into your home with most of your belongings to help you maintain a work-life balance. Yet, many recovery homes come equipped with appliances, furniture, and amenities. Depending on where you live, your packing needs may change. Contact us today and we’ll gladly walk you through a packing list!
Each sober living residence has a house manager overseeing everything. They make sure everyone stays on track with their sobriety and that the home remains a peaceful shared space. Recovery homes can be varied in their tenants or connect alike people. For example, there are communities for men, women, LGBTQ+ members, pregnant women and mothers, working professionals, etc.
There are also homes with a broad mix of individuals all working through their recovery together. Recovery house accommodations are similar to a college dorm in that there are shared and private spaces throughout.
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Finding sober living housing for the next phase of your rehabilitation doesn’t have to be daunting. Fortunately, there are many options available to you. There is a need for safe homes where people can thrive after treatment, so you’ll find there are a variety of options.
Sober houses often tailor their services to specific groups of people in recovery such as:
To find the living situation that fits you, the best approach is to work with your treatment center. Transitioning from outpatient care to sober living is easier when you undergo the process with your care facility. Your case manager can help you explore nearby sober homes according to your goals and lifestyle.
Depending on your preferences, you may also consider sober living details such as:
Like any residential community, sober houses may have different availability, depending on when you’re looking. Your case manager can use their connections within the local community to help you gain access to the next available spot that opens up in a sober living home near you.
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
Generally, sober living homes do not qualify for insurance coverage as the government does not classify them as treatment facilities. This is due to the lack of addiction treatment services that rehab centers provide. While people typically attend peer recovery groups and house meetings, treatment isn’t the focus of sober living itself.
Instead, most sober living communities require residents to pay rent and partake in household chores like they would in any housing situation. Many people in transitional housing work part-time or full-time jobs that help them budget for rent and food. Although it may appear to be a drawback, paying rent in recovery can assist in building and maintaining responsible financial and household practices. Some recovery homes also offer rent fees on a sliding scale dependent on what the individual can afford.
If you decide to participate in outpatient rehab while residing in a sober living home, the costs related to treatment may be eligible for insurance coverage. Rehab centers that offer sober living programs during partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment may integrate the cost of housing into the treatment program itself, increasing your chances of receiving some level of coverage.
However, your insurance plan may restrict your choice of treatment providers and services and/or require a co-payment. This is because the cost of rehab and any related expenses depend on your specific insurance plan, deductible, and benefits. For this reason, most treatment centers can assist in verifying whether your insurance policy covers outpatient rehab.
We accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. We currently work with the following insurance plans:
Aliya Health Group understands the importance of accessible, quality care for those struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. That is why we strive to provide sober living options to everyone, no matter where they live. As such, our treatment facilities offer recovery support to individuals across the United States.
If you or a loved one is interested in joining a sober living home, we encourage you to reach out to any of our addiction treatment center locations. We provide a full continuum of care throughout our facilities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington.
We’re here to help you gain access to the best sober living options near you.
Give us a call today at 888-973-2078.
