What is a Sober Living Home?
Sober living homes are structured drug- and alcohol-free living environments that support abstinence by emphasizing the importance of social support groups and 12-step program involvement. Sober living homes have been proven to help individuals sustain long-term sobriety.
An article published by the National Institute of Health titled “Housing Status, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Substance Abuse Outcomes Among Sober Living House Residents over 18 Months” states that,
Studies show individuals entering sober living recovery houses (SLHs) make significant, a sustained improvement on measures of substance abuse problems, employment, and arrests. The current study assessed changes in housing status among SLH residents over 18 months and the relative influences of housing status and psychiatric distress on substance abuse outcomes. Two hundred forty-one men and 58 women, all aged 18 and older, were interviewed within their first week of entering 20 SLHs and again at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. Between entry into the SLHs and 18-month follow-up, homelessness declined from 16% to 4%, marginal housing declined from 66% to 46%, and stable housing increased from 13% to 27%. Psychiatric severity was generally mild to moderate in severity but nevertheless showed improvement over the 18-month study period. Multivariate models showed worse substance abuse outcomes for residents with higher psychiatric distress and unstable housing. (NIH)
Having a safe and stable living environment to go to after someone has completed their initial treatment program is probably one of the most important aspects of recovery. Older adults, places, and things can trigger an individual to a potential life-threatening relapse.
Sober Living Home Rules
Residents of sober living homes must follow a set of house rules. Failure to follow the house rules could result in being asked to leave the premises. Each home usually has the same general set of rules, but some rules will vary. In general, most houses require that you:
Remain Completely Sober – One of the most important house rules is residents must remain completely sober. Sober living homes are drug-free, and drug testing is a requirement. Each resident is tested upon return to the house for the evening. A failed drug test could result in a loss of privileges and possibly even dismissal from the house.
Attend Regular 12-Step Meetings – 12-step meetings are a requirement in sober living homes, and some homes require proof of attendance sheet to be signed each time the resident attends a meeting.
Attend House Meetings – Most sober living homes have regular house meetings where they check-in, discuss any problems in the house and work through those problems. House meeting attendance is a requirement.
Abide By Curfews – Sober living homes do have a curfew for their residents. Everyone must abide by this curfew; it is mandatory.
Participate in House Cleaning – Chores are usually assigned, and all residents are asked to contribute and help keep communal areas clean.
Follow Your Treatment Plans/Goals – Each resident usually has a unique treatment plan and goals. They must work through their goals and keep up with any individual counseling session or treatment plan updates.
Help With Meal Preparation – Residents usually rotate on meal prep responsibilities, grocery shopping, and meal planning if the house shares meals as a community.
Pay Rent – Most sober living homes require residents to pay rent and their expenses.
Obtain Employment – Residents are usually required to get and keep a job while living in the home.
No Overnight Guests – Sober living homes do not allow residents to have any overnight guests.
Again these are just a general set of house rules as each house’s rules will vary.
Can I Have a Car in Sober Living?
Rules regarding a vehicle, cell phone, or pet vary for each home. Most homes will allow their residents to have a personal vehicle and cell phone. However, some homes may have rules on use for new residents. For example, one sober living home in New Jersey has a 14-day blackout period for all new residents. They are not given any overnight passes and have limited access to a personal vehicle during this period. Other homes may have similar rules for new residents.
Just like the rules for having a car and a cellphone depend on the sober living home set of rules, the same goes regarding having pets. It is best to call and find out what set of rules the sober home has, so you can find the best one to fit your needs. If you have a pet being at a sober living home that will not allow any pets, might not be the best fit for you. We can help you find the best sober living home that will work the best for you.
Sober Living for Addiction and Alcoholism
If you or someone you love is looking for a premier sober living home, New You Sober Living wants to help you. New You Sober Living offers a beachfront, co-ed sober living facility where you can relax, get support, and obtain lasting friendships across genders. We treat every patient with the dignity and respect they deserve. New You Sober Living will help get you on the path to leading a successful long-term recovery. Our team of professionals is available around the clock to assist you; give us a call today.
