What Are House Rules for Sober Living?
Sober living, one of the best decisions that a person in early recovery, who is serious about maintaining their sobriety, can make. Sober living homes are great for individuals who don’t have a healthy living environment to return to after treatment. They are safe, drug-free, structured homes designed to help people in recovery learn how to live productive lives without drugs or alcohol. Sober living homes have been shown to significantly improve recovery outcomes for people. They help to give people a good start on the road to long-lasting recovery.
Rules for Sober Living with Others in Recovery
Living with an addicted individual can be challenging. When you have a house full of addicts living together, it can be very challenging, therefore house rules must be put into place. Every sober living home is going to be different as far as expectations for their residents, however, most homes typically have some of the same general house rules. Here are some of those rules:
- Complete Sobriety – 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Curfews – Sober living homes do have a curfew for their residents. Everyone must abide by this curfew; it is mandatory.
- House Cleaning – Chores are usually assigned and all residents are asked to contribute and help keep communal areas clean.
- Individual Treatment Plans/Goals – Each resident usually has a unique treatment plan and goals. They are required to work through their goals and keep up with any individual counseling session or treatment plan updates.
- Meal Preparation – Residents usually rotate on meal prep responsibilities, grocery shopping, and meal planning if the house shares meals as a community.
- Rent Fees – Most sober living homes require residents to pay rent, and their expenses.
- 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.
Privileges of Successful Sober Living
Any house rules that are set at sober living homes are a requirement to live there. If residents meet all requirements and are following through with their treatment plan and goals, then privileges can usually be earned. Some of the typical privileges that can be earned in sober living homes are:
- Group/Personal Outings
- Free Time
- Chore Release
- Fewer Restrictions
- Family Visits
The benefits that sober living provides are countless. Sober living homes offer tremendous support for those newly in recovery. They keep individuals safe and help them build a sober lifestyle.
Transitional Care for Addiction and Alcoholism
If you or someone you know is looking for a top-rated, clean and sober living home, we would love to have you at New You Sober Living. New You Sober Living treats everyone with a non-judgmental attitude and the utmost respect.
Our facility is beachfront so you can relax and recover in the perfect atmosphere. With a team of specialists available around the clock to assist you, we are ready to help you regain your strength for a better tomorrow.
