What Rules Do I Have to Follow in a Fort Lauderdale Sober Home?

Sober living homes offer a safe, supportive, and substance-free living environment for people who are in early recovery. Staying in a sober living home after rehab is one of the best ways to avoid relapse and hold yourself accountable for your recovery.

While all sober living homes in Florida are unique, most operate using similar rules and regulations. House members must follow the rules of their sober living home or else risk losing the ability to stay there.

Sober living rules are important for the safety of everyone in the home. Rules make sure the home operates smoothly and upholds certain standards of safety and support. If you stay in a South Florida sober living home, you must expect to adhere to the following rules.

Get Home Before Curfew

Sober living homes aim to introduce structure and routine into your daily life. One of the ways this is accomplished is by enforcing a nightly curfew. While living in a sober home, you will be given a curfew which is a specific time you must be home by. Your curfew may be an hour or two later on the weekend, but most curfews are between 8 and 10 pm. If you have to work late or request a later curfew for a special event, an extended curfew may be granted for you.

Pass Randomized Drug Testing

Everyone staying in a sober home must be abstinent from drugs and alcohol. As a result, all residents must comply with randomized drug testing and breathalyzer tests. Testing positive for drugs or alcohol may mean you have to leave sober living and go back to rehab. Drug tests may be administered randomly, at any time of the day, and on any day of the week. The frequency of drug testing may vary.

Respect Your Housemates and Their Space

Living with other people always has its challenges, and when it comes to sober living, unique struggles may arise. Due to people relapsing, going back to rehab, or moving on to independent living, your living situation may constantly change. You may have new roommates every few weeks or months, causing the household dynamics to change. Not only that, but people in early recovery are under a lot of stress and pressure as they learn how to navigate life in recovery, so there can be disagreements in the home.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to respect your housemates and their space. You must be quiet during quiet hours, stay out of others’ belongings, not eat anyone else’s food, and establish healthy boundaries between you and your housemates.

Clean Up After Yourself and Do Your Chores

During sober living you are expected to clean up after yourself, keep your room and personal spaces clean, and do chores. Your house may have a chore list or chore assignments that rotate regularly from one house member to another, ensuring that everyone does their fair share in taking care of the home.

No Unapproved Visitors

Sober living homes are designed to promote safety and sobriety, so visitors are usually prohibited. This is because it is difficult to regulate the behavior of visitors. They could make others feel uncomfortable or even bring drugs or alcohol into the home. In order to respect everyone’s space, you may be asked to visit with friends in public places or in their homes rather than at your sober living. Some sober living homes may allow visitors during certain hours.

Attend Support Groups

Most sober living homes in Broward County require residents to attend regular support groups or 12-Step meetings. You may be required to attend a certain number of meetings each week. Attending meetings will help you stay on track in your recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. Fortunately, many sober living homes are located conveniently near 12-Step houses or meeting spots.

Attend House Meetings

In addition to regular 12-Step meetings, you may also be required to attend weekly or biweekly house meetings. House meetings are usually led by the house manager. During a house meeting, you may discuss any problems that have risen in the home and come up with a plan to solve them. You may also inform your house manager of what meetings you’ve attended or any other relevant updates about your recovery. New chores may be assigned and any important announcements may be made. Sober living house meetings help guarantee that everything in the house runs smoothly and that all resident issues are addressed.

Learn More About the Rules of Sober Living

Rules can be difficult to follow, but they are an essential element of a functional, supportive sober living home. If you are unable to follow the rules of your sober living home, you may be asked to leave, but as long as you’re staying sober and making healthy decisions, following sober house rules will be easy.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about your sober living options in South Florida, please contact us today.