Joe made it through the treatment. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Or so he thought. When he went back into the real world, the struggles continued. The world felt bigger, louder, and full of temptations.
He wondered if he wasn’t ready for it all.
The truth of recovery doesn’t end after rehab. In fact, it is just the beginning of a new chapter of your life. Sobriety must carry through all the challenges life throws at you.
The way to get through it is with the help of structure, community, and professional support. The best way to protect your progress and prevent slipping back into old habits is to choose a sober living home. This is a place where you can get your life back while staying fully accountable and finding encouragement from like-minded people.
What to Look for in a Sober Living Home
We already know why you need sober living homes, but are all sober living homes made equal? Not exactly.
The best sober living home is the one that meets your standards and caters to your unique needs. Here are some things you should look for in a sober living home.
Talk to the Staff
The first step is talking to the staff and learning about the facility. This will help you determine if the staff is trained properly. It also shows you how compassionate they are toward the residents, and whether the residents are receiving adequate support.
You want a team that knows when to step in if you’re struggling and when to give you space.
Community Care
You want to look for a facility where the residents are like one big family. Every journey has ups and downs, and you want to be surrounded by supportive people during those times.
You can determine the extent of community care you receive by talking to residents and taking a tour of the facility. You can also check the website to learn more about the organization’s programs, such as group counseling, team sports, and clubs.
Safety and Structure
You need to feel safe when you’re recovering from something like substance use. It is non-negotiable. To learn more about the safety and structure referred to by the facility, look at their routines, curfews, regular check-ins, and understand how the staff interacts with the residents to reinforce these rules.
This will help you remain accountable and maintain your progress. Random drug tests, house meetings, and supportive conversations help you stay on track—focusing on understanding, not fear.
The goal is to get you to a place where you can take care of yourself.
Red Flags to Look for in Sobriety Homes
Now that we have discussed what to look for, let’s look at the things that you should watch out for. Here are some red flags you should look for in sobriety homes.
Chaos
If you walk into a sobriety home and find no rules or structure, and no one is checking in on residents, take it as a warning sign.
It makes sense to provide residents with a level of freedom when they are rebuilding their lives, but they still need oversight. Staff and managers should consider regular check-ins to ensure that residents are receiving the necessary support when they need it.
Cleanliness
Another red flag to look out for is cleanliness. This is not just about your personal standard of cleanliness. Visible uncleanliness may indicate that the facility is overcrowded.
If there are too many people crammed into one room, it will affect the quality of care you receive at the facility. It may also indicate that managers are more concerned about filling beds than supporting residents’ recovery.
No Accountability
Recovery homes or sober living homes are all about accountability. When there is no formal drug testing, no curfews, and no consequences, there is no structure, and no progress will be made.
The idea that residents have no checks and balances sounds good in theory, but in practice, it can cause the patient to slip back into old habits and put sobriety at risk.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Sobriety
Choosing the right sober living home for the next chapter of your recovery is a very important decision. It goes beyond self-care. This will be your home for the next few months. It is not just a bed; it is safety, community, and accountability all in one.
Visiting different sober living homes is essential. Ask questions and trust your gut feeling.
At Haven House, we protect your privacy and shield you from outside pressures. We provide stability and encouragement to help you stay on track and inspire self-care, so you can achieve your goals and focus on your recovery.
We do this by building a community and allowing our residents to find joy in life. We provide necessary security, whether it is through group activities, hobbies, or physical exercise. We pursue a healthy mind, a healthy body, and healthy relationships.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sober living home?
Sober living homes provide a safe, structured environment that allows you to build healthy habits while you transition back into everyday life after rehab.
- How do I know what to look for in a sober living home?
When looking for a sober living home, you should look for trained staff, a clear set of rules and regulations, as well as a supportive community.
- What are the biggest sober living home red flags?
The biggest sober living home red flag is the lack of structure that threatens your progress.
- How much does a sober living home cost?
The cost of a sober living home can vary depending on the location and the specific program you are enrolled in.
- Do sober living homes allow visitors?
Yes, sober living homes allow you to meet friends and family members during visitation hours.
- How long should I stay in a sober living home?
Most people stay in sober living homes for about 3-6 months. You can stay longer if you are not ready for full independence. But it depends heavily on the policy of the facility and your requirements.
- Can I work or go to school while living there?
Yes, sober living homes allow you to attend school. You can also apply for jobs or volunteer at different organizations.
- What rules should I expect?
You can expect curfews, house meetings, and mandatory participation in group activities.
- How do I know if a sober living home is safe?
A sober living home is safe if it has competent staff, emergency protocol, house rules, and clear consequences for rule breakers.
- How do I get started with Haven House Sober Living?
You can contact Haven House to learn more about our programs and schedule a tour to get started.