Sober living facilities are optional residential group homes for individuals to move into after completing a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. They serve as a transitional residence for individuals to continue implementing the information learned during treatment, prior to returning to their home environment. Sober livings are slightly less structured environments when compared to a residential substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, as they are intended enable an individual to begin to re-learn how to live independently while maintaining sobriety. Though the specific house rules of each sober living facility may differ slightly, all prohibit the possession and use of drugs and alcohol. The purpose of sober living homes is to provide individuals in recovery with a residence that is completely free of drugs and alcohol.
Is Medication Allowed?
There is no universal answer to the question of whether or not you can bring medication to sober livings, as permitting medications will depend on the situation. Sober living homes are often privately owned organizations, and each sober living facility is different. It is important to note that sober living homes, by definition, are not medical facilities. Hence, safeguarding and dispensing medications generally falls out of the purview of traditional sober living homes.
There are specialized sober living facilities for individuals that have a dual diagnosis (are diagnosed with substance use disorder and a co-morbid mental health disorder). These sober living homes often will allow an individual to bring needed medications with them, provided they are accompanied with a valid prescription.
Due to the fact that sober livings are intended as substance-free environments, for some individuals, the mere knowledge that medications are allowed on sober living grounds (regardless of the reason) can be dissuading. There are, however, certain medications that do not necessarily pose a threat to the substance-free environment of a sober living facility. In the official definition of recovery housing (e.g. sober livings) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) asserts “substance-free does not prohibit prescribed medications taken as directed by a licensed prescriber, such as pharmacotherapies specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of opioid use disorder as well as other medications with FDA-approved indications for the treatment of co-occurring disorders.” Nevertheless, each sober living facility has sole discretion over which medications they will allow residents to bring with them and which they will not.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
