Sober living facilities are optional residential group homes for individuals to move into after completing a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. The Los Angeles Times explains that sober living houses (SLHs), sober homes, and sober living environments are “facilities that provide safe housing and supportive, structured living conditions for people exiting drug rehabilitation programs.” They serve as a transitional residence for individuals to continue implementing the information learned during treatment, prior to returning to their home environment. Sober houses offer a compromise between the high structure and accountability found in a residential treatment program and the freedom and lack of structure and accountability in an independent living situation. Individuals that elect to move into a sober living home essentially have a built-in support network as they are residing with other people that are also in recovery. Everyone is different and each person’s experience living in a sober house will be distinct.
Rules and Expectations
There is a wide variety of sober living options: from luxury sober living homes to modest sober living homes and everywhere in-between. Sober houses each hold distinct characteristics, are in different geographical areas and offer a variety of wide-ranging amenities. Sober living homes are privately owned and operated. Therefore, each sober living facility will have its own set of rules and regulations as well as corresponding consequences for violations. While the specific rules will likely vary, there are several that are commonly enforced across the board. Individuals that live in a sober house should expect to abide by the following rules:
- Zero tolerance for drugs and/ or alcohol on the premises.
- A reasonable curfew.
- Residents are required to regularly participate in substance abuse and/ or addiction support group meetings such as twelve-step meetings, and/ or non-twelve step meetings.
- Residents are required to have a job and/ or volunteer to be contributing members of society.
- Agree to undergo random drug screenings.
- Residents are financially responsible for covering the costs associated with room and board.
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 is to enable its residents to take the necessary preparatory steps to fully reintegrate into society and further strengthen a foundation of recovery to enable prolonged and sustained sobriety.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding 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.
