Sober living residences are stable living environments that foster recovery and long-term sobriety. These environments are designed to assemble a group of people who are all working on recovery from a substance abuse problem, and who can support each other through the transition from treatment back to independence.
Of importance, sober living homes are not the same as inpatient rehab, although many offer group therapy and drug testing to guarantee the safety and success of residents.
Sober Living Homes vs. Halfway Houses
Also, sober living homes were preceded by halfway houses, but these two programs are not the same. Halfway houses usually operate through government support, which means that many of the services they offer suffer when government programs are cut. Conversely, sober living homes use money paid by the residents for rent to support the house’s functions, in addition to some government funding and non-profit grants.
Halfway houses also require residents to have successfully completed a recovery program before receiving a bed, whereas sober living homes encourage residents to have completed inpatient or outpatient rehab before joining, but it is not always required. Some residents may have completed rehab before residing in the home, but relapsed after leaving treatment, and found they would benefit from a more solid base of support for their sobriety.
The point of the living environment is for the residents to support each other as they endeavor toward greater, sober independence. Residents are required to pay rent for their room or bed, and must also perform household chores and participate in house meetings between the residents.
As long as residents comply with the rules of the home, they can usually stay as long as they want – however, they are often encouraged to work toward complete independence.
Who Benefits from a Sober Living Home?
Sober living homes help many people in different situations. While residents primarily come from rehab programs and use the homes as a link between rehab and full independence, there are a number of reasons people may want to reside in a sober living home.
Some of these reasons include the following:
- They have the desire to avoid a previous living environment or social situations because they could be triggered to relapse or pressured to engage in drug or alcohol abuse.
- They require a safe and sustainable living situation that fosters continued recovery.
- They still need structure and support for their newfound sobriety but also want flexibility and the freedom to find employment or continue education.
How Long Can a Person Reside at a Sober Living Home?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse advises that people participating in drug addiction treatment remain in a recovery program for more than 90 days to receive the greatest benefits. Sober living homes can be a significant step during the course of that treatment and can bolster positive behavioral and lifestyle changes made during rehab.
These homes offer residents the freedom to remain on a long-term basis, with an amenable schedule that allows for employment.
Finding the Right Sober Living Home
While sober living homes are not required to offer drug testing or group therapy, those that do usually have state licenses that regulate those medical activities. In general, a sober living home is a place that does not permit drug or alcohol use, so residents can support one another while they recover from addiction or substance abuse. Homes that more strictly monitor the safety and well-being of their residents through therapy and drug testing, however, tend to have better success rates.
Also, state licensure or group accreditation guarantees that the sober living home is in accordance with safety standards and a code of ethics. There have been some reports of sober living homes taking advantage of people in recovery for profit, but the facilities in these reports did not have accreditation or licenses.
Before transitioning to full independence, residing for a while in a sober living home after treatment has been shown to help people in recovery maintain a definite course to long-term sobriety and health. When the state licenses these homes or they are accredited through an institution, they are safe, welcoming, and beneficial programs.
Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Residents interested in residing in a sober living environment are highly encouraged to undergo evidence-based addiction treatment beforehand. Our center offers an integrated approach to addiction treatment, including essential therapeutic services such as psychotherapy, psychoeducation, individual and group counseling, and group support.
We employ caring addiction professionals who deliver these services with compassion and expertise. We provide clients with the support and knowledge they need to achieve abstinence and experience long-lasting sobriety and wellness.
Recovery from addiction is a life-long process, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today and find out how we can help you achieve the life you deserve!