Recovery doesn’t end when treatment is over. Sober living and recovery homes provide ongoing structure and support by cultivating a drug-free lifestyle where you can live safely and comfortably with like-minded peers.
What Is Sober Living?
Sober living is also commonly called recovery housing, a recovery home, or independent living. It offers a monitored living environment for people in recovery from drugs or alcohol. You can live in a recovery home while you’re attending addiction treatment, and some people continue living in recovery housing even after finishing treatment.
These homes help people maintain sobriety through specific rules and regulations. A house manager oversees the home. They make sure people understand the rules and follow them, conduct drug tests, and provide ongoing support to the residents.
What’s It Like to Live in a Recovery Home?
Residing in a sober living house can be a lot of fun! Some people compare the environment to living in a college dorm. In simple terms, you’re living among other peers excited about their recovery.
All sober living environments are different. Some homes have shared rooms and bathrooms; others have private options.
Some homes offer their services a variety of clients, while other homes cater to specific populations, such as:
- LGBTQ+
- Pregnant women or new mothers
- Older adults
- Working professionals
- Individuals in early recovery
Every sober living environment has house rules. Common sober living house rules include:
- Maintaining abstinence from all mood-altering substances
- Paying your own expenses and rent
- Participating in any mandatory household activities, like chores
- Complying with all drug and alcohol tests
- Adhering to any curfew and overnight rules
- Having a plan to maintain recovery through meetings, therapy sessions, and relapse prevention plans
A sober living home allows you to integrate your recovery into your life in the real world. Most residents attend outpatient treatment, work, or go to school during the day. They return home by curfew. For some people, this option provides a necessary alternative to a toxic home environment. The goal of a sober living home is to be safe, stable, and supportive.
How Is Sober Living Different Than Other Programs?
Sober living is housing. There are no clinical services offered at the facility because it’s not considered treatment. If you’re receiving formal treatment, like partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient, you’ll attend your sessions at a treatment center and return to your recovery home at night. If you’re not in a treatment program through a treatment facility, you may be attending 12-step meetings in the community or another group.
How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Move Into Sober Living?
Many people are ready to transition into sober living after completing detox and residential treatment. Sober living can be a fantastic resource for people still receiving outpatient services as well. It can also be helpful for people who have finished treatment altogether. Sober living can be a good choice for almost anyone!
There are a few things you can do to help you make a decision:
- Speak to your case manager and/or therapy to get their opinion about whether sober living would benefit you.
- Understand the cost by speaking with the staff at a recovery home.
- Research homes that are convenient to you, and ask for a tour.
- Talk to any friends or family who have lived in recovery homes to see what their experiences were like.
- Ask yourself whether you’re committed to your recovery and would like to be supported by other people who are too.
How Long Do I Have to Live There?
Moving into and out of a sober living home is a choice. And there’s no rule about how long you should stay. Some people reside in recovery homes for a few months. Others may stay for a year or longer. Typically, as long as you abide by the rules, you are free to remain in the home as long as you need.
If you feel ready to leave, it’s a good idea to talk about your feelings with someone else. Impulsive decisions can be dangerous in early recovery. Consider talking with your counselor, therapist, or a trusted friend. It’s essential to have a secure living plan.
What Happens After Sober Living?
After sober living, most residents obtain their own housing. They may choose to live with other sober roommates, or they may return to their family. Some people opt to live alone.
Ideally, you will learn essential life skills in your sober living. It’s okay if you don’t know how to cook or do laundry when you arrive. You will learn, and you will be that much more prepared to manage your own living arrangement afterwards!
That said, regardless of your housing, it’s important to stay connected with your recovery community. Addiction can fester in isolation. Be mindful of the risk of relapse, and take care of yourself and your sobriety.
Does Insurance Cover a Recovery Home?
No, insurance does not cover sober living homes because sober living isn’t treatment. Residents are responsible for paying their rent each month.
The cost of sober living depends on the location and the type of home itself. For instance, some sober living homes have special amenities like:
- Pools
- Security systems
- Private bedrooms
- Private bathrooms
- Extensive landscaping
Homes with these amenities tend to cost more. Make sure you understand the fees before moving in. If finances are a concern, some sober living homes offer sliding-scale costs.
Recovery can be undoubtedly challenging. Having extra support and accountability makes a tremendous difference. Knowing that you’re living among other sober people can help you stay on the right path. You’ll feel safe, comfortable, and motivated to keep moving forward yourself.
Over 70% of Footprints to Recovery patients choose recovery home living. If you are interested in or decide you need sober living, our admissions coordinators will work with you to connect you to honest, safe, and nurturing providers in our communities. Contact us about current availability.
Benefits of Sober Living Programs
When considering a sober living program for addiction recovery, it is important to know the benefits. There are many advantages to sober living, including:
- A structured and supportive environment with like-minded people who understand the importance of sobriety
- Total restrictions on drugs or alcohol to reduce the risk of relapse
- An increased sense of accountability through curfews and random drug testing that encourages responsibility
- Regular meetings with counselors, sponsors, and peers
- The opportunity for personal growth through learning life skills such as budgeting, time management, and communication
- Practical support in finding a job or applying to college or trade school
- Access to social activities that encourage healthy relationships and personal development
- A greater sense of independence and freedom from the control of drugs or alcohol
Sober living provides individuals with an opportunity to become part of a new, sober community as they rebuild their lives. Sobriety can be a difficult transition, but the rewards are immense when individuals take the time to work on themselves and find new passions and support.Â
With access to resources such as 12-step programs, sober living communities, and other community organizations that promote sobriety, individuals may find spiritual growth in addition to practical solutions for daily life. As a result, people in sober living continue to practice using the tools necessary for lifelong sobriety which can help ensure a successful and fulfilling life.
Is Sober Living Right For Me?
It is important to note that sober living homes may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, those who are actively struggling with substance abuse are more suited for in inpatient treatment program. For this reason, it is essential to speak to an addiction professional who can make a proper assessment of your unique needs.
To get the most success out of a sober living home environment, it is recommended that a client complete some level of clinical addiction treatment prior to entering. In doing so, individuals will be better equipped to handle the stressors and triggers that come with being in a sober living home. Additionally, having some underlying therapy can help make the transition into sober living easier.Â
Programs To Consider Before Sober Living
There are many different addiction treatment programs available for individuals seeking to recover from substance abuse. It is important to research the various options and find one that best meets your needs.Â
At Footprint to Recovery, our addiction treatment professionals can provide guidance and assistance as you seek out a program that fits your individual needs. Our team will work with you to make sure that you get the highest level of care and support available, so that you can successfully transition into a sober living environment.
We also offer a full scope of addiction treatment to help you through every step of your journey. From detoxification to aftercare, we can provide the support and guidance that you need to get back on track.
Medical Detox Program
Detox provides a safe and effective way to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms, as well as reduce the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal.
Residential Treatment Program
Residential treatment program​ provide 24/7 medical care and access to a wide range of therapies. These programs are designed for people who require more intensive care, such as those suffering from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.Â
Partial Care Program
Our partial care program allows patients to participate in recovery for five days out of the week. These days provide between 4-6 hours of clinical addiction treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program
IOP is primarily geared towards those who don’t need medical detoxification or 24-hour supervision. It serves as an alternative to inpatient and residential treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Program
Outpatient rehab programs allow you to recover while living in the comfort of their own home, with fewer weekly treatment programming than Intensive Outpatient.
At Footprints to Recovery, we provide a full continuum of care.
Help for Addiction Recovery at Footprints to Recovery
If you or a loved one are ready for sober living or considering a higher level of care, call us today. Our admissions team are happy to provide more information about our treatment and recovery options.Â
No matter what stage of the recovery process you are in, we are here to help you find the support and resources necessary for a successful recovery.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
