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.
Over 70% of Footprints to Recovery patients choose recovery home living
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 attract a variety of clients, while other homes cater to specific populations, such as:
- LGBTQ+
- Pregnant women or new mothers
- Older adults
- Working professionals
- And more
Every sober living environment has house rules. Common ones 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, etc.
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. Some 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 INCLUDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR:
- Self-help
- Entertainment
- Study
- Reflection
- Exercise
- Teamwork
PROGRAMS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SOBER LIVING
In order to get the most success out of a sober living home environment, it is recommended that a patient complete some sort of clinical addiction treatment prior to entering.
MEDICAL DETOX
Detox provides a safe and effective way to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms, as well as reduce the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal.
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
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
Outpatient rehab programs allow you to recover while living in the comfort of their own home, with fewer weekly treatment programming than Intensive Outpatient.
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