For some people, sober living homes can be essential to long-term sobriety. Sober living homes usually have strict rules regarding drug and alcohol use, curfews, visitors, and other activities. These rules aim to create an environment that supports sobriety and helps residents avoid triggers that could lead to relapse. Residents are expected to participate in household chores, and some may be required to attend counseling or therapy sessions.

These homes help people as they transition from their old way of living and teach them a new way of life—one with sobriety as a cornerstone. One study noted abstinence rates improved in one sober living home from 11% at the beginning to 68% at 6- and 12-months. At 18 months, abstinence was a bit lower at 46%, but still significantly better than the time period before they entered the home. Another home in the study showed abstinence improved from 20% at the beginning, to 40% at 6 months, 45% at 12 months and 42% at 18 months.

Find a Sober Living Home Near You

Other facilities may ask that you look for a job during your stay and will support you along the job-searching process. Work therapy can help you slowly transition back to a real-world setting with the support of your peers and mental health professionals. While completing a substance abuse rehab program before moving in may not be required, it can help individuals to stay sober. However, if residents are willing to remain sober, follow all house rules, and guarantee medical stability, they should feel free to apply. Whatever a person’s situation, sober living homes provide an excellent foundation for positive change as people transition from inpatient treatment programs to the outside world.

• This is the most common level of structure but can be ineffective for our residents.
• Despite these freedoms, three-quarter homes still have expectations — although they differ from sober living.
• Those who remained sober for a year or more relapsed less than half the time.
• They’re not licensed by an official body, nor do they provide licensed professional services onsite.
• Others move into sober living homes as a first-line approach for substance use disorder.
• You can start working and building the skills you need to remain sober.

Many of sober living houses are not managed well and do not monitor the tenants as promised. In California, sober living houses are not licensed or required to report to any agency or local government. However, in California, there are Sober Living House Associations that oversee health, safety, and operations of the houses.

Know the House Mentors and/or Staff

Of course, no matter how much you like a sober living home, you’ll also need to make sure you can afford to live there. Most transitional housing programs charge a monthly fee to cover room and board, but you’ll need to plan to pay for your own food, hygiene products, and transportation costs. Where the home is located is also important, particularly if you are looking for a place to live that’s near your job.

These sober living homes encourage residents to attend 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Others move into sober living homes as a first-line approach for substance use disorder. These individuals https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ are putting a lot on the line and taking a leap of faith. It is crucial while choosing a sober living home that they will provide the support and structure they need to ensure an opportunity to recovery from their addictions.

Dignity Hall Structured Sober Living Homes

Research shows that individuals who remain in sober livings longer have a higher likelihood of avoiding relapse and remaining sober over the long term. For that reason, it is crucial to choose a sober living home that allows you to stay however long you need. Every sober house is different and offers a wide range of amenities. While researching, ask yourself, do you prefer a private bedroom or a bedroom shared with roommates? A private bedroom may be nice to do reflective thinking and you can also avoid running into potential stress with a roommate.

The Veterans Affairs may offer sober living arrangements for the military, and people who have medical or psychiatric needs may benefit from specialized housing. The reintroduction phase lifts some of the restrictions and rules, letting clients experience more of the community on their own. This phase also tests the skills they learned in therapy while also offering the support they need if they feel cravings or triggers. Our mission is to prioritize reducing the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse. The fact that residents in SLHs make improvement over time does not necessarily mean that SLHs will find acceptance in the community. In fact, one of the most frustrating issues for addiction researchers is the extent to which interventions that have been shown to be effective are not implemented in community programs.