Sober living facilities are optional residential group homes for individuals to move into after completing a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. They serve as a transitional residence for individuals to continue implementing the information learned during treatment, prior to returning to their home environment. They offer individuals a drug and alcohol-free residence that is slightly less structured than in an inpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, but more structured and controlled than simply returning home. 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.
The length of time an individual opts to reside in a sober living facility will differ. The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that the average stay in a sober living facility ranges between 166 to 254 days. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the length of time an individual spends in substance abuse treatment (including sober living) can directly increase his or her outcome in recovery. While every sober living is different and each will have its own set of rules, it is best to operate under the assumption that all sober living homes will likely drug test their residents at some point during their stay.
Rules
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 in most sober living facilities. These can include, but are not limited to:
- 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 (twelve-step meetings, and/ or non-twelve-step meetings).
- Often residents are required to have a job and/ or volunteer so as to be contributing members of society.
Sober living homes require their residents to abide by the house rules, and its residents are financially responsible for 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 homes is to provide individuals in recovery with a residence that is completely free of drugs and alcohol.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
