Sober living houses are voluntary residential group homes for individuals recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction. They are an excellent transitional residence for individuals that have become recently sober and are hesitant to return to their home environments immediately following the completion of a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. Sober houses offer a compromise between the high structure and accountability found in a residential treatment program and the freedom and lack of structure and accountability in an independent living situation. Sober homes each hold distinct characteristics, are in different geographical areas and offer a variety of wide-ranging amenities. Sober living homes are privately owned and operated. Therefore, each sober living facility will have its own set of rules and regulations as well as corresponding consequences for violations. Sober living homes are not medical facilities and do not offer formal treatment services to their residents.
Because no formal substance use disorder treatment services are provided at sober living homes, there are no federal laws that prohibit opening a sober living facility without a license. However, to be classified as a “certified sober living home” in Connecticut, sober houses must be certified as recovery residences by an affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), or another organization recognized by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Although the DMHAS does not monitor, certify, or oversee sober living homes it is tracking and listing the Connecticut-certified sober living homes as is required by PA 18-171. The most recent official count of the number of sober houses in Connecticut is from 2015, where the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery, an advocacy group, estimated approximately 240 sober houses were operating in CT. There is a high probability that additional sober houses have since opened.
Sober living facilities offer an individual in recovery an opportunity to continue to practice implementing the lessons and skills learned during treatment, without being exposed to the triggers that may otherwise present when immediately returning to one’s home environment. The purpose of a sober living facility is not to shield individuals from reality, but instead to help people take the necessary preparatory steps to fully reintegrate into society and further strengthen their foundation of recovery to enable prolonged and sustained sobriety. 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 her outcome in recovery.
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.
