Are you considering moving into a sober living house? If so, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations that come along with this type of living arrangement.
In most cases, sober living houses have specific guidelines to help residents stay on track with their sobriety goals.
Read on to have a closer look at some of the most common Sober living house rules you can expect to encounter.
What is a Sober Living House?
A sober living house is a setting where people in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse can live together in a supportive, drug-free environment. Sober living homes typically have rules and guidelines that residents must follow. Residents of sober living houses are usually responsible for their expenses, such as rent and utilities.
Sober living houses give a structured environment that can make it easy for people in early recovery to stay on the right track with their sobriety goals. The supportive environment of a sober living house can also be beneficial for people who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. The sober house does not conduct any kind of addiction treatment program, but it can be an important step in a person’s journey to recovery as they help people to remain sober.
Do Sober Houses Really Work?
The answer to this question is hard to determine as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Sober houses can provide a much-needed support system for individuals in early recovery, but they are not always the best option for everyone. It is important to consult with a treatment professional to help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Sober houses are group homes for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. They typically provide a structured living environment with rules and regulations promoting a sober lifestyle. Sober houses may also offer other services such as therapy, job placement assistance, and life skills training.
There is no absolute answer to whether or not sober houses work. Some people find them invaluable assets in early recovery, while others may not feel they are a good fit. In the end, the decision of whether or not to live in a sober house is personal and should be made in consultation with a treatment professional.
What Are the Rules in Sober Living Houses?
Sober houses are group homes for people in recovery from substance abuse.
They typically have a set of strict rules and regulations that residents must follow to stay in the sober house:
Residents Must Abstain From All Drugs And Alcohol
This is the most important rule in sober living houses. All residents must be committed to staying clean and sober while living in the house.
Regular AA/NA Meetings
Residents must attend regular house meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous Sober living houses typically require residents to attend regular meetings to help them stay on track with their recovery.
Residents Must Follow A Curfew
Most sober living houses have a curfew that residents must follow. This helps to ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for, and it also helps to create a sense of structure and routine.
Random Drug Testing May Be Required
Some sober living houses require random drug testing to help residents stay accountable for their sobriety. This helps to ensure that everyone is staying clean and sober.
Residents Must Pay Rent And Other Fees On Time
Sober living houses are not free. Residents must typically pay rent and other fees, such as fees for food and utilities.
Residents Must Do Chores
Residents may be assigned chores to help keep the sober living house clean and running smoothly. These could include tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or yard work.
Participating In Regular Drug Testing
Some sober living houses require random drug testing to hold residents accountable and stay sober.
Attending Weekly Meetings
Most sober living houses require residents to attend weekly meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Sober living houses normally have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. If residents are caught using or possessing drugs or alcohol, they will be immediately asked to leave the sober living house.
Only Approved Visitors
To help residents stay concentrated on their recovery, sober living houses typically only allow approved visitors. These could be members of family or friends who are also in recovery.
No Overnight Guests
Sober living houses typically do not allow overnight guests to stay in the house. This helps to create a sense of structure and routine, and it also helps to prevent any potential drug or alcohol use.
Maybe Limited Travel
Some sober living houses require residents to get approval before leaving town for any extended period. This helps to ensure that residents are staying on track with their recovery.
Additional Rules
Sober living homes (halfway houses) may have additional rules, such as no smoking or no violence. These rules vary from house to house, so be sure to ask about any specific rules before moving into a sober living house.
These are just a few of the standard sober house rules. Sober living houses may have additional rules, depending on the specific house. It is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations of a sober living house before moving in to ensure that you are comfortable with them.
Violating any of these rules may result in a resident being asked to leave the sober house.
How do I Choose the Right Sober Living Home?
There are various kinds of sober living homes available to choose from, and it can be not easy to decide which one is right for you. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Location
Sober living homes are normally located in residential areas, so you’ll want to choose one close to public transportation, shopping, and other amenities.
Cost
Sober living homes typically charge a monthly fee, so be sure to compare costs before making your decision.
Services
Most sober living homes offer various services, such as group therapy, individual counseling, and 12-step meetings. Be sure to inquire about the services offered before making your decision.
Rules and Regulations
Each sober home has its own set of sober living rules and regulations, so be sure to review these before making your decision.
Accommodations
Most sober living homes offer private or shared bedrooms, so be sure to inquire about the accommodations offered before deciding.
Conclusion
Sober living houses can provide structure and support during early recovery. These houses typically have rules that residents must follow, such as attending weekly meetings and paying rent on time. There are all kinds of sober living homes available to choose from, so be sure to consider location, cost, services, rules and regulations, and accommodations before making your decision.
