8 Myths About Sober Living Homes

Shehan Karunaratne | Posted on October 10, 2017 |

If you have never experienced a sober living home for yourself, the opinions and unfounded statements of others may have clouded your view of what a high-quality sober living home really is. Although it is tempting to believe everything you hear, it’s important to have the facts straight before enrolling in a transitional living program.

Here are eight common myths about sober living homes and the truths behind them.

1. Residents of sober living homes just leave the home to use drugs and alcohol.

While this may occur at other transitional living homes, it is not tolerated at Eudaimonia. Research has shown that many residents who return to destructive living environments after rehab will completely jeopardize their sobriety.¹ Housing clients without enforcing any rules or guidelines for sober living would be a major disservice to residents. For that reason, using drugs and alcohol is not permitted on or off Eudaimonia property and each resident signs an agreement to adhere to those rules and maintain their sobriety. Eudaimonia residents are also required to participate in drug and alcohol testing at least two times per week. This helps residents stay motivated and accountable to their sobriety.

2. Sober living homes are not well maintained.

This is a very unfortunate assumption that is not true of all sober living homes. Eudaimonia’s transitional living homes provide comfortable, well-maintained living spaces for all residents. All of our homes and apartment units are furnished with modern furniture, fully functional washers, dryers, and full-size kitchen appliances. We even provide many of the essentials our residents need to be comfortable during their stays, such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and clean bedding.

3. Sober living homes are for criminals.

Transitional housing programs are designed for people of all walks of life who are in recovery, regardless of their background. We prioritize the safety of our clients at all times and we pre-screen all of our potential residents to ensure that our sober living homes remain safe and secure. Our sober living programs for men and women are designed to assist all types of individuals as they work to achieve their recovery goals. From young, college-age adults to established, middle-aged professionals, addiction can affect anyone and our sober living programs were created with that in mind. Just as our residents come from varying backgrounds and have experienced different life experiences, the same can be said for our staff. Each program coordinator, house manager, or sober coach has their own story and experience with recovery. This allows them to work closely with each resident and provide the personal support and encouragement they need to continue choosing sobriety day after day.

4. Pets are never allowed in sober living homes.

Although many sober living homes may not allow pets, they are permitted in certain Eudaimonia apartment units. We are happy to offer a pet-friendly transitional living environment for residents who have committed to caring for a pet and we recognize that pets can also be very therapeutic throughout the recovery process.

5. It can take weeks or even months to get into a sober living home.

High-quality transitional living programs will be able to accept new clients and complete the intake process very quickly. Individuals in recovery from addiction should have immediate access to treatment for the best treatment outcomes, whether it’s outpatient rehab, therapeutic services, or sober living.² At Eudaimonia, we complete the enrollment process as quickly as possible so you can start your sober living program right away.

6. Residents of sober living homes just have to stay clean. Otherwise, they can do whatever they want.

The rules of each sober living program will vary, but Eudaimonia residents are required to adhere to the standards and rules set forth by their community. This includes maintaining frequent and regular contact with their program coordinator, adhering to the requirements of their phase program, attending the required number of 12-step meetings, and obtaining employment or volunteering with a community organization. These requirements are designed to help residents manage an increasing amount of responsibilities, obtain life skills, and practice relapse prevention techniques in a safe, supportive environment before transitioning back into life on their own.

7. Residents of sober living homes can’t see their families while enrolled in the program.

At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, residents are certainly allowed to have visitors, including family members and friends. The only requirement is that house managers approve visitors before they enter the property. Sober living residents may also be awarded overnight passes based on their progress throughout their programming. Residents can discuss their visitation and overnight pass privileges with their program coordinator.

8. It’s free to live in a sober living home.

Most often, sober living residents are required to pay rent. At Eudaimonia, the cost of rent is based on the floor plan and programming chosen by each resident and it is collected on a monthly basis. This is a great opportunity for clients to practice financial responsibility and learn how to pay their bills on time before living on their own again. It also requires that residents create and maintain some sort of budget, as they are also responsible for purchasing their own food, personal products, and any other items they may want or need while enrolled in their sober living program.

Many myths about sober living homes are based on assumption, not on truth. Although every sober living program will be different, we can only speak for our own and the amenities and services we offer. If you have any additional questions about our transitional living programs for men and women, our admissions team is happy to help.

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