7 Things to Know About Sober Living Homes Before Moving In

After rehab, many people choose to continue their addiction treatment by enrolling in a transitional housing program. Sober living houses are excellent resources for newly sober people and they provide a great deal of support in a difficult and transitional phase of life.

If the idea of enrolling in a sober living program is new to you, so here are seven important things you should know before enrolling and moving in.

Sober living homes are not treatment centers.

Sober living programs are different from drug and alcohol rehab centers in several ways. Ultimately, the primary purpose of a sober living home is to help residents transition from a lifestyle of addiction into a lifestyle of independent sobriety. In doing so, they also provide safe, sober living environments for people who are trying to stay sober after rehab. Sober living homes are less structured than inpatient drug rehab centers, but they do provide more structure than an independent living environment, as clients are required to adhere to the rules of their recovery programming and community.

Sober living residents must follow community rules.

If you are enrolling in a sober living program, you should also know that residents are expected to follow certain rules and expectations. Although these will vary from program to program, they typically include things like:

• Abstaining from all drug and alcohol use
• Maintaining a clean living environment
• Submitting to regular drug tests
• Completing recovery program requirements
• Attending house group meetings
• Adhering to curfew
• Maintaining appropriate relationships with staff members and other residents
• Respecting the privacy of other residents

Adhering to these rules often results in progress rewards such as overnight or weekend passes. On the other hand, if these rules are broken, there are typically consequences.

Sober living residents pay rent.

Sober living programs aren’t free, but in many cases, they are very comparable to what you might pay for an apartment. Although residents pay for their sober living program on a monthly basis (similar to rent), any extra charges for additional recovery programs such as IOP may be covered by medical insurance. Coverage will vary based on the location and the resident’s insurance policy.

Most sober living residents will have roommates.

Unless you pay for a single room (assuming there is one available), most sober living residents should expect to have at least one roommate. Although community living may not seem ideal, it’s actually extremely beneficial for people in recovery and can be a great way to build healthy relationships with other like-minded individuals. Plus, high-quality transitional living programs will provide sober living homes or apartments that are spacious and clean, so the experience of having roommates is enjoyable and comfortable. Not to mention, maintaining your sobriety while living alone can prove to be difficult when you’re dealing with cravings, triggers, and a lack of accountability.

Residents take regular drug tests.

Accountability is key in a transitional living environment so most high-quality sober living homes will require that residents submit to regular drug testing. Not only does this help maintain a safe and sober living environment for everyone, but it also keeps residents accountable to their sobriety goals. Drug testing may occur at regular intervals or it may be random, depending on the program. Either way, this is also a great way to keep families informed of their loved one’s progress and commitment to sobriety.

Sober living homes also offer recovery support services.

Most high-quality sober living houses also provide recovery support services, in addition to living spaces. These services may include things like:

• IOP
• Employment, education and volunteer assistance
• Individual counseling
• Tiered recovery program
• Personal monitoring program
• One-on-one mentorships

Sober living homes that offer these services are much more likely to provide positive and lasting results for individuals who are working to maintain their sobriety after rehab or who have very little experience being sober.

Sober living residents may be allowed to bring a pet.

Whether you have a dog, a cat, a fish, or a hamster, it is a well-known fact that pets can positively enhance the recovery process. Some transitional housing programs provide pet-friendly sober living homes or apartments to accommodate the needs of clients who wish to bring their furry friends along with them. If you want to bring your pet to live with you, you’ll need to check with the sober living home first to make sure pets are allowed. Not all programs allow it, but those that do may be a great fit for pet owners in recovery.

Eudaimonia Sober Living Homes in Colorado Springs, Austin, and Houston

Eudaimonia Recovery Homes provides safe, clean sober living homes for men, women, and LGBT individuals in Colorado Springs, Austin, and Houston, Texas. Our sister company, Nova Recovery Center, offers a full continuum of care that carries clients all the way through their recovery journey, from detox and rehab and onto sober living and aftercare. We play our part by offering affordable sober living options and recovery support services to those who need it most.

If you decide to enroll in a sober living program after rehab, Eudaimonia can provide private room options, pet-friendly sober living apartments, recovery support services and so much more. We understand the challenges of transitioning from a life of addiction into a life of recovery and we’re here to support you for as long as it’s needed.

Call Eudaimonia Recovery Homes today or fill out our online form to learn more about our sober living homes and recovery support services.