If you are starting your sobriety journey, you may be interested in joining a sober living home so that you have a support system in place and recovery resources at hand. Sober living homes have a long history of positive outcomes and can help you find the structure and balance you need to re-enter the community. However, before you make this step, you should have a thorough understanding of what a sober living home is and what to expect.
Keep reading to find out what life in a sober living home looks like and why these homes are so beneficial for those in recovery.
What to Expect in a Sober Living Home
Sober living homes are a common option for those currently in recovery who are either leaving an inpatient treatment facility or are currently in an outpatient rehab program. Sober living homes are considered to be the next step in recovery, allowing you to start reacclimating into the community while still having additional structure and recovery support.
These homes usually have a focus on alcohol and drug rehab and prioritize peer support and individual accountability. Most sober living programs include things like skill development, family education, community integration, aftercare planning, individual therapy, and mental health education.
Sober living homes are often privately owned, which means that each home can be quite different in terms of programs and regulations. Because the majority of sober living homes are not government funded, this also means that residents will usually have to pay out-of-pocket to stay there.
Generally these houses have a house manager as well as staff on hand to help the residents and lead recovery meetings. You will be sharing the house with a number of other individuals who are in recovery and will usually have to contribute to things like chores, meal preparation, and peer support.
Common Sober Living House Rules
Because sober living homes are often privately owned, this can alter the type of house rules you will have to follow when you join. The main rule of any sober living home is to abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol, as these homes are designed to be sober living environments. Failing to follow this rule can negatively influence others in the house and may result in the resident being asked to leave.
Here are some other house rules you may be required to follow:
- Follow a curfew.
- Participate in drug and alcohol tests.
- Regularly attend peer support groups and meetings.
- Behave respectfully to other residents and staff.
- Help with chores and other shared activities.
- Follow visitor rules.
Something else to keep in mind is that some homes also have rules regarding how long you are to remain at the house. For instance, The Recovery Place asks all residents to commit to a six month stay, which is essential for creating accountability and support in the early stages of recovery.
The Benefits of Joining a Sober Living Home
Sober living homes are a very popular option for those in recovery for good reason, as they come with many benefits. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, these homes cater to all types of situations and individuals, providing an invaluable resource. Here are some of the main benefits you will experience when you join a sober living home:
- Meaningful relationships: Oftentimes, when you struggle with addiction, your relationships may suffer, especially if you don't have a strong support system in place. When you join a sober living home, you are joining a community of like-minded individuals who are also in recovery. These living environments encourage meaningful relationships and peer support from people who understand what you are going through.
- Healthy structure: Sober living homes are not like inpatient treatment programs where you are actually living in a facility as you receive addiction treatment. These homes are designed to provide structure as you start to re-enter society and rebuild your life. This can equip you with the support and tools you need to maintain recovery as you build relationships, find employment, or go back to school.
- Accountability: Staying accountable during your recovery journey is one of the most challenging aspects for most people, especially once you start to rejoin society. When you live in a sober living home, the rules help to keep you accountable, and you will also receive accountability through peer support. This can provide the structure you need as you learn life skills and coping mechanisms to help you hold yourself accountable later on.
- Recovery education: Part of the goal of sober living homes is to equip you with the recovery education you need to maintain your sobriety long-term. This is often accomplished through relapse prevention tactics, family education, aftercare planning, and mental health resources.
Positive Outcomes For Sober Living Homes
Although there are many benefits to joining a sober living home, there are also some well-documented positive outcomes that most residents can expect to experience. For instance, a study from the National Institutes of Health showed that sober living houses can help individuals with the following:
- Completing residential treatment.
- Attending outpatient treatment programs.
- Seeking non-treatment alternatives for sobriety.
- Successfully re-entering the community after criminal justice incarceration.
The National Institutes of Health also showed higher employment rates, reduced substance abuse, improved mental health, and increased support group attendance.
How Much Do Sober Living Homes Cost?
It is impossible to nail down a specific price when it comes to sober living homes since the cost can vary significantly. On the lower end, you could expect to pay $500 a month or up to $5000 a month on the higher end. This will often depend on things like the home's location, private or shared rooms, the programs available, and the types of staff on hand.
Financing options may be available for some individuals depending on your situation and what you have access to. Those looking to join sober living homes are also strongly encouraged to seek employment to help them with the cost of staying in the home, as well as help them build self-esteem and greater independence.
Get Started on Your Sober Living Journey
Whether you are leaving an inpatient treatment facility or starting an outpatient rehab program, joining a sober living home can be incredibly beneficial. Not only do these homes provide the support you need on your recovery journey, but they can also help you find structure in your life, gain employment, and build self-esteem.
To get started and join a sober living home in Charlotte, North Carolina, contact us today at The Recovery Place.