What is A Sober Living?

Sober living homes are invaluable resources for people looking for a “stepping stone” between a residential program they've just finished, and going home. There are many advantages to be gained by choosing a "trial" version of independence. People who live in these sorts of facilities are required to be responsible for themselves. This is a critical step in the recovery process because addiction causes individuals to act irresponsibly, and loved ones often enable them. In addition, the fellowship of a Sober Living home builds a long lasting support network with each individual, and support systems are a MUST in early recovery. Sober living home residents typically have to pay rent, buy their food, and keep up with household chores.

These residences are group homes for patients who are in addiction recovery. In most situations, sober living house residents must follow specific house rules and contribute their part by doing tasks. Most importantly, all residents must remain sober throughout their stay. Sober living homes are a great way to test the waters, if you aren't sure you're ready to return home.

Living in this kind of atmosphere promotes continued recovery and helps people maintain their sobriety while they adjust to life during and after rehab. For many people, sober living facilities assist in the transition from substance abuse treatment to living independently without using substances. Often times, this is where and when people are given an honest chance to exercise responsibility and accountability, but will have indefinite support to avoid relapse should they find these two attributes are hard to maintain. 

Sober living home rules will vary from each facility, but some rules are universal to most. Residents will agree to all the rules upon moving in, and violating the rules will come with consequences. Depending on the misdeed, the residents could have to pay a fine, make amends to other residents, or compose an essay about their actions. In some instances, the resident may have to leave the facility if they violate any rules.

Some basic rules found commonly at the majority of Sober Living Houses are;

• Maintain an alcohol and drug-free living environment. There are several ways this can be accomplished, and all can be implemented or only one.

1. Drug Screening. This can be done routinely or randomly. Frequency can also change for reasons pertaining to the house. For example, if there is strong reason to believe an individual is under the influence, an off-schedule test would be permitted.
2. Searches of Resident Property. This is usually only done if someone has failed a screen but can also be part of routine “screening”. This is something much more personal and it’s important that if it’s required as part of routine, that the individuals living within the house were made aware of it before they signed to stay there.
3. Residents agree not to possess other items that may not be supportive of a positive recovery environment. An example of this would be that some houses do not permit having mouth wash that isn’t alcohol free, or some may refuse clients to cook with things like vanilla or poppy seeds.
4. Agree to read, understand and uphold the house’s policy on prescription and non-prescription medication. While some home’s encourage MAT treatment, others do not. Always inquire about these guidelines before signing on the dotted line, especially if you wish to receive MAT while working in your recovery, or if you receive certain medications for mental illnesses. It is important that you remain transparent with your doctors or dentists regarding your addiction. This also pertains to Relapse Prevention,

• Relapse Prevention. This looks different for everyone, however, some home’s have specific guidelines on how THEY wish to tackle relapse prevention. 

1. Relapse Prevention Plan. Most rehabilitation centers work on building Relapse Prevention Plans with patients before their discharge date, and encourage them to stand by their plans. This becomes increasingly difficult when someone new in recovery chooses to return to the same situation they were in when they "spun out". 
2. Agree to participate in required activities such as but not limited to; house meetings, 12 step meetings, and/or any other version of Intensive Outpatient Therapy.
3. Agree to read, understand and uphold home's policy on visitation and guests. Some houses do not permit visitation at all, while others may allow an individual to spend the night "off campus".
4. Follow Curfews. Agree to be home at a certain time and to use any tools provided to let others know where they are (such as sign in and out boards, calendars or books).
5. Stay Busy. You'll need to agree to seek employment, volunteer or engage in service activities or education opportunities.
6. Utilize Support. Residents agree to implement recommendations of their treatment providers and will follow up with any treatment providers regarding clinical recommendations. Residents will find and/or maintain a relationship with a sponsor or other mutual aid supporter.

• House Meetings. House meetings are a definite in all sober living homes, whether it be to discuss changes in the house among your peers, take votes, or having 12 Step/AA/NA meetings. 

• Common House Rules that are in place for the households comfort. The same basic rules found in any normal home where there are two or more occupants. 

1. Bathroom Schedules.
2. Meal Prep. Some houses elect to buy groceries together and cook together. Some do not. 
3. Chore Schedules. This remains important. In sharing a home with many other people, you will be responsible for the upkeep of YOUR portion and the chores that you and your house agree upon. In most cases, chores rotate weekly.

• House Privileges. 

1. Free time: Time off from obligatory house excursions or the ability to choose an activity can be one privilege.
2. Group outings: Joining a group of residents on a unique excursion like shopping, visiting a museum or amusement park, going to the movies, etc.
3. Personal outings: Being allowed to go for a stroll to a nearby shop or go into the neighborhood without a sober partner is also an earned privilege.
4. Release from chores: Enjoying free time instead of taking part in community chores while the rest of the house is working is also a motivational privilege.
5. Family visits: It’s not uncommon to have regular family visit days, but additional visits with family become possible on a case-by-case basis.
6. Fewer restrictions: Enjoying fewer limitations overall is an earned privilege. This depends on the time spent in the house and a demonstrated track record of dependability.

Many Sober Living Houses do not have any restrictions regarding who can live there. However, the majority of them have completed some type of addiction recovery treatment. Those who are actively managing their recovery have learned the proper tools to commit to sober living.

Many homes require recent completion of an inpatient treatment program or at least a detox. This is a necessity because dealing with drug or alcohol withdrawal would make it impossible to function according to the rules of the Sober House and a common product of withdrawal is seeking behavior which then endangers everyone in the home.

Sober Living Homes and Inpatient facilities differ substantially. Sober Living Homes are more of a "next step" in ones treatment journey while In-patient Facilities are generally the "first step". As

 Sober Houses offer additional freedom, In-patient Treatments are a controlled environment. Many Sober Houses offer the same level of care with counseling and peer support that In-Patient's do.

Here are some basic differences;

1. Residence and Setting. 

First, the two are absolutely similar in that both offer designated residence, but that is                                      where the similarity ends. Inpatient programs entail clinical settings, where you can receive proper medical care and will be under strict supervision. In contrast, sober living homes come in residential settings, where you will live with your peers in a home-like setting and maintain your abstinence.

In this regard, then, sober living homes offer:

• A designated residential facility
• Opportunities for outings and socialization
• No medical supervision

In contrast, In-patient facilities offer:

• A designated clinical staff
• Seclusion from harmful triggers and distractions to rehabilitation
• Strict medical supervision

Granted, there will be some differences from one sober living home to the next. These differences will mostly boil down to house rules, however, not ones related to the above.

         2. Treatment Focus. 

For that matter, the two also differ drastically in regards to their treatment focus. During In-patient programs, you will receive such medical services and therapy types as:

• Medication and pharmacotherapy as needed to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, alongside such therapy as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Individual therapy sessions, to address underlying psychological factors which may fuel addiction
• Other services as required by underlying and co-occurring conditions and mental health disorders, ie in cases of dual diagnosis.

Sober living homes do not offer such services. Instead, sober living programs provide a sense of structure in everyday life, and allow the individual to socialize and practice self-reliance. 

While therapy may not be offered by most sober living homes, Lifeline Recovery employs Behavioral Health Counselors who are adept in helping to treat Substance Abuse Disorders.

        3. Rehabilitation Stage.  

Finally, the two are markedly different in regards to their overall purpose and role in rehabilitation. Inpatient programs typically:

• Cater to more severe cases of addiction, where medical needs are higher
• Are offered as the immediate next step after detoxification
• Are followed by step-down services and programs, such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), depending on the individual’s needs and progress

In contrast, Sober Living programs typically:

• Cater to much milder cases of addiction, where the majority of its challenges have been overcome
• Are offered near the end of rehabilitation, such as after In-patient Programs
• Can serve as a continuous step of aftercare, as a means of securing relapse prevention.

As such, the two will typically be divided by an Intensive Outpatient Program. Inpatient programs will begin the journey, PHPs and IOPs will advance it, and sober living homes will end it.