Sober Living Homes For Recovery

Q: Are Sober Living Homes Right For You?

Sober living is for those who are leaving detox or an inpatient treatment program. It is hard to transition into recovery in the real world and extra support is always helpful. It is also designed for people who are leaving detox or treatment and have nowhere to go. It isn’t easy to rebuild your life so having the opportunity to do so will support your recovery that much more. Sober living homes are not for people who are recovering but have not done detox or treatment. Sometimes people in recovery suffer setbacks and need a safe home to go to. When that occurs, a halfway home is a more appropriate option than a sober living home.

Last Updated December 20, 2021

What are Sober Living Homes?

Sober living homes are privately-owned group homes for people in recovery. They are managed by people who are also in recovery from substance abuse. In these homes, you have chores to keep up with and house meetings to attend. You must get a job and attend any necessary therapies as part of your contract.

Sober living homes are also known as Communal Living or Community Living. They act as a transitionary period from inpatient treatment to living on your own. They provide the support you need to have a place to live and stay on top of your recovery.

In a sober house, you are required to pay rent for your space. If you get a disability check, that can also support your rent in exchange. This is to help the house maintain its space and also promote your own healthy habits; such as keeping a home.

Would I Benefit from Sober Living Homes?

Absolutely. Those who choose to live in a sober house have a higher rate of success in recovery. This is because of the valuable lessons you learn in the home. You are supported around the clock with people in recovery who know how hard it is to get sober.

In the house, you learn how to be independent and how to ask for help when you need it. You relearn life skills that are necessary for your own success when you move into your own home. You also have the chance to build meaningful relationships with healthy people.

Generally, individuals go to a sober living home while they are attending a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program.

What Types of Rules Do Sober Living Facilities Have?

As with all things in treatment, there are rules for each community house you talk to. Some are specific to the location but there is a common core of rules. Those include:

No drugs or alcohol – this can include some medications
You must participate in household chores and events
No overnight guests allowed
You are responsible for all expenses related to living in the home (groceries, phone bills, etc.)
You must complete detox or an inpatient treatment program before applying for residency
You must plan to attend therapy and/or 12-step programs during your time there
You must respect other guests and staff
You must obey set curfews

Start Living a Sober Life

Are you someone in treatment who needs a safe home to stay in? Does your loved one need to go to detox and have somewhere else to live? If you answered “yes” to either of these, our staff at Magnified can help. Sober environments post-treatment help to increase successful outcomes. Call us today and our trained professionals can discuss our sober living options available to you.

How Much Does Sober Living Cost?

Each resident must pay rent every month. This can be through a paycheck from work or by a disability check. Some sober living homes make accommodations for entry into the home without a job. However, the individual is responsible for making up any back rent. The house usually stipulates how long you have to find a job and many help with resources to get work. Rent will vary depending on location and the cost to run the home. On average, you can expect to pay $450-$750 per month. It can be more expensive to live in a sober house but the benefits outweigh that extra expense. Remember that the rent goes towards utility bills, property taxes, possible land rent, alcohol and drug screenings, and staff wages.

Are Sober Living Homes Right For You?

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Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.