How Does a Sober House Work?
A sober house is a safe place for individuals who struggle with substance use to live while getting the support they need (from staff and other individuals in recovery) and learning the skills necessary to stay sober upon leaving the house.
Sober houses serve as the transitional phase or the middle phase in the recovery process. One would enter a sober house after detox or a drug rehabilitation program. Upon leaving a sober house one would re-enter society.
Here are some common paths:
Detox >> Drug Rehabilitation >> Sober House >> Society
Incarceration >> Sober House >> Society
Many people wonder if they are a good fit for a sober house. The answer? Anyone who is fully committed to their recovery is a good fit!
Applying to a Sober House
The first step to joining a sober house is an application. Often, this application is done online. It will include demographic questions, as well as questions about one’s substance use history and why they are seeking sober living.
Upon completion of the application, staff at the sober house will review it to determine eligibility. If the applicant is an eligible candidate, they are contacted via phone and a phone interview is completed to determine fit and answer the candidate’s question. If approved, the next spot in the sober house (if already full) will be held for that candidate. If the sober house has an opening, move-in can sometimes happen right away.
Living in a Sober House
The goal of a sober house is to offer just enough structure for residents while also emulating the day-to-day life they will experience outside of the home after re-entering normal society. Residents engage in daily chores, house meetings, community/sobriety meetings such as AA, and work/school/volunteering.
Residents are expected to remain sober, have a positive attitude to support a healthy living environment for themselves and the other residents, and advocate for themselves and others when additional support is required.
One of the greatest benefits of a sober house is the support that is available to them: they receive support from other residents 24/7 and also have the option to engage with peer support, groups, case management, and outpatient therapy during their time in the home.
Finding the Right Sober House
When looking for a sober house, you should look for a structure that meets your needs, includes multiple support options, and offers an environment that you would be comfortable living in.
Consider the location of the home, access to public transportation and other resources, number of residents, and in- and out-of-home support programs. Acceptance Recovery House, for example, offers in-house therapy, peer support, recovery oriented groups and a structured, safe, and compassionate living environment.
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Choosing to enter sober living and finding the right sober house can be a difficult task. However, it can be one of the most fruitful decisions one makes in their recovery journey.
If you’re committed to your recovery and would like to explore how a sober house can support you, complete an application for Acceptance Recovery House today.
