14 Tips on Choosing the Sober House that is Right for You

A sober house can be a great place to further your addiction recovery, and prepare for life after substance abuse. According to the National Library of Medicine, a sober house can provide long term support for those who want to remain in a sober environment while learning to re-enter society. However, not every sober house is right for everyone. There are a number of things that you should look for to ensure that a specific sober house is the right one for you.

1. Location, Location, Location

If you want to be close to friends and family that have supported your recovery, you need to choose a sober house that is close to home. If you need to stay away from people that might get you back into drugs or alcohol, you need to find a facility further away.

2. Look into Their Treatment Programs

Most sober living facilities offer counseling and 12 step meetings, and can refer you to other treatment services, even though they are not treatment facilities themselves. You will want to select the sober house that offers you the programs that you need.

3. Talk to the Staff

These are people that you will have to interact and deal with on a daily basis. It is a good idea to make sure that you can interact with them, and feel like you can trust them.

4. Look for Transportation

You should choose a sober house that’s located in an area with plenty of employment opportunities.

You will need to get to and from the facility for work, doctor’s visits, and other errands, and you normally must rely on public transportation. Make sure that the sober house you choose fits your transportation requirements.

5. Check out Employment Opportunities in the Area

One of the things you will have to do while in a sober house is get a job to pay rent and other bills. For this you will need access to employment opportunities. Make sure that there are employment opportunities in your field in the area.

6. Talk to your Insurance Company

Many insurance plans help defray some of the costs of a sober facility, lessening the financial pressure on you. Talking to your insurance company in advance can help you understand your financial obligations.

7. Ask About Rent

You want to make sure that the rent charged is something that you will be able to afford, without putting undue stress on yourself or going without other necessities.

8. Find Out About the House’s Reputation

Ideally, you want a sober house that has a strong history of successful clients. A sober house’s reputation will let you know whether or not that sober house is right for you.

9. Interview the Management

Knowing what they expect from their facilities lets you know what you can expect from them, as well.  When you interview management, you can get to know them as well as their facility.

10. Ask About Amenities

Some houses offer high-end amenities, while others are purposefully Spartan to avoid creating distractions. Choose the sober house that has the amenities that you need.

11. Visit the House

By doing this, you will get a feel for how your everyday existence will go while staying there. Remember, you will be there for a while.

Questions you Should Ask a Sober House before Deciding on One

12. Ask About House Rules

All sober houses have strict rules that have been developed to help their clients prepare for living on their own, and maintaining order and functionality in the house. These are rules you have to follow, make sure that you agree with them.

13. Make Sure they are Up to Code

For your protection and well-being, these facilities must meet specific health and safety standards, and are monitored by state and local health agencies.

14. Get Started by Talking to a Reputable Source

Learning everything that you need to, in order to select the right sober house for you, can be very overwhelming. Especially right after getting out of rehab or incarceration. Fortunately, we can help. Call us at 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?), and let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you find the help that you need today.