Why Do I Have to Obey the Sober House Rules?

Every sober house has a full list of rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to remain a resident of the home. Recovering addicts who make the decision not to obey the sober house rules are at risk of being rejected from the home and forced to find another living situation that is adequate and safe for them. Why is it so important to obey the sober house rules? Simply put, because without rules, there would be chaos!

What are Sober House Rules?

According to the National Library of Medicine, the structure and philosophy of sober living is the primary foundation for these homes making up the majority of the basis for the rules that each sober house develops. First, let’s take a look at the most common rules of a sober house:

• Keep common areas clean
• Curfew
• Bedtime or quiet hours
• Off-site trips may require a sober companion
• Support group attendance

Why Obey the Sober House Rules?

Following the sober home rules ensures a good atmosphere at the home.

Each of the rules that are outlined when you enter into a sober house is there for your protection, for the protection of others living in the home and for the protection of the home itself. For instance, you may be required to keep the common areas clean which will include things like taking out the trash, doing the dishes, sweeping or vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms. It’s important to follow these rules because if you don’t, you will be living in a house of filth and also disrespecting the other members of the home that are living there with you.

Curfew is one of the most important sober house rules to follow for a number of reasons. First, if you are out past curfew, you could have too much time on your hands and may get into trouble. Second, if you are coming in past curfew, you may be interrupting quiet hours which is disrespecting others who live in the home. Finally, avoiding the rule of curfew puts you at risk of being rejected from the home.

Many sober houses will also require that during your first 30-60 days living at the home, any off-site trips that are not work related must include a sober companion. A sober companion is someone who has been living in the sober house for a while and has proven themselves to be on the right track. You must obey this rule because again, if you don’t you could get rejected from the home but also you could be putting yourself at risk of getting into trouble by taking the risk of being involved in drugs or alcohol and not having the support you need to say no.