What to Look for in a Sober House

If you or a loved one have been attending a recovery treatment program that has ended, you may be having some thoughts on what to do next. This can be quite confusing and difficult for many who are intending to stay sober after being in a treatment program. Going back to your former living arrangement may not feel right. An alternative to consider is a sober house. These home like living environments have been especially created to help recovering drug or alcohol addicts get back on their feet.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, destructive living environments can derail recovery for even highly motivated individuals. Sober living homes are alcohol and drug free environments for individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs.

What Should You Look for in a Sober House?

When deciding to move into a sober home there are several factors to be considered for the best chance at maintaining successful recovery. Not all sober living houses are the same and depending on what your goals are it helps to have an idea of what you should be looking for in a sober home setting. Basically, there are many similarities among these types of homes, but depending on the individual group the house aims to help, certain things may vary. Some of the features to look for in a sober house include:

You want to be sure that you will be comfortable, safe and supported in the sober home you choose.

• Gender specific: Most houses are aimed at a certain gender. This can be a women only or men only environment. Keeping residents of the same gender in a living arrangement like sober houses do can be safer and easier for residents to find support among each other.
• Safe and structured setting: A house with strict rules about using or bringing in alcohol or drugs into the sober home can be much safer for all the residents that are faithfully trying their best to maintain recovery. Having safety measures in place can keep residents getting along and respecting each other.
• Sober community setting: What resources and programs are available to help residents in supporting each other while maintaining recovery? Helping residents understand the importance of group sessions, keeping the house clean, sharing duties responsibly, respecting each other’s property, and other group activities are important for a successful stay in a sober house.
• Resources to aid in recovery: 12-step or similar programs are a very important part of an individual’s recovery. Most sober homes consider this a must for a resident to follow through faithfully. Information and nearby programs to attend should be available to all residents.
• Attentive house managers: House managers or staff members in charge of making sure that safety in the house is maintained should always be available to answer any questions, or concerns a resident may have.
• Life skills training: Residents should be learning how to be able to live on their own at some point. Sober homes should help members understand the importance of them attaining employment, paying their rent on time, following house rules, getting along with others, communicating effectively, staying away from alcohol or drugs, and attending any of the required programs such as 12-steps.

Not all sober homes may offer the same exact structure, but the safer the home seems to be, and the better their reputation for success is, then the higher the chances that those residing in it will attain long-term recovery. It still requires for an individual to make the best effort in sustaining recovery and staying drug or alcohol free, but sober living homes with a supportive community setting can greatly increase the chances of success.

Other Things to Look for in Sober Homes

Another important feature for many individuals is their beliefs. Some recovering addicts may feel more comfortable in a setting where the residents share similar beliefs of faith. It is therefore important to find a sober house that is specifically for residents that share the same beliefs as you do. This can often help a person of faith maintain their recovery and set themselves free from the toxicity of alcohol and drugs.