What is a Sober House?

When an individual has completed a recovery program and goes on to deal with the responsibilities of daily life, they may not be fully ready to engage in them for the fear of relapse. Many are recommended to move into a sober house. Some individuals may not understand what that is, and often end up asking; what is a sober house and what is it like?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, sober houses are alcohol and drug free living environments for individuals attempting to maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs. They offer no formal treatment but either mandate or strongly encourage attendance at 12-step groups.

What is a Sober House Like for Residents?

Sober living houses are home like environments where former alcohol or drug addict can live safely and support one another in maintaining sobriety. They contribute by helping around the house fulfilling duties assigned by the house manager. Many residents have described a sober house as follows:

• Living in a sober house is the chance to become self-sufficient after a long struggle through recovery from alcohol or drugs. It is an opportunity to learn the life skills needed to maintain sobriety and deal with the daily stress of regular life, without succumbing to substance use.
• Residents learn to live a community setting that consists of other members that have also recovered from a drug or alcohol addiction, and are trying to stay clean and sober. Residents learn to live with each other sharing space and responsibilities.
• Members of the sober house improve their self-esteem by interacting with others who are going through the same issues, and share similar goals for improving their lifestyle and health. Through sober living, residents do not have to worry about criticism from family or feel being alone. New friendships and lasting relationships can be built in a sober home.
• There is no negative influences for residents to encounter, so the probability of staying away from drugs or alcohol is higher. Residents are randomly drug tested and if they prove positive for drug use, then they would have to leave in most cases. This helps keep the residents from falling back into bad habits.

A sober living home is a helpful step on the road to recovery.

A sober house can be the best chance for a former addict or alcoholic to get their life back on track, and re-build torn relationships that were sacrificed due to drugs or alcohol. It can save someone’s life, and give members a chance at proving to themselves and their loved ones, that they can change.

What is a Sober House with Rules and Regulations Like?

Rules and regulations help keep residents safe and assure that they can stay free from alcohol or drug use. Without rules in place, residents would more easily be tempted to use alcohol or drugs again. By having strict rules in place, it allows those that truly want to make a positive change in their life -get the opportunity to do so. The rules help those that are committed to sustaining recovery have a chance at a better quality of life.