How to Choose the Right Sober Home by Rehab Recovery Centers

If you have just completed an inpatient rehab program, you may be a little scared and intimidated by the thought of returning back to normal life. It is nerve-wracking to think about the people, places, and things that trigger thoughts of drug use and to embark on a life without having drugs and alcohol as a crutch. In reality, the transition from rehab into real life is a huge adjustment, which is why many people decide to go to a sober living home after treatment.

Sober living homes (SLHs) are a form of aftercare that provides residential living spaces for people in recovery from addiction. They are not as structured as a treatment program and do not serve as a substitute for professional treatment, however, they can help people adjust to life after rehab. Sober homes offer a greater level of freedom, yet still require residents to stay sober and abide by house rules.

Sober living environments are not only helpful in decreasing relapse rates, but they are also associated with fewer arrests, increased employment, and better mental health. That being said, all recovery residences are different, which is why it’s important to know what to look for and how to choose the right sober home.

Things to Consider to Help You Pick the Right Sober Home

The SLH industry is highly unregulated and each home is different. Some things to consider when trying to choose the right sober home are:

  • How much it costs
  • Where the home is located
  • How long they allow people to stay
  • What rules are enforced
  • Which types of amenities are offered

Rent and Other Costs

An important factor to consider when choosing the right sober home is whether or not you can afford it. As with any other home or apartment, there will be a rental fee involved. There may be additional fees as well, so it’s important to gain an understanding of what those fees are, what they cover, and when they are due before committing to a home.

Some questions you should ask include:

  • How much is rent and when is it due?
  • Is a security deposit required and, if so, is it refundable?
  • What forms of payment are accepted?
  • Are utilities included in the rent payment?
  • Are there any additional fees involved?

Furthermore, some sober living homes will offer scholarships or sliding-scale payment plans to help people who don’t have the financial means required. Others will allow residents to live there for free for the first few weeks before they have to start paying rent. It’s important to discuss all of your options with the manager of the home before making a decision.

Finances are already stressful in early recovery, so you want to make sure the sober home is affordable and reasonable enough to not put too much of a strain on your wallet.

Setting and Location

For some people, location is important. While some prefer to stay closer to home near their family, friends, and 12-step meetings, others prefer to go further away to be removed from their old lifestyle. It’s important to consider the location of the sober home.

You should also visit the neighborhood and the home before making a decision. After all, you will want to ensure that the neighborhood is safe, quiet, and peaceful. This will help you feel comfortable in the area, further increasing your chances of staying sober. Additionally, you will want to tour the home to make sure the home is clean and up to safety standards.

If you don’t feel comfortable and safe in the home, it probably isn’t a good option for you. Before making a decision, visit multiple homes to find one that feels like a good fit for you.

Length of Allowed Stay

If possible, you should choose a sober home that allows residents to stay as long as they want as long as they abide by the house rules and stay sober. In fact, some sober living homes require residents to make a 3, 6, or 9-month commitment to live there for a certain period of time to better ensure their chances of staying sober.

On the other hand, some sober living homes have a high-demand for beds, and will only let people live there for a certain length of time. For instance, some sober homes may require people to move out after 6 months or one year.

In the end, there is no way to predict exactly how long you will need to stay in a sober home, which is why it’s best to choose one that has no time limit.

Structure, Rules, and Expectations

Any reputable SLH will provide some level of structure to help support sobriety and hold residents accountable. If a sober home doesn’t have a specific set of rules and ethics they abide by, you may want to look elsewhere. Examples of some rules you can expect from a good sober living home are:

  • Random drug and alcohol screenings
  • Mandatory participation in 12-step meetings
  • Chore assignments
  • Nightly curfew
  • Keeping noise levels to a minimum
  • Respecting other housemates

These rules are typically enforced by a live-in house manager, sometimes referred to as a “house mom” or “house dad.”

Amenities Offered

The last thing you may want to consider to help you choose the right sober home is the amenities the home offers. Although extra amenities are not required for sobriety, there are some you may prefer. For example, some recovery residences have pools, saunas, or relaxing backyard areas for fun and leisure. Others will provide apartment-style living featuring a gym or exercise classes. Other amenities you may want to ask about include:

  • Laundry
  • WiFi
  • Private bedrooms
  • Pet-friendly

Think about the things that make you feel comfortable and what things are important to you, and base your decision off of that.

Find the Right Sober Home Today

Making the decision to go to sober living after rehab is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Sober homes help promote long-term sobriety, fellowship, and mental health, making them a vital resource for anyone who is looking to stay sober.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about how to choose the right sober home, our addiction specialists can help. Pick up the phone and contact one of our dedicated treatment providers today to get connected to a recovery program near you.

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Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing. Get in touch with one today.