Sober living homes provide a smooth transition for recovering individuals that have completed a treatment program at a recovery center. These homes offer a safe and stable environment to minimize the chances of relapse from occurring.

Research from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment further supports this claim by stating that people who partake in sober living homes usually have positive improvements in substance use, symptoms, and addiction severity.

Sober living homes can have a significantly positive impact on recovering individuals. Keep reading to learn more about what a sober living house is and how it can help move you along in the addiction recovery process.

Sober living homes are structured, safe, and substance-free living communities for people who are looking for a more stable transition out of addiction treatment. Sober living homes are also referred to as recovery homes, halfway houses, or recovery residences.

These homes are governed by guidelines that promote long-term sobriety and overall well-being. Although these guidelines are crucial components of sober living homes, residents will still have the freedom to come and go as they please.

Residents of sober living homes will develop a strong sense of accountability as more trust is put in their hands. There are countless advantages to staying in a sober living home. We’ll go over these benefits in more detail below, but some of the many include 12-step programs, structure, responsibility, and establishing a sober fellowship.

Transitioning Back Into “Normal” Life

It can be overwhelming for individuals to think about life after treatment. It’s natural to feel nervous about the future. You may be asking questions such as, “Will I be able to maintain sobriety? How do I build a whole new routine? What happens if cravings keep coming back?”

Transitioning back into your daily life becomes a lot smoother with a sober living house. In this safe and stable community, you get the opportunity to “practice” sobriety outside of regular treatment. You’ll partake in daily chores, living with housemates, cooking nutritious meals, as well as keeping your surroundings clean. Also, you’ll be around individuals all working towards the same common goal: long-term sobriety and fulfillment.

The rules of a sober living house depend on the preferences and discretion of the recovery center and treatment program. These guidelines are put in place to maintain a structure that benefits the residents and encourages responsibility and accountability. However, most sober living homes are governed by rules such as:

• Drug testing. Complete sobriety is not only a requirement but a priority in a sober living house, just like the addiction treatment.
• House meetings. Regular meetings are a mandatory component in a sober living house. These meetings allow recovering individuals to check with each other, assign chores, and talk through any other necessary topics.
• Curfews. Being home by a certain time is another requirement that encourages responsibility in the recovering individual.
• Cleaning. Cleaning of the sober living house allows residents to share accountability and keep their space tidy. Residents will generally take turns fulfilling certain chores.

A sober living community has many benefits for recovering individuals. These communities offer a safe and steady environment that allows individuals to continuously focus on their recovery. Research has even shown that living in a sober house increases the likelihood of employment after rehabilitation while decreasing the chances of alcohol and drug abuse, arrests, and psychiatric episodes. Other benefits of living in a sober house include, but are not limited to:

1. Easing the transition from addiction treatment.

Returning home after undergoing intensive treatment can seem daunting, especially if you have an unstable home environment. This feeling should be expected! Try not to be too hard on yourself and understand that it’s okay to feel worried. Returning to your old life can be a bit emotionally overwhelming. That’s why sober living homes can be immensely helpful. Creating your schedule again while maintaining structure through the recovery center can ease the transition.

2. Support from peers.

It’s comforting to know that your housemates are in the same boat as you. They’re working towards long-term recovery just like you. This allows you to maintain alignment with your values as you transition back into normal life.

3. Responsibility.

Holding accountability for your actions helps to build strong character. Sober living homes generally have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to substance use. The guidelines of the community help to keep you intact as you progress along your recovery journey. The overall environment encourages a deeper understanding of responsibility.

4. Building a sober support network.

Your housemates, as well as others in the community, have the potential to become long-term friends. Going through the ups and downs of recovery together can help build strong bonds. In the future, you may require a friend to talk to that understands your past struggles of addiction.

We encourage you to give us a call to determine the exact cost of a sober living home. In the meantime, we’d be happy to give you an estimate of the price. Sober living homes tend to be the same price, or even less costly, than a modest apartment or home. Sober living home residents are required to pay rent each month. The rent will generally cost between $450 and $750 per month. Utilities are usually included as well.

Living in a sober living home compared to the inpatient facility is typically cheaper because the staff provides fewer services. Although treatment services will still be extended such as recovery meetings and sessions with a therapist, treatment will no longer be significantly intensive. This helps bring the cost of sober living homes down.

How Do I Cover Costs for a Sober Living House?

It is common for individuals living in a sober living house to be in charge of their groceries, medications, and income. Covering costs for a sober living house can be best-taken care of through employment, whether it be part-time or full-time. Although insurance coverage is a part of therapy and medical treatment, sober living homes are made to be significantly more affordable.

Routine and personal growth will help residents take their minds off substance abuse and establish a better state of well-being. In addition to a job, most residents will also pursue educational opportunities and/or establish new, sober hobbies.

Sober living homes are more ideal for some people than others. It’s important to understand that each recovery journey is unique to the individual. Sober living homes may be especially beneficial to individuals who are working through:

• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient care is the least intensive level of treatment for individuals at our recovery center. Recovering individuals travel to the facility for treatment and can return home after. However, a patient may take notice that their home environment isn’t providing the stability and support they need. Thus, a sober living house comes into play and can help the patient meet their needs.
• Partial care: Members in partial care programs may be residing at home with parents or loved ones. However, since the goal of sobriety is an independent living, sober living homes can make a huge difference. Sober living homes establish a strong sense of independence and accountability.
• Relapse management: A sober living house is an excellent aftercare option. After a treatment plan is completed, we’ll work together to create a plan that best prevents a relapse from occurring. Sober living homes are means of transitioning from treatment back into a more normal way of life.

At North Jersey Recovery Center, we’ll help you transition smoothly with a sober living house. Sober living communities are founded on support, structure, safety, comfort, and compassion. During the recovery process, a safe and stable home environment is crucial. A sober living home is one option that allows you to recover in a community that will support you the entire way.

We truly believe in the potential of each individual when addiction is out of the way. No matter how lost you may feel, we assure you that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Our goal is to show you how much you can grow from any pain that you’re feeling now.

Many drug and alcohol treatment resources are available to you and your loved ones in North Jersey, including sober living homes! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here today. We will assist you in the best way possible!

While NJRC does not directly provide sober living programs, we have partnerships with sober living facilities that we will gladly facilitate admission into for those who need it.