You may have heard of sober living homes but aren’t sure what they are all about. While these types of treatment facilities can vary in certain ways, a lot of them share many commonalities. If you need help with your addiction to alcohol or drugs and wonder how do sober living homes work, we have the answers to help you make a decision.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
Sober living homes are home environments typically located in residential areas that offer a place for those in treatment for substance use disorders. Several residents share the living space with the requirement being that they are sober and working on staying that way. They are structured to feel like real homes while also providing peer support that proves valuable for all the residents.
Some sober living homes provide a private bedroom while others are set up so that people share a bedroom. The common spaces, including the living room, kitchen, and dining area, are places where all residents can gather and offer support to each other or just enjoy some downtime. Some homes are co-ed while others are gender-specific.
Sober living homes often offer different types of outpatient therapy to residents. The therapy normally takes place off the site and may be in conjunction with another treatment provider. These outpatient therapy options include things like individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step programs, and holistic therapy. Transportation may be provided to events like therapy and medical appointments, grocery shopping, and group outings.
What to Expect in Sober Living
One of the biggest questions people have when they wonder how do sober living homes work has to do with what expectations are placed on the residents. Many sober living homes allow residents to come and go throughout the day but have a nighttime curfew in place. Most require that residents undergo drug testing in order to assure that everyone remains compliant with the requirement to stay sober.
Residents often share household duties, such as housekeeping and cooking. This helps to build bonds among roommates, as well as provides the ability to learn basic life skills everyone can use once they return home. Some sober living homes offer other life skills, such as how to set and keep a schedule, setting a budget, and options for ways to pursue career and educational goals.
Most sober living homes charge a fee, which varies depending on many factors. The fees are equivalent to paying rent for an apartment, and the price range may be similar to what a resident would pay for living elsewhere. Experts recommend staying in a sober living home for at least ninety days, although many people opt to stay longer. The more time spent in the home, the more likely the person is to remain in recovery and avoid relapse once they return.
How Do Sober Living Homes Work: Preparing to Move Into One
Another common question pertaining to how do sober living homes work concerns how a person prepares to move into one. The first requirement for residents is that they are sober, even if they are new to their sobriety. The first step in treatment for substance use disorders is to detox from alcohol and drugs. Once the detox process has been completed, a person interested in going into a sober living home is ready to begin that step of recovery.
Investigating the choices for sober living homes allows the individual to see which places sound like the best fit for them. Once they select a home, they can ask any questions they have about how best to prepare to transition into one. Questions to ask include:
- What type of clothing should you pack?
- What expenses are covered and what will you need to pay for?
- Is transportation provided?
- Will I be allowed to work or attend school?
- Is family support included?
- What outpatient resources are available to residents?
- Will insurance or other resources help cover all or part of the cost of a sober living home?
Who Benefits From Sober Living?
Some people move into a sober living home immediately after completing detox or another residential program that takes place in a medical or another type of facility. Other people may have completed treatment several weeks or months earlier and maintained their sobriety but want to take advantage of the structure of a sober living home.
Sadly, many individuals do not have positive supportive home environments, and returning to one immediately after leaving detox or inpatient treatment can be perilous. For those who need some space to live independently without returning home yet, sober living homes make a great choice.
A sober living home gives residents the ability to practice living a sober life with the freedom to come and go from the home. Many homes allow residents to attend school or work part-time, allowing people the ability to bank time living partially back in the world outside a treatment facility without going home too quickly. Spending time in a sober living home allows them to return to what might be a potentially triggering home environment much stronger in their recovery and ability to avoid triggers.
Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles
If you’ve reached the point that you are ready to get help for your addiction to alcohol or drugs, a sober living home may be the right fit for you. Riviera Recovery in Los Angeles offers two gender-specific sober living homes that provide young adults with the perfect setting to work on their recovery. We treat people with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues in comfortable housing that sets the stage for returning home strong in your recovery. Contact us now and find out how to get started.
