What to Expect in a Recovery Home

Part of the process of addiction recovery is reestablishing a sense of order in one’s life.  This is why all sober living communities have clearly stated house rules, as they provide the stepping stones toward reaching full accountability and responsibility for a new sober life.  Professionals in the field of addiction and recovery understand the importance of boundaries, structure, and rules for the newly sober individual, as these help foster self-regulation and healthy routines that will aid in recovery.

Sober living rules likely include housekeeping and shared responsibilities as well as rules enforcing a drug and alcohol-free living environment.  The house rules help provide a safe, clean, and orderly living space for all residents, with specific consequences clearly stated pertaining to any drug or alcohol seeking, use, or distribution.  Without these defined rules and expectations, a sober living home would quickly devolve into a chaotic environment.

Examples of typical sober living house rules include:

• Residents must submit to intermittent or regular drug and alcohol testing. Any cheating on a drug or alcohol test is considered grounds for removal from the sober living home
• Zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use, possession, or distribution
• Physical and verbal confrontations or threatening behavior is prohibited
• No weapons of any type are permitted on the premises
• Stealing of anything is prohibited
• Curfew is 11:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 am on weekends
• Unauthorized absence from the sober living home is prohibited
• No lewd or sexual behavior is permitted
• No loitering is permitted in front of the property
• Residents will complete the daily chores and house responsibilities designated to them
• Residents will attend regular 12-step or non 12-step meetings and select a sponsor
• Residents are required to attend a weekly house meeting
• All medications and valuables are to be secured by the house manager
• Residents are responsible for keeping their bedroom clean
• Residents must comply with occasional room searches conducted by the house manager

Call for information about Sober Living at (877) 228-3270