What Is It Like Living in a Sober House?

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In the United States, 60% of individuals ages 12 and older use at least one substance (like tobacco, alcohol, or an illegal drug), according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

In the exact report, among the 139.7 million alcohol users in the U.S., 65.8 million were binge drinkers.

Substance abuse significantly impacts users, their households, neighborhood, and community.

Recovery and sober living houses can entrust individuals to get the help and aftercare required to achieve rehabilitation. A reliable support system and a safe living environment allow residents to develop and get the responsibility they need to maintain sobriety.

Our complete guide shares what it is like living in a sober house.

Why Choose Pure Recovery

Case managers work directly with clients, family members, doctors, therapists, clinicians, and other outside service providers to keep clients on track and promote long-term recovery. By helping clients create realistic, achievable recovery goals, case managers keep clients accountable while encouraging improved self-confidence, and self-discipline – the two cornerstones of healthy long-term sobriety.

What is a Sober Living Home?

Sober living houses are alcohol and drug-free settings where residents can install or sustain their sobriety. Through peer support, proven recovery principles, assignment, and personal responsibility, residents can harden their sobriety and train to return home or live unassisted.

Sober living homes are privately held residences for individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Houses are in peaceful neighborhoods where members can destress and concentrate on their growth and recovery journeys. In a recovery housing model, residents propose and obtain peer support.

What are the Rules of Sober Living Homes?

The immediate rule of sober living is what one would assume: staying sober. If individual drinks or uses drugs while living in a sober home, they break the most important rule of the house and may have to leave. However, confessing to relapse and being honest could earn a resident a second chance. They could be suspended and may be allowed to return – if they genuinely want to remain sober.

Here’s a list of basic sober living rules that many homes execute.

Residents must:

Refrain from drug and alcohol use
Abide by set curfew
Respect housemates and staff
Share and receive emotional support
Partake in activities (like support meetings and chores)
No overnight visitors
Cover particular expenses to live in the home
Agree to partake in random drug and alcohol tests

Cell phone policies differ from home to home, as do pet guidelines. Some homes allow phones and pets if they are not disruptive.

How Long Should You Stay in a Sober Living Home?

Individuals may remain in a sober living home for as long as they want – if they resume following the house rules. The duration depends on a person’s unique journey and how long their Recovery takes. A study from the Alcohol Research Group Public Health Institute reports that a moderate stay lasts between 166 and 254 days.

How do I Choose the Right Sober Living Home?

To recover from addiction and remain sober long-term, individuals should look for stable housing to support their Recovery. Living in a damaging environment can quickly lead to relapse.

Those exploring the right sober living home should look for facilities with a reputable team and a safe and adequate living environment.

These are indications that a facility could be risky and poorly run:

No home rules
No safety or privacy provisions
Unsafe building
Claims to be free or propose to pay for attending
No regulatory inspections
Has untrained or uncertified staff
No regular drug testing
Lacks admissions requirements
No record-keeping

Pure Recovery: A Luxury Sober Living & Mental Health in New York

Pure Recovery is a sober house in Long Island City, one stop from Manhattan. Our mission is to promote long-term sobriety by creating a supportive environment where home members partake in each other’s Recovery. We urge everyone to support positive lifestyle changes through experience, support, and peer feedback.

Please get in touch with us today if you’d like to learn more about our sober living residence.