Successfully completing a drug treatment program is a significant accomplishment. The work you put in to address and overcome your substance abuse is a cause for celebration. While graduating from rehab is an outstanding achievement, it does not signal the end of your recovery. In fact, the real work in recovery starts once you finish treatment and transition back to family and work life. To build your confidence in working in your recovery program, a sober living house is a great program to achieve that goal.
You may have heard about sober living and asked yourself, how do sober living houses work? This article will further explore how sober living houses work, what to expect, and how you can get into a sober living home. If you are looking to take your recovery to the next level, call The Nook toll-free today to learn more about our comprehensive sober house living program for men.
What is a Sober Living House?
A sober living home is a stable drug-free environment that helps people transition from treatment to independence. While sober living homes (also known as transitional housing) are more loosely structured than rehab programs, these residences are staffed by experienced treatment personnel. Residents can work, attend family functions, and live independently but are required to work on their program of recovery. With no formal treatment programs in sober living homes, residents are highly encouraged to attend 12-step meetings, meet with their counselor, and take part in other activities that will help grow their recovery.
A sober living home often employs a model of operation where the owner or manager of the house develops and enforces house rules. Other transitional housing programs employ a “social model approach” where residents are empowered to have input in the decision-making process. Some residences may feature some form of a resident’s council that helps govern the house and enforce or review house rules.
Often, people think that sober living homes and halfway houses are one and the same. In reality, these two aftercare programs have distinct differences:
Sober living homes do not require completion of a formal treatment program, and there is no maximum length of stay. People can stay in a sober living facility as long as they adhere to house rules and pay monthly dues or rent on time.
Halfway houses require clients to have completed or are actively in a rehab facility. These facilities usually have a maximum length of stay of one year. Also, people with criminal histories may be denied entry into a halfway house program.
How Do Sober Living Houses Work?
Before you make the decision to enter a transitional housing program, you need to understand the structure of these aftercare programs. As stated earlier, transitional housing programs are not as formal as intensive treatment programs, but experienced rehab staff supervises these residences. To enter sober house living, you must commit to working towards long-term sobriety. In cases where people do not come from a structured treatment program, medical detox is a requirement before entry.
To stay in a sober living house, people must attend regular house meetings, contribute to cleaning and upkeep, and pay monthly rent. When you first start a sober living program, the level of supervision is high. During your stay, the level of supervision you experience will change dynamically depending on your needs. The main objective of a sober living home is to actively practice and implement your program of recovery as you attend to your work, family, or school obligations. You will not be allowed to sit idle and bide your time.
How Do I Get Into a Sober Living House?
When the question ‘how do sober living houses work?’ comes up, one of the most asked questions is how does one get into a sober living house. While there is no requirement for you to have attended a treatment program, there are strict requirements you must abide by when you enter sober living. When you enter, you will agree to be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings. These residences are substance-free, and no overnight guests or firearms are allowed in a sober living facility.
The rules of sober living are in place to protect you, staff, and other residents. Continued infractions of house rules can lead to increased supervision and restrictions. Some facilities have zero-tolerance policies in place. As a result, you will be evicted from a sober living facility for any infraction. Before you make the decision to enter a sober living program for aftercare, be sure you fully understand all rules and regulations.
Contact The Nook Today and Find Sober Living that Fits Your Needs
A sober living home can provide you with the added tools and confidence you need to bolster your recovery. The Nook Sober Living is one of the top sober living facilities in Southern California. Located in beautiful Venice Beach, The Nook provides quality and comprehensive care that includes case management, vocation and educational support, and outpatient services through our partnership with Thrive Treatment. You will receive the support and tools you need from our compassionate staff and your recovering peers. If you are ready to make the commitment, The Nook is ready to help. Call us today!