If you are planning on enrolling in an addiction recovery program, you might have to live in a sober living facility for a period of time. A sober living facility or halfway house is a group home for those who are recovering from addiction. Everyone who lives there agrees to abstain from drugs and alcohol during their stay, and they most likely will agree to regular drug testing. These places not only provide you with a safe and stable environment during your recovery, but they surround you with like-minded people who can help keep you accountable until you are ready to move out and live on your own.
Rules for Living in a Sober Living Facility
As you can probably guess, many sober living facilities do have strict rules for their residents. These rules do help those in recovery remain accountable and drug-free, but some might find them restricting, especially if they’ve been living on their own with few rules prior to their treatment. Each sober living facility you find will have its own rules and guidelines to follow, but some rules are more typical than others. The best way to know what to expect from a facility is to contact the facility yourself and arrange a tour. Otherwise, here are some of the typical rules that you’ll find at most sober living facilities.
No Drugs or Alcohol Allowed on the Premises
This rule should probably go without saying, but drugs and alcohol are not allowed. This of course means anything that the residents could use, but it also refers to any visitors who might bring such substances to the premises. Exceptions are made for prescription medications. These medications are usually administered by the facility staff as directed. As part of this rule, residents can expect to undergo regular drug testing.
Residents Must Participate in Household Activities Such as Chores and Regular Meetings
A regular routine helps to restore order in the residents’ lives, which in turn helps keep them sober. Chores also help keep the home running smoothly, and meetings give residents a chance to check in and give updates on how they are feeling and where they are in terms of their recovery.
Residents Are Expected to Sleep at the Facility a Certain Number of Nights Every Week
This rule can vary from one facility to the next, but most sober living houses require residents to live and sleep on-site at least five nights a week. Most facilities have a curfew that residents must adhere to.
Residents Are Not Allowed to Have Overnight Visitors
Although residents are allowed to have visitors, most facilities do not allow visitors to stay overnight. This might vary slightly, but you can usually count on not being able to have anyone spend the night with you.
Residents Are Responsible for Their Own Expenses
Residents at sober living facilities can at least expect to pay rent, but they can also expect to have to manage their other finances. If someone is helping them with their finances, they are usually not affiliated with the sober living facility.
Residents Must Respect Staff Members and Each Other
This is a very important rule when it comes to living in a sober living facility. It’s not realistic to expect everyone living in the facility to like each other, but they need to treat each other with respect at all times. This means respecting each other’s privacy, their belongings, and their right to feel safe. As you can see, there are plenty of rules to living in a sober living facility. These rules can vary from one location to the next, but you can usually expect these at the very least. These rules can feel strict, and some facilities are more strict than others, but they are in place for your own good and the good of the other residents. Living in a sober living facility is often a part of an addiction recovery program, one that can help restore some normalcy in a person’s life after they feel like they’ve lost control due to their substance abuse.
If you want to learn more about sober living facilities near you or if you want to know more about any of our other recovery programs, contact us today at 614-705-0611. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the support you need.