How to Choose a Sober Living Home

How to Choose a Sober Living Home
Here are 6 tips to help you find the perfect sober living home for you.

Step 1: Consider the location.
Tip: A sober living home should be located in a safe neighborhood. You may also want to make sure that the home is close to your work (if you have a job), school, recovery meetings, grocery stores, and health care providers. This is especially important if you don’t have a car and rely on public transportation or walking to get around.

Step 2: Do your research.
Tip: Not all sober living homes are monitored by local, state, or national organizations. To find a transitional housing that maintains a high standard of care, look for those that are backed by well-known organizations like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

Step 3: Visit the sober living home.
Tip: Check out the sober living home for yourself, ask yourself if you feel comfortable there, and take note of the behaviors of current residents as well. A positive atmosphere and a clean living environment can do wonders for your recovery.

Step 4: Review the rules for residents.
Tip: Many sober living homes have structured recovery programming, require residents to participate in drug testing, and have curfew requirements. Make sure you understand the rules, requirements, and expectations for residents before you enroll.

Step 5: Learn everything you can about the staff.
Tip: A high-quality sober home should employ a strong but caring staff who will enforce the rules and provide consistent, on-site residential support. You may also want to find out if any staff members live on-site, how they keep clients accountable, and what the staff to client ratio looks like.

Step 6: Find out how much it costs.
Tip: Most transitional housing programs charge a monthly fee to cover room and board, but you’ll need to plan to pay for your own food, hygiene products, and transportation costs. You can also talk to admissions staff to find out if they offer scholarships or financial assistance.

Step 7: Enroll and make your move!
Tip: Once you’ve decided on a sober living home, don’t wait to enroll. Get started with your sober living journey right away!