All Forum Posts by: Troy Escarpeta

First—What is a Sober House?

A sober house, also known as a sober living home or recovery home, provides a supportive and substance-free environment for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While the terms may vary—sober house, recovery residence, or sober living home—the concept remains the same: a structured living space where residents can continue their recovery journey surrounded by like-minded individuals.

In areas like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, the term “sober house” is commonly used. Meanwhile, in regions such as North and South Carolina, “recovery home” is more familiar. Despite these regional differences, the primary purpose of these homes is consistent—to support individuals in their transition from treatment to independent living.

Unlike halfway houses, which often provide clinical care and accept insurance, sober houses focus on offering a stable environment without clinical treatment. If you or a loved one has completed a treatment program or detox and are looking for the next step in recovery, a sober house could be the ideal choice.

The Structure of Sober Living

Sober living homes provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. While many guests have completed treatment programs or are referred directly from incarceration, this is not a requirement. Residents in a sober living home function as a family unit, relying on one another for support and accountability. These homes are governed by a set of house rules, and guests pay rent to the recovery home operators.

Key aspects of sober living include:

• Recovery-Focused Environment: All guests must be committed to maintaining sobriety from drugs and alcohol.
• Flexible Entry Criteria: While many residents are referred after completing treatment or leaving incarceration, others may enter directly without prior treatment.
• Family-Like Community: Residents support each other, creating a close-knit environment that fosters mutual accountability and encouragement.
• House Rules: Sober living homes have specific rules that all guests must follow, ensuring a stable and supportive environment.
• Rent Payment: Guests are responsible for paying rent to the sober home operator, similar to a traditional rental arrangement.

What is expected of sober house guests (residents)?

Guests in a sober house are expected to maintain sobriety, follow house rules, and actively contribute to the household. This includes paying rent, participating in chores, and supporting fellow residents in their recovery. Sober house living is designed to help guests rebuild responsibility and self-discipline, essential skills for long-term sobriety and independence.

Key Expectations:

• Independence: Guests are responsible for their own daily living, including finances and self-care.
• Rule Adherence: Following house rules is mandatory to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
• Rent Payment: Guests must pay rent regularly, similar to a traditional living arrangement.
• Active Engagement: Participation in recovery activities, chores, and peer support is essential.

What is the difference between a sober house and a halfway house?

Both sober houses and halfway houses provide crucial support for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, but they serve slightly different purposes and populations. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right environment for your recovery journey.

Key Differences:

• Funding: Halfway houses are usually state-funded, while sober houses are privately owned.
• Structure: Halfway houses are more rigid with strict rules, whereas sober houses offer greater flexibility.
• Leadership: Halfway houses are less peer-led and more staff-controlled, while sober houses emphasize peer support.
• Population: Halfway houses often serve individuals with legal mandates, while sober houses cater to those actively seeking recovery.

For a more in-depth comparison, check out our full article on the differences between sober houses and halfway houses.

What are standard sober house rules?

Sober houses have rules designed to ensure a safe, supportive, and sober environment for all residents. While specific rules can vary between homes, most recovery homes adhere to several common principles that help maintain order and promote a successful recovery journey. The primary rule in all recovery living houses is that guests must stay clean and sober. It is a sober house – you can’t use alcohol or drugs, no matter what.

Typical sober house rules include:

• Zero tolerance for drug or alcohol possession or use.
• No threats of violence or harmful actions toward others or property.
• Prohibition on covering up other residents’ substance use or rule violations.
• Required adherence to sign-in/sign-out procedures and curfews.
• Timely payment of rent and participation in household expenses.
• Completion of assigned chores and contributions to household upkeep.

Prohibited items: Additionally, sober houses often have a list of prohibited items, such as alcohol-containing products or anything that could be used to mask substance use. Understanding and agreeing to these rules is essential for all guests, as violations can lead to consequences ranging from verbal or written warnings to discharge.

For more detailed information, read our article on House Rules in Sober Living.

Leadership in Recovery Homes

Most recovery homes are privately owned by individuals or small organizations. Nearly all are led by live-in House Mentors or House Managers. Recovery homes are often for-profit organizations, but some are non-profit.

The role of a House Mentor

Most recovery homes are led by a House Mentor or House Manager who plays a crucial role in maintaining the supportive and structured environment that is essential for successful recovery. These leaders are often individuals in long-term recovery themselves, using their experience to guide and support residents. The role of a House Mentor or House Manager typically includes:

• Providing Guidance: Offering support and mentorship to residents as they navigate their recovery journey.
• Enforcing House Rules: Ensuring that all residents adhere to the established house rules, creating a safe and sober environment.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes between residents and helping to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Managing Daily Operations: Overseeing day-to-day activities, such as organizing chores, curfews, and coordinating group meetings.

For more detailed information on house mentorship in recovery homes, read our article on House Mentorship in VSL Sober Living.

Sober Living Operators

Sober homes are typically owned and operated by individuals or small organizations dedicated to supporting their local recovery community. These operators may work independently or be part of a network, like Vanderburgh Sober Living, which offers additional resources and support. Responsibilities of sober home operators include:

• Community Leadership: Maintaining the home, handling finances, and ensuring that the living environment is safe and conducive to recovery.
• Resident Selection: Screening and approving new residents to maintain a positive and sober atmosphere.
• Compliance: Adhering to local regulations, licensing requirements, and best practices in recovery housing.
• Community Engagement: Building relationships with local recovery services, employers, and community resources to support residents.

If you’re an aspiring or already-established operator interested in joining a network that prioritizes excellence and community, Vanderburgh Sober Living offers the resources and support you need to succeed. Connect with us to become a VSL Chartered Operator and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those on their recovery journey.

Who can live in a Sober House?

Sober living homes may accept self-referred applicants, but most have gone through some form of treatment or corrections program before applying. This makes sense; guests must be equipped to stay sober to succeed in a sober house. Individuals and recovery from addiction who have maintained sobriety and possess tools to stay clean are more likely to succeed in sober living. Some homes require a minimum of fourteen or even thirty days of sobriety. Please review the chart below for more information about the continuum of care.

Note: Although “program first” is often the best path to take, it is not a requirement in some homes. Some sober houses, including those in the Vanderburgh Sober Living network, will accept guests who are new to recovery provided they are willing to stay sober. However, sober house applicants should have already completed any detox program required to cure physical addiction so they are not acutely ill and unable to work while living in the house.

How much does a sober house cost?

The cost of living in a sober house varies based on location, amenities, and the specific recovery home. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing in different areas:

• Major Cities: In larger cities like Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, weekly rent tends to range from $200 to $250.
• Smaller Cities: Cities such as Worcester, Lowell, and New Bedford, MA, usually have weekly rates between $180 and $200.
• Lower-Cost Areas: In locations with a lower cost of living, such as Springfield, MA, and New Britain, CT, weekly rates are often around $160.

These rates typically cover all living expenses except for food and entertainment, making sober housing an affordable option compared to inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Funding options: Recovery housing is not covered by insurance, which can make affordability a concern for some residents. However, some sober houses, particularly well-networked recovery residences like VSL Chartered Homes, can help coordinate alternative funding sources. Grants or other financial assistance may be available to help offset the cost of living in a sober house, ensuring that those in need can access supportive housing during their recovery journey.

Typically, sober house guests must maintain employment or rely on family and friends to cover their living costs. Most sober houses strive to keep costs manageable so that residents working part-time or earning minimum wage can afford to live without financial assistance.

Join a VSL sober living community!

If you’re looking for a supportive and structured environment to help you maintain sobriety, consider applying to live in a Vanderburgh Sober Living Chartered Recovery Home. The VSL network offers recovery housing across the Northeast and the Carolinas, and provide the stability and peer support you need as you transition to independent living. Take the next step in your recovery by joining a community committed to your success.

or call us at (844) 762-3747 to start your journey toward lasting sobriety today!

How Do You Pick a Sober Living Home?

If you’re new to recovery, you might be unsure how to find a sober living house. It can be difficult to pick with so many possibilities and no past experience with sober living or recovery residences.

We want to make sure you locate a high-quality sober living home that meets all of your recovery needs, even if it isn’t a Vanderburgh House home. On the same line, we recognize how challenging it can be to discover the ideal sober living arrangement in early recovery. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through the procedure.

1. Where is the Sober House Located?

The location of a sober living house is critical since it will serve as the focal point for all of your life activities—at least for a while. Your safety comes first and foremost. To ensure that you are safe and have easy access to everything you need while living in a sober living home, examine the following location-related questions.

• Is the sober living home in a safe, supportive neighborhood for your recovery?
• Is the sober living home convenient to your place of employment or school?
• Are there any recovery meetings close by or within walking distance (if you don’t have access to a car)?
• Is it simple to travel to a food shop via vehicle, walking, or public transportation?
• How easy is it for you to get to a doctor if you need one?
• Is there a laundry nearby that you may use if the sober living home does not have a washing and dryer?
• What kind of sober activities are available in the area?
• Is the population of the city or town expected to increase or decrease?
• What is the state of the local economy and labor market?

These are very critical questions to ask if you’re thinking about moving to a different city to live in a sober living home. Although relocation might be difficult, it can also provide a fresh start in a new location, which can be both rejuvenating and encouraging for many people.

2. Get your homework done.

Due investigation is critical when looking for a transitional living program. You should conduct research to ensure that any sober living home you are contemplating will provide the recovery support services you require, as well as a safe and happy living environment and hold you accountable to your recovery goals.Although many sober living homes are not controlled or overseen by any state, local, or national organization, there are a few that are.

The following are a few visible indications of a high-quality sober living home:

Sober House Certification

Certification is an outward indicator of a sober living home’s dedication to quality and a good indication that the management and programs are good. Look for transitional housing that is sponsored by well-known groups like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and its affiliates, such as the Texas Recovery-Oriented Housing Network, to discover one that maintains a high quality of care.

Sober Living Policies

A superb sober living home will have a stringent no-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs. This ensures that all residents have a safe and sober living environment at all times. In the early phases of recovery, this dramatically minimizes stress and temptation.

A sober living home’s rules and restrictions for residents should be clearly specified. This demonstrates the staff’s commitment to all residents’ safety, health, and well-being, as well as ensuring that you’ll be living in an atmosphere that holds you accountable for your actions.

Cleanliness & Safety of the Recovery Residence

Living places that are clean and structurally sound: If a sober living home isn’t clean or the facility isn’t structurally sound, you should be very hesitant to live there.

A well-kept sober house demonstrates that the staff and residents value one another and are committed to their obligations and long-term recovery achievement.

Recovery Support Services

If you want to stay sober for the long haul, look for a sober living home that offers services like job placement, drug testing, certified peer recovery programs, volunteer placement, educational planning, and access to IOP for residents who need it.

Check out the website, look up local listings and client reviews/testimonials, chat to the staff, and ask as many questions as possible to see if a sober living home satisfies the above criteria.

3. Pay a visit to a sober living facility.

It’s also a good idea to visit any sober living homes on your list as you narrow down your choices. Make contact with the personnel and arrange for a day visit to see the facility for yourself. Ask yourself questions such, “Do I feel at ease here?” while you’re there. “Would I like to spend a few days, weeks, or months here?”

Take note of the existing occupants’ actions as well.

• Do they appear to be content and happy?
• Is there a positive or negative vibe going on?

If you are unable to visit the home in person, look at images online and read testimonials from prior residents to get a better sense of the environment and living arrangements.

You could also wish to bring a sober friend, a family member, or your sponsor with you to get a second opinion. That way, if you’re having difficulties making objective observations, you’ll have someone else to talk to.

4. Go over the rules that apply to residents.

After visiting the sober living home, speak with the administration or admissions staff to ensure that you understand the rules, standards, and expectations for residents. It’s better to do this before committing to residency, as it’ll be more difficult to change your mind once you’ve traveled to the place and started preparing for enrollment.

Here are a few things to look for when reviewing the rules and requirements for residents of the sober living home:

• Is there one-on-one peer accountability or sober coaches available at the sober living home?
• Are there any types of recovery programming and/or 12-step group meetings available to residents?
• Is drug testing at random a part of the procedure?
• What is the policy on drugs and alcohol, including prescription prescriptions, in the home?
• What is the policy about visitors?
• If there are any social events scheduled for the inhabitants, what are they?
• What are the rules regarding romantic relationships?

These are all critical factors to consider while looking for a sober living home because they may have a long-term impact on your capacity to stay sober.

5. Find out everything you can about the people on the team.

A sober living home’s staff management is crucial to the success and happiness of its inhabitants. You should find out who is on staff, what qualifications they have, and how they interact with residents before enrolling in a transitional living program.

Do they live on-site and offer peer mentoring? Are they on the mend as well? What is the client-to-staff ratio? How will residents be held accountable for their sobriety? It’s a positive sign if the transitional living house has a firm yet caring staff that will enforce the rules and give constant, on-site residential care.

If no staff members are present, you should inquire about how residents are held accountable and what kind of recovery support programs are provided. Although this type of sober living environment may work well for some people who have been sober for months or years, a freshly sober person will most likely want greater accountability and support in order to be successful.

6. Become familiar with the financial needs.

Of course, no matter how badly you want to live in a sober living home, you must first ensure that you can afford to do so. The majority of transitional housing programs charge a monthly fee to cover room and board, but you’ll need to budget for your own food, hygiene items, and transportation.

You might be able to utilize your health insurance benefits to cover some of the costs of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or monthly professional counseling sessions. Before enrolling in a sober living home, it’s a good idea to check with admissions officials to see if they accept your insurance.

Any other questions you have about sober living costs can be answered by the admissions staff of a sober living home, and they may even provide scholarships or financial assistance. When in doubt, ask as many questions as possible. Every sober living home offers various recovery support services and has varied budgetary requirements, so when in doubt, ask as many questions as possible.

If you recently finished treatment at a residential addiction treatment facility, your treatment team should be able to make recommendations and referrals for sober living homes based on your financial situation and needs.

7. Pick a place where you can stay for as long as you want.

Residents of some sober living homes are required to stay for a certain amount of time. You might be forced to stay at the facility for at least six months, for example. Other sober living homes may not have any restrictions on how long you can stay.

Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how long you’ll need to stay in a sober living home, so it’s usually preferable to find one that permits you to stay as long as you need. It’s usually better to stay in a sober living home until you and your sponsor are secure in your capacity to stay sober without the support of a sober living home.

8. Be on the lookout for red flags.

If you’re new to recovery and looking for a sober living home, there are a few warning flags to look out for. The following are some of the most typical signs that a sober living home is not providing enough care for those in recovery:

• Structure that is dilapidated, filthy, or unsafe
• Inspections are not carried out in accordance with regulations.
• There are no prerequisites for entry.
• There are no rules for residents, despite the fact that it claims to be free.
• There is no requirement for residents to get drug tested because there is no personnel or unqualified workers.

A sober living home that exhibits some or all of the above red flags is probably not a smart fit. Safe, sober, and high-quality living areas are provided by the top sober living houses.

Today is the best time to look for a sober living home.

It doesn’t have to be tough to find a sober living home. Vanderburgh House provides safe, clean, and supportive transitional living choices for men and women in all phases of recovery.