What is Sober Living?

A sober living program provides outpatient addiction treatment services in a safe, sober group-home setting. Residents of sober living homes are required to follow community rules, such as curfew and chores, but otherwise, are typically free to come and go as they please. If you are a resident at a sober home, you must also abstain from all drug and alcohol use. Random drug testing ensures that all residents remain sober.

Sober living homes can be residential homes or apartment complexes and are available for men, women and members of the LGBTQ community, so you can choose to live in the environment that makes you feel most comfortable.

While living in a sober home, you’ll also be required to attend regular counseling sessions and engage in an ongoing recovery support program. This structured approach helps residents transition from living in a community home to a life of sobriety on their own.

Benefits of Sober Living

• Consistent community support. At a sober living home, you are surrounded by peers going through the same things you are. This community lifestyle helps you establish a supportive group of people that provide encouragement and share wisdom while working toward the same goals.
• Increased independence and responsibility. In a sober home, you have the ability to come and go as you please. Although you are still required to follow community rules and contribute as requested, you live life as you typically would on your own — you buy groceries, pay rent, you go to work, etc. Sober living teaches you how to live responsibly without abusing drugs and alcohol.
• Practice staying sober. This is also a wonderful opportunity to practice staying sober in a safe environment. A harmful living environment with easy access to drugs and alcohol could easily lead to relapse, but spending several months in a sober home gives you time to learn how to implement relapse prevention techniques and prepare for life on your own.
• Accountability. Everyone needs accountability to achieve long-term sobriety. At a sober living home, you’ll also be enrolled in a personal monitoring program and assigned a sober coach who will serve as a constant source of support, as well as a liaison with family members.

Choosing a Sober Living Program

If you decide to enroll in a sober living program, there are several factors to consider first.

Location

Depending on your situation, you may prefer a sober living location closer to home. That way, you can still see family on a regular basis and maintain other local obligations while you pursue your recovery. On the other hand, your friends and family may be a negative influence on your recovery. In this case, a sober home located in a different state may be a better option for you.

Cost

Finding a high-quality, affordable sober living home is of the utmost importance. Many programs provide affordable living options alongside addiction monitoring programs and counseling. The staff at Briarwood Detox Center can provide recommendations for sober living accommodations, as well as IOP and residential treatment.

Outpatient Treatment Services

Sober living is designed to offer support for those who have already graduated from a residential treatment program. It should offer a lifestyle modeled around recovery, life skills, and supportive outpatient treatment services. Finding a sober home that provides the level of support you need and want is vital.

Comfort

There are many different types of sober living homes, such as houses, apartments and even full streets of community housing. We recommend choosing a housing situation that makes you feel comfortable and safe.
If you have additional questions about outpatient treatment or sober living after detox, please contact a member of the Briarwood Detox Center admissions team. We are here to help.