What Is a Sober Living House and How Does It Work?

At Amity San Diego, we often get asked: What is a sober living house? These transitional homes play a vital role in the recovery journey for many individuals overcoming addiction.

Sober living houses provide a structured, supportive environment for people who have completed initial treatment and are ready to take the next step towards independent living. In this post, we'll explore how these homes work and why they're an essential part of the recovery process for many.

Unlike rehabilitation centers, sober living houses don't provide formal treatment. Instead, they enforce strict rules to maintain a drug-free environment. These often include:

A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that individuals who lived in sober homes were more likely to remain abstinent and less likely to face arrest compared to those who returned directly home after treatment.

Sober living houses come in various forms to cater to different needs:

The National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR) has established a classification system for recovery residences, providing guidance for certifying effective recovery residences and incorporating collaborative values of acute care and social models.

When selecting a sober living house, it's essential to consider your specific needs and recovery goals. Factors to consider include:

Some individuals may benefit from houses that offer additional services such as job placement assistance or on-site counseling. Others might prefer a more independent living situation with minimal oversight.

The transition from a highly structured treatment environment to a sober living house marks a significant step in the recovery journey. As we move forward, we'll explore the specific rules and structures that make sober living houses effective in supporting long-term sobriety.

At Amity San Diego, we understand that structure forms the backbone of successful recovery. Sober living houses provide this essential element through well-defined rules, routines, and accountability measures. Let's explore how these homes create an environment that fosters long-term sobriety.