What To Look For In A Men’s Sober House

Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content

image

Sober living houses first started operating in the 1800s.  They offer people recovering from substance abuse problems a drug and alcohol-free environment.  As is true for substance abuse programs, there are a number of different types of sober living facilities available.  Unlike halfway houses (which are another type of transitional residential option), which are often financed by the state, sober living houses are privately run and funded by organizations.  

 

Sober living houses are not required to legally hold any licenses, and the government does not regulate them.  Because of this, it is vital that you make sure that you find a sober living house which is reputable and can accommodate your specific needs.  Below are several different tips which you need to be mindful of when you are looking at your options.

 

  • Know what your needs are.  Identifying your needs as they related to the environment of a sober living house will help you to narrow down your options.  There are different types of sober living houses for men which cater to people who have specialized needs (e.g. people with dual diagnosis, people who wish to stay for longer-term) which go beyond merely being gender specific.
  • Cost.  The costs and fees which are associated with each sober house depend on the house. Be sure that you fully understand the financial commitments which are involved to live at the facility before you make a decision.  For some, the costs which are associated with high-end sober living houses make staying in them impossible.
  • Get to know the facility and the amenities which are offered.  Each sober house has a different residential setting and provides different amenities.  For example, depending on how big the resident is, some can give residents private rooms, which others require that residents share rooms.
  • Understanding the rules of the house and its regulations.  Though there are some common rules which are enforced in sober living houses (e.g. no guests overnight, attending a certain number of substance abuse meetings, gaining employment or a volunteer position, and of course, no drugs and alcohol), specific rules vary depending on the sober living house.

 

Moving into a sober living house will push back the date when someone returns to his house for as long as the person chooses to remain at the sober living for men.  While this might seem undesirable for some people, it is vital that the person who is recovering from addition prioritizing his sobriety.  

 

The time spent staying at a sober living house provides a number of benefits.  It helps people to foster friendships with other sober people, developing a support network of similar people.  It helps the people staying there to practice accountability, which assists in strengthening the individual’s recovery, without facing potential temptations and triggers which might be present in someone’s life.

 

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse issues, we recommend that you reach out to gain help as soon as you can.  Untreated substance abuse can result in long lasting issues, and can potentially lead to death.  Bear in mind that you are not alone!  There is a network of professionals which are available to help and guide you into the process of recovery.  The earlier that you seek support, the sooner that you or your loved one will be able to start a happy and fulfilling life in sobriety, away from drugs and alcohol.

 

How long should I stay in a sober house?

Sober homes differ in terms of what is expected of residents.  While some sober living houses have certain timelines, most of the time residents can stay in sober living homes for as long as they pay rent.  The most crucial factor in determining how long to stay is the needs of the resident.

 

Some residents may find that they are prepared to leave a sober house after a few months.  Other people may need a year or more so they can work on repairing their relationships, find a job, make living plans, and become more confident within their sobriety.  While everyone recovers at a different rate, it is worth noting that long periods of time spent in treatment correlate with a risk of relapse which is significantly reduced.  While sober living houses vary, quality sober living houses share a few things.  They include:

 

  • Well-trained managers
  • Staff available 24/7
  • Daily schedules
  • Regular drug-testing to ensure the safety and sobriety of residents
  • Facilities which are clean and safe
rich_text    
Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content
rich_text    

Page Comments