You’ve completed your rehabilitation program, but you’re still not ready to transition back to your previous life. You’ve heard about sober living homes and understand that these houses offer safe, substance-free environments that allow people in recovery an opportunity to continually surround themselves with other people who are pursuing the same goals of sobriety, support, and wellness. But you are still on the fence about whether or not this type of post-rehab living situation is right for you. You have questions such as, “Am I ready to live in a home with a group of strangers?” Or “Can I deal with curfews and other restrictions that often accompany a sober home living situation?” It’s time to buckle down and weigh all of the facts in this decision, as it’s not something to be taken lightly. Here are five things to consider before entering into a sober living home.

1.) Is it near public transportation?

Sometimes when someone is in active addiction, they face legal issues such as getting a DUI and no longer have a license. Or the person lost his or her car due to financial hardships as a result of a substance abuse problem. If this is a situation that pertains to you, find out if your sober home offers transportation options or is close to local transit resources such as a subway, bus or train station. Or you can see if anyone in the sober home offer rides or is willing to do a ride share. After rehab, you may be required to attend court and/or parole hearings, recovery meetings, or an outpatient treatment program. Being in a location that offers various forms of transportation should be a primary factor when considering living in a sober living home.

2.) Your routine

When you begin your search, think about how important routine is to you. See if you can find a house that is in a location that fits your daily routine, which is a critical part of maintaining your sobriety. Make sure the sober home is near:

• Your job
• Recovery meetings
• Your therapist
• Your family, friends and community support network

3.) Can you live with a group of strangers?

The type of residents living in a sober home often depends on the cost of the house, location, and the demographics the establishment is catering towards. You need to visit the home and get a general feel for the type of people you would be rooming or sharing the house with every day.

Some sober living homes are designed to cater to:

• Religious or secular groups
• Alternative lifestyles such as LBGTQ communities
• Gender
• Assist those with co-occurring disorders 

You need to be real with yourself during this decision and make sure you have the kind of personality that can handle sharing your space with several people. Does the thought of this environment make you feel positive, or does it make you feel anxious? 

4.) Can you afford it?

Cost can play a major role in deciding whether or not a sober living home is for you. Even though affordable sober living options exist, you need to understand that you often get what you pay for in terms of amenities, the condition of the home, the amount of structure offered daily, and any special services.

5.) Are you okay with rules and daily chores?

Rules and daily chores are a regular part of the sober home experience. Household residents agree to a set of rules, and any violations will result in consequences, sometimes it may involve being asked to leave the home. Common rules for residents may include:

1. Remaining sober throughout the duration of their stay. 
2. Completing daily chores and keeping living areas clean
3. Having a curfew
4. Respecting other residents and no violence
5. No relationships with other residents
6. Following a curfew
7. No weapons

Final Thoughts

The bottom line here is – do your research and make sure a sober home is really for you. If you decide it is, find a home that fits your personality and addresses your needs. If you have completed a drug treatment program but are unsure of returning back home – consider transitioning into a sober living program. The Kimberly Center’s Recovery Residence is a comfortable sober living home providing a stable, substance-free environment for those who are ready for a life without drugs and alcohol. We strive to create a recovery community that is supportive and collaborative, where our residents build each other up. If you are interested in our Recovery Residence, contact The Kimberly Center today at 855-452-3683 to learn more about availability.