Many individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs do not have access to appropriate housing sober house that supports sustained recovery. Our study found positive longitudinal outcomes for 300 individuals living in two different types of SLHs, which suggests they might be an effective option for those in need of alcohol- and drug-free housing. Improvements were noted in alcohol and drug use, arrests, psychiatric symptoms and employment. Although criminal justice referred residents had alcohol and drug use outcomes that were similar to other residents, they had a harder time finding and keeping work and had higher rearrest rates.

Primary Outcomes

These homes often include programs and groups that focus on topics such as anger management, healthy masculinity, and developing positive coping skills. Sharing experiences, offering advice, and supporting each other makes the journey less lonely and more encouraging. In this article, we’ll break down what sober living homes are and highlight the many ways they help those dedicated to living addiction-free. Recovering from https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ substance abuse can feel like a tough journey, but with the right support, it is achievable.

At least five people died in sober living homes in April 2023 from drug and alcohol use, medical examiner records show. And at the end of the month, AHCCCS and health department officials found a distressing scene at a former hotel where a treatment program operator was housing dozens of patients, including children. Armed guards patrolled the exits to keep people from leaving, the governor’s office said. Second is to expand on these findings by considering potential implications of our research for inpatient and outpatient treatment and for criminal justice systems. We also describe plans to conduct studies of resident subgroups, such as individuals referred from the criminal justice system.

A Brief History of Sober Housing

It is difficult to ascertain the exact number because they are not formal treatment programs and are therefore outside the purview of state licensing agencies. Over 24 agencies affiliated with CAARR offer clean and sober living services. The goal of sober living homes is to monitor and improve health, safety and wellness using peer support.

The clinics would often coordinate with unregulated sober living homes to house patients eligible for the program. The clinics would then pay the homes for supplying patients, using a cut of the outsize profits they made billing the American Indian Health Program. But the failure to communicate licensing changes to staff made the agency and program even more vulnerable. Victims were enrolled in the  American Indian Health Program through the state’s Medicaid Agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCS). The homes billed AHCCS for patient care in excess of $1,000 per day per patient.

Are There Non-Profit Sober Living Homes?

• These homes aren’t just spaces where individuals reside during recovery; they’re environments meticulously designed to foster sobriety and personal growth.
• Improvements were noted in alcohol and drug use, arrests, psychiatric symptoms and employment.
• For some individuals, alternative recovery settings may be necessary, particularly those requiring more specialized care or a different structure to support their sobriety.
• Infinite Recovery in Austin, TX offers a supportive, structured sober living environment to help you succeed.
• Another let providers continue collecting Medicaid payments after their health department licenses lapsed, meaning AHCCCS no longer had updated information on clinics’ certifications or ownership.

It further provides an environment to support recovery from substance abuse for those who are emerging from rehab. Individuals in recovery should feel like they are easing back into everyday life and can start returning to their daily tasks and responsibilities. However, although these residences are less restrictive than inpatient facilities, they still have rules that residents must abide by. Sober living homes are different than halfway houses in that halfway houses are transitional living spaces for people who have been incarcerated and need a place to live while transitioning back into the community. Someone living in a halfway house is under the supervision of probation or parole.

Daily Activities in Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes, also known as recovery residences, provide a structured and supportive place for individuals recovering from substance abuse. These homes create a safe environment where residents can focus on staying sober while gradually transitioning back to independent living. They are environments free of substance abuse where individuals can receive support from peers who are also in recovery. There is no time limit on how long someone can live in a sober living house.

Because these residences are privately owned, each offers something different in terms of its layout and amenities. Check out providers’ websites and ask around to determine whether a local home is right for you. Morgan is a mental health counselor who works alongside individuals of all backgrounds struggling with eating disorders. Morgan is freelance mental health and creative writer who regularly contributes to publications including, Psychology Today. Being enrolled in a 12-step program whilst residing in a sober living home shows that a resident is steadfast in their commitment to sobriety.

However, each level of sober living home has different rules and restrictions. Some facilities require a minimum number of days of sobriety from substance abuse, but many will work with you to determine if you’re a good fit. Those searching for the right sober living home should look for facilities with reputable staff, and a safe and productive living environment and culture. Health insurance usually doesn’t cover sober living homes since they’re not considered medical treatment.

This often includes finding a stable living environment that is free of drugs or alcohol. Even the most highly motivated people can find it hard to remain sober if there are drugs or alcohol in their living space when they are newly sober. Nonetheless, the benefits of sober living homes usually outweigh the drawbacks when they are well-managed and actively encourage residents’ engagement in recovery activities. Despite the positive outcomes, sober living homes are not without their challenges.

The Importance of Employment Support During Recovery

While completing a substance abuse rehab program before moving in may not be required, it can help individuals to stay sober. However, if residents are willing to remain sober, follow all house rules, and guarantee medical stability, they should feel free to apply. Halfway houses are often a step between prison and regular life, while sober living houses are focused recovery spaces that people choose to help them stay sober. It also provides a therapeutic space where you can get support from peers who are also recovering from substance abuse.

Alternatively, you may enjoy the on-the-go peer support available through Reframe, which offers a 24/7 anonymous forum, 1-on-1 coaching, daily Zoom check-ins, and challenges to complete alongside your peers. Like any treatment option, sober living houses have plenty of benefits and drawbacks. Sober living homes may or may not be accredited or licensed through a state, local, or national agency. Samir is a writer specializing in mental health, substance use disorders, and addiction treatment with a background in the non-profit sector. Sober living houses are commonly mistaken for rehabilitation or treatment facilities. Both are important to those recovering from drug or alcohol abuse but play different roles.

In November 2024, her office announced a $6 million grant program for tribal nations affected by the sober living home fraud. A spokesperson said only tribes and nonprofits in Arizona can apply for the money. In July 2022, AHCCCS publicly posted a proposal to set a reimbursement rate of $138 per claim for intensive outpatient addiction treatment. The team responsible for setting rates had determined that amount was in line with industry standards. The place where he stayed in Phoenix, a two-story house with a hot tub and swimming pool, looked like a mansion in the photos that Jeffrey Hustito shared in text messages, his sister, Katherine Hustito, said.

Drug & Substance Abuse FAQs

These can range from regular chores to safety and privacy provisions such as separate bathrooms for different genders. If you’ve recently relapsed, then sober living residences could be a good option. If you’re struggling with triggers and feeling overwhelmed, then a drug and alcohol-free environment can be helpful. All sober houses have a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of drugs or alcohol. Some recovery houses insist on random drug testing to ensure residents remain sober. Individuals who breach this are usually removed from the home immediately to protect the other residents.