{"id":629,"date":"2024-06-11T18:11:28","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T18:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/?p=585"},"modified":"2026-02-11T16:36:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:36:35","slug":"what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Living in a Sober Living Home Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sober living homes, sometimes referred to as halfway houses, are an option for people in early recovery to live in a safe drug and alcohol-free atmosphere until they feel strong enough to live on their own or back with friends or family without the temptation to drink or use again. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people choose to live in a sober living home because their home environment isn\u2019t a place that is conducive for them to try and get sober, while others choose this option as a way of stepping down to a lower level of care after completing a drug and alcohol treatment program. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people in early recovery also choose to enroll in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or an Outpatient Program (OP) to have a healthy balance between continuing to get well and beginning to live a \u201cnormal\u201d life again. This allows them to go to work and be a productive member of society, while still having a group and therapist to talk about how the transition is going and any troubles you may be having. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#what-are-some-of-the-common-rules-at-a-sober-living-home\" >What Are Some of the Common Rules at a Sober Living Home?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#zero-tolerance-policy-on-drinking-alcohol-andor-using-drugs\" >Zero tolerance policy on drinking alcohol and\/or using drugs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#curfews\" >Curfews<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#mandatory-support-groups\" >Mandatory Support Groups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#getting-a-job\" >Getting a Job<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/what-living-in-a-sober-home-is-like\/#learn-how-to-build-a-sober-life-at-principles-recovery\" >Learn How to Build a Sober Life at Principles Recovery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-are-some-of-the-common-rules-at-a-sober-living-home\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Some of the Common Rules at a Sober Living Home?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Halfway houses provide structure and accountability for people who are genuinely trying to stay clean and sober. (Basically, don\u2019t take a bed away from someone who really needs and wants it if you know you\u2019re not ready.) The rules and rent situations vary at each sober living house, but there are a few staples that remain consistent from home-to-home. Some examples of house rules include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"zero-tolerance-policy-on-drinking-alcohol-andor-using-drugs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zero tolerance policy on drinking alcohol and\/or using drugs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Random urinalysis (UA) and blood alcohol testing or breathalyzing can be done a specified number of times per week or month, or a UA and a breathalyzer can be administered if the client is acting suspicious, has been breaking rules, or really for any reason at all &#8212; so no one can try and beat the system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"curfews\"><\/span>Curfews<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curfews are a rule that many residents strongly dislike, but are in place for everyone\u2019s safety and simultaneously teaches accountability. Especially as a new resident, curfews can be quite early. As clients make progress and trust is earned, curfews can be extended. It is also esteem-building to be given additional privileges due to good behavior and \u201cdoing the next right thing\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, curfews can be set back due to not following the rules, being late multiple times, or acting out. Of course, curfews can always be adjusted based on work schedules &#8212; but be prepared to give a copy of your work schedule (and don\u2019t lie, take my word for it) to your house manager or whoever is in charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"mandatory-support-groups\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mandatory Support Groups<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is typical for a halfway house to require residents to attend mandatory meetings. Most clients choose twelve-step meetings like <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.aa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcoholics Anonymous<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.na.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcotics Anonymous<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while others choose alternative support groups like <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.smartrecovery.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SMART Recovery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.celebraterecovery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celebrate Recovery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Generally, as a rule, clients must get meeting sheets signed by a chairperson or facilitator of the group to prove attendance. Don\u2019t think of it a punishment, but rather a gift. If you didn\u2019t have to get a meeting sheet signed, it would be harder to work up the motivation to get up and go. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personally, I\u2019ve never left a meeting saying, \u201cI really wish I didn\u2019t go to that\u201d, so even if it takes you a while to figure out what works best for you, you\u2019re still taking in new experiences and pushing yourself to do things that you wouldn\u2019t have done before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"getting-a-job\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a Job<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most sober living homes give clients a set amount of time to find employment. Not only is this necessary for paying rent, but maintaining a job and earning an income builds self-esteem and confidence. Some halfway homes even set certain times of the day when you are not allowed to be on property so you can be out looking for a job. Independence is one of the biggest self-worth boosters out there.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"learn-how-to-build-a-sober-life-at-principles-recovery\"><\/span>Learn How to Build a Sober Life at Principles Recovery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;16534&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]If you\u2019re thinking about a sober living home or halfway house for yourself or a loved one, <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> for more information on how it works. We&#8217;ll be happy to help you learn your options and develop an action plan for entering recovery and building your new life of sobriety.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sober living homes, sometimes referred to as halfway houses, are an option for people in early recovery to live in a safe drug and alcohol-free atmosphere until they feel strong enough to live on their own or back with friends or family without the temptation to drink or use again. Some people choose to live [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":16533,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recovery-from-addiction"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=629"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16641,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/629\/revisions\/16641"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebrandsmen.com\/principlesrecoverycenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}