Addiction Recovery

5 Sober Living Home Options You Need To Consider

October 17, 2022

There are a lot to consider when looking for sober living home options. Read this article to know what they are.

When you struggle with addiction, your whole world feels like it’s flipped upside down. Even getting treatment pulls you away from “normal living.” And when it’s time to get back out there, it can be scary and tricky to navigate. That’s what sober living homes are for.

A sober living home is a safe and stable place where people can go after intensive rehab. It helps you transition back into society.

And you don’t have to be fresh out of rehab to go to a sober living house. People who have recently relapsed or have been out of treatment for months can also benefit from this.

Sober living homes provide structure, stability, accountability, and support to guide you back on the right track. You’ll learn the life skills you need to live a life of sobriety and meet people who are on the same path as you.

But not every sober living home is the same. With countless scattered across the country, choosing the best one for you can be challenging.

To know which sober living home option is for you, you should know what to consider- location, legitimacy, safety, affordability, amenities, and benefits.

what to consider in looking for sober living
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5 Sober Living Home Options You Need To Consider

1. Location

When looking for sober living options, location is an essential factor. Many experts recommend choosing a place for inpatient treatment or supportive housing relatively far from where you live.

This allows you to distance yourself from triggers. The distance will also make you take the experience more seriously. More than that, a new and fresh setting gives you variety. Being somewhere new does wonders for your mental health and recovery.

The Internet is marvelous as you can browse all these sober living options and virtually tour them. But physically going to them before committing is a smarter step. Ensure the area is pleasant, well-maintained, and has enough patient space.

The neighborhood and the people there will greatly affect your recovery. So knowing firsthand what they’re like is important before making your decision.

types of supportive housing
Source: Unsplash

2. Length of Stay

Not everyone recovers and transitions at the same pace. Ideally, you’ll want a place with no limit to how long a patient can remain. If you comply with their rules, such as staying alcohol- and drug-free, they’ll allow you to stay as long as you want.

Some sober living homes even have a 6-month stay requirement to make sure you’re set up for success when you leave.

Some people fair better than others in recovery, and there’s no way to predict how long you’ll need to stay in a sober home. So, best choose a place that allows flexibility so you can take all the time you need.

3. Legitimacy and Safety

This phase of your recovery is crucial, so you have to ensure that you’re choosing a capable, qualified, and legitimate type of supportive housing.

Sober living homes may be fraudulent. Some exploit those needing substance abuse treatment; others have sketchy practices. There are those with little to no ground rules, essentially leaving patients to sell substances to other patients.

Research and learn about the necessary accreditations and certifications of your sober living home options. Asking these questions may also be helpful:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • What standards of living do they practice?
  • What do past and current patients have to say?
  • Do they conduct regular interviews to hold patients accountable for sobriety?
  • Are the people working there qualified?
  • What are their guidelines?
Source: Unsplash

4. Affordability

Staying in a sober living home is not just a time commitment but a financial obligation too. Knowing what services they provide, and what modes of payment are accepted are just some of the things you should ask. But that doesn’t mean that the most pricey one is the best. You have to understand what the fees are and what they cover.

Thinking about money and these financial responsibilities can be overwhelming when recovering. But you can ask what kind of assistance is available. Some have deals where your first few months are free until you can secure an income. Others are even partnered with financing companies.

5. Additional Amenities

A sober living home is more than a place to live in. It’s a place of recovery, treatment, and a space to get ready to face the real world again. So, aside from the basic amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, and eating areas, look at what else they offer that could help you and your recovery.

Additional amenities some sober living homes offer include:

  • Saunas
  • A pool
  • A gym
  • Health and fitness programs or classes
  • Library or reading room with books available
  • Laundry rooms
  • Computers and wi-fi

Of course, the types of amenities they offer will affect the price. Those with more luxurious amenities tend to be pricier than usual.

Getting Back To The Real World

Going back to normal functioning after struggling with addiction and treatment is scary. Even just thinking about it can be very overwhelming. But you don’t have to thrust yourself into that. Sober living home options can help you become ready and more stable to handle the real world again. And while there are thousands of options, there are a few things to consider to make sure you decide on the best one for you.

Are you looking for a supportive housing for substance abuse recovery in Portland? Start your healing and turn to Another Chance and our new sober living home partner NW Recovery homes. You can visit us at 12670 NW Barnes Rd Suite 200, Portland, OR 97229. You may also contact us at 971-269-8124 or go to our website to learn more.