Understanding National Regulations on Sober Living Homes in the United States Part 1

Detailed descriptions of analytic methods and statistical results have been reported in Polcin, Korcha, Bond, & Galloway (2010), Polcin Korcha, Bond, & Galloway (in press), and Polcin Korcha, Bond, Galloway & Lapp (in press). Our purpose here is to summarize the most salient and relevant findings for SLHs as a community based recovery option. We then expand on the findings by considering potential implications of SLHs for treatment and criminal justice systems. We also include a discussion of our plans to study the community context of SLHs, which will depict how stakeholder influences support and hinder their operations and potential for expansion.

This informal peer-support model is what makes staying in a sober living house great as a bridge during addiction recovery. Sober living houses and halfway houses are often used interchangeably as they both provide a substance-free living environment for those suffering from addiction. Differences between the two can stem from funding, length of stay, and requirements to apply to live there. Sober what are sober living homes living homes typically do not limit the length of stay and may not require previous attendance in a formal addiction treatment program. Halfway houses, on the other hand, typically have a time limit and require residents to either be attending a treatment program or have recently completed one. The second phase allows for more personal autonomy and increased responsibility for one’s recovery.

Transitional Housing

In the communal home, residents must pay their own way and may be required to take on more responsibility than they would in a rehab center. For example, members must often pay for rent and hold a steady job or attend school. They must also contribute to the community by helping with chores, taking responsibility for their actions, and respecting and obeying all house rules.

Or, leave your questions or comments about the sober living industry below! We’re always looking for ways to keep the conversation about recovery going. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight addiction. Ideal residents may be seeking “structured” recovery away from a troublesome local history.

Sober Living for Women

Sober living homes are group homes for people who are recovering from addiction issues. People who live in sober homes have to follow certain laid down rules and of course contribute to the home by doing their own allocated chores. Our goal is to help you overcome your addiction and develop the tools you need for a sustainable 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. Areas for further research include testing innovative interventions to improve criminal justice outcomes, such as Motivational Interviewing Case Management (MICM) and examining the community context of SLHs.