It’s tough trying to live a fulfilling life of sobriety without the right support and resources around you. You can’t be expected to go from an inpatient care program back to normal life without some sort of transitional help. A residency sober house could be the answer. So, what are these homes, and what should you know before committing to one?
What Is A Sober House
One way to work towards sobriety and get back into society after substance abuse treatment is to enter a sober house. Many leading treatment providers offer high-quality sober living in Salt Lake City. These residential properties are set up as transitional houses to offer a secure environment between inpatient treatment and life back at home. A sober house can be highly beneficial for outpatients who need extra support and don’t have anywhere better to go. For example, you might be on the road to recovery and no longer in need of inpatient care but know that your home environment puts you in contact with potential triggers and enablers.
Whatever your reason for choosing a sober house, you need to be fully aware of what you are signing up for and your responsibilities. Remember that residents who don’t comply with the house rules risk being removed from the program. This could limit your access to vital support systems and act as a step backward on your journey. You should always read the clauses and terms of agreement before committing to any program, as they may vary between locations. Still, you can expect the following.
What To Know Before Signing Up
No alcohol or drug use is permitted
This first one shouldn’t need to be said, but there are people who try and break this rule, so it’s the first thing facilities talk about. This is a sober house designed to be a safe space for everyone staying there. There should be no access to alcohol in any form, nor any drugs, whether legal or illegal. Everyone in the house should respect everyone else’s journey and not create any form of temptation.
Violence is not prohibited
Again, this one should be pretty obvious, but facilities need to make it clear that violence isn’t tolerated at all. This includes violence towards staff members and other residents in the home. Those who do become violent will be asked to leave the program, often with immediate effect.
Anyone with anger management issues should handle this with their therapy team in an appropriate manner.
Residents must respect their living space
This may be a transitional housing situation, but it’s still somewhere that residents should be able to call home. It should be comfortable, safe, and inviting for everyone living there at all times. Therefore, residents must be prepared to do their share of the chores, keep their bedrooms tidy, and respect the personal space and property of everyone else in the residence.
Residents must respect their neighbors
This level of care and respect also applies to your new neighbors. These sober living houses may be in close proximity to other residences and local businesses. This helps those staying there feel part of a community again. However, you need to be sure those around you are happy to welcome you into that community. Be respectful of others regarding behavior in and outside the home, noise levels, and how you interact with people.
Visitors must also comply with all of the above
These rules so far don’t just apply to residents. If you have visitors over to see you and check in on your progress, they are expected to follow the same guidelines. They must be respectful of everyone else in the home, the neighbors, and the rules surrounding drugs and alcohol. Visitors can’t be used as a way to bring in prohibited substances.
Residents may be obligated to get a 12-step sponsor
Depending on the type of program and treatment options offered, residents will be required to make specific commitments. This transitional home is part of your outpatient treatment, so you will need to continue with therapy and meetings as determined by the facility. Some will focus on the 12-step program for sobriety and insist that all residents have a sponsor.
Residents must attend the required number of meetings
In addition to having a sponsor and a commitment to the program, residents will have to attend a specific number of meetings. These could be group meetings within the home, where staff members come to check in with everyone and let them discuss their progress. Failure to engage may be seen as a desire to stop the program and may lead to a termination of your residence.
Residents with parole conditions must comply with those regulations
Often, residents signing up for sober house living are under some form of parole or probation. The opportunity to stay at home may act as a secure housing option while getting your life back on track.
Those in this situation must continue to meet the requirements of their parole while also attending the sober house meetings.
Residents may be required to undertake community service
Some sober living facilities will also have a requirement relating to community service. These programs are a brilliant way for residents to engage with the local community, meet new people, and pay something back for any past negative behavior. You may find there is a specific number of hours per week to fulfill in order to retain all privileges.
Residents must give notice of an intention to leave
Finally, if you feel as though the program isn’t working for you or you aren’t safe at home, you must talk to staff and arrange something else. The facility will require a notice period and will do its best to help. Leaving without warning could cut off your access to additional support.
Is A Sober House The Right Option For You?
If you’ve read all these clauses and feel they make a lot of sense, you might be a good candidate. If you can commit to everything required of you and make the most of the opportunity, it might turn out to be a wise move in the right direction. Sober living isn’t always easy, but it could be a rewarding way to transition into a new chapter of your life.