Sober living homes are one of the safest places you can go when you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Once you move in to the home, you’ll meet the other residents who have all made a commitment to stay sober. You’ll also spend time learning about the rules that everyone must follow when they live in the house. Sober living house rules are designed to help everyone stay safe and maintain their sobriety. Although living in a house with rules might seem strange as an adult, they are quite simple to follow.
Most likely, you already follow several of the most common rules already since they are all based upon practicing common courtesy to the other residents. Since people who go to these types of homes want to stay sober, they rarely break the rules. If they do, then there are typically consequences that range from a warning to being asked to leave. If an infraction is small, then you’ll likely spend time talking to a mentor about what happened and how you can do better in the future. For example, you might be given a warning if you get home late but have a good reason for it such as being stuck in traffic. As a general rule, the people in charge of making sure that people follow the rules just want to help you be successful in sobriety.
Stay Sober In a Drug and Alcohol-Free Home
The most obvious rule in a sober home is that everyone is expected to follow their commitment to sobriety. This also means not tempting the other residents to use drugs or alcohol. This is why you will be asked to never allow drugs or alcohol to be brought on to the property. If you are allowed to have guests visit you at your sober home, then you’ll also need to make sure that they follow the rules. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure that you and your visitors never break this rule. If you do notice that someone else has drugs or alcohol in the home, then you will be expected to report it right away. Doing so isn’t considered tattling. Instead, it is viewed as helping everyone to stay sober while they work on getting stronger in recovery.
Participate in Household Activities
You will also be asked to contribute to the sober home community. Most homes offer private and semi-private rooms, but you will have to share communal areas such as the kitchen and living room. Depending upon the home that you live in, there will also be an outdoor space that you need to help maintain. For this reason, you’ll be asked to do simple things such as pick up after yourself. If you make a meal, then you’ll naturally need to be responsible about making sure that you clean up the kitchen. You may also be given specific chores such as to take out the trash or sweep the floor. Many homes rotate chores so that no one gets stuck with a tough one for long. In addition to chores, you might be asked to attend weekly or daily meetings. These often include discussions about how to stay sober, and you’ll cover a few topics about things that are going on in the home as well. For example, you might plan meals with your housemates or discuss how you want to celebrate an upcoming occasion. These types of meetings are typically held in the evenings or on the weekends when everyone is home and able to attend.
Stay Accountable When You Are Not at Home
Your sober home will also likely have rules that are designed to help you stay accountable when you leave the house to go to work or school. These may include some or all of the following.
- Return home by a set curfew
- Abstain from drinking or doing drugs
- Only go to specific locations such as your workplace
- Go out with a housemate
Some sober homes also take a stair step approach where you may be asked to stay in the residence for the first week or two. Then, you may gradually receive more privileges as you demonstrate responsibility. Since the goal of a sober home is to help you rebuild your life, you can expect to eventually be encouraged to go out regularly to work or complete your education. Are you considering going to a sober home to surround yourself with support during recovery? We can help you find the right one. Give us a call at 954-523-1167 today.