What is sober living?
Sober living offers safety & support for people recovering from substance abuse. Residents live in a substance-free environment while navigating the responsibilities of reintegrating back into society.
To keep residents safe, there must be structure & regulations that everyone is required to follow.
While rules will of course differ from house to house, we’re going to go over some of the general guidelines sober homes abide by.
What are sober living homes?
Sober living homes refer to group residences for people recovering from addiction. House residents agree to maintain sobriety while living in the recovery house. They also agree to comply with any & all drug-test requests.
Private owners typically own these homes, but nonprofits, churches & businesses may also own sober living communities. Most homes are located within residential neighborhoods. Most of the time, residents share communal spaces, like kitchens, living rooms, & backyards.
It’s important to remember that sober living is not treatment. The staff isn't there to provide any clinical or medical services, though many residents attend outpatient treatment &/or participate in recovery-enriching groups/meetings while residing there.
Why add sober living to your recovery plan?
Sober housing can provide invaluable support for residents. You get to live with like & unalike-minded individuals in recovery. These people can help hold you accountable in your recovery journey & usually become like family. Many people develop meaningful & fulfilling relationships with their house mates. These relationships can prove to be essential for long-term recovery.
Addiction is a complicated societal epidemic and recovery is a continuous commitment. It doesn’t end after completing rehab or formal treatment. Once you’ve finished a treatment program, it can be hard for some to adjust back into life, with all its responsibility and outside triggers. Sober housing can help support the transition. You’re encouraged (sometimes required) to work or go to school while also being held accountable for your recovery.
While you may want to live on your own right away, you might not be ready to manage total freedom while learning so many new life skills at first. Sober living offers a balance between living in the real world while still receiving some structure and monitoring.
Sober living homes have rules for a few reasons:
They support your recovery process.
They help keep residents safe.
They help people build sober lifestyles.
As mentioned above, each home has its own set of house rules, but there are some common rules most homes require:
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the premises. Some exceptions may be made for specific prescriptions, like antidepressants.
Residents must pay their appropriate expenses to live in the home.
Residents must participate in household activities, like weekly meetings and regular chores.
Residents must have completed detox and rehabilitation, and they should have a plan to go to therapy or 12-step meetings at least once per week.
Residents must sleep at the sober living house at least five nights per week, with very few exceptions for travel.
Residents agree to participate in randomized drug and alcohol screenings.
Residents are accountable for their whereabouts when they are not on the property.
Residents must adhere to the house’s curfew.
Residents are not allowed to have overnight guests.
Residents must respect other housemates and home staff.
Residents are not allowed to have pets (except if the home permits).
About DarJune Foundation INC. - Housing & Services
DarJune’s Mission is to build a bridge between addiction services by utilizing a recovery centered philosophy and providing a safe place to live and gather.
We are here to empower those in recovery and educate the community by providing a safe place to gather and live.
Through our Circles of Recovery approach, we offer several programs and events like addiction prevention & awareness programs, nutritional programs, stress management, and educational programs.
We provide a unique space for those needing housing via coming out of jail/prison/treatment or off the streets needing help now.
DarJune is leading the creation of a recovery culture in Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin.