Among the victims was Jeffrey Hustito, a 43-year-old uncle, brother and son from Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. He had been a caretaker for his father when he was on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant. In the fall of 2021, Hustito sought treatment for alcoholism in Arizona, his family said. His father, an Army veteran and custodian for the local Indian Health Service hospital, was relieved to learn about his son’s decision.

The Benefits of Sober Living Homes

The 105-page lawsuit was filed on behalf of sober living facilities it claims were racially discriminated against during the state’s crackdown on fraudulent sober living homes. Months later, when she made contact with a cousin who had fled one of the fraudulent homes, she understood the scope of what was happening. Her cousin had been coerced into a white van in sober house Farmington, New Mexico, with four other people. They were immediately provided with alcohol and left at a house in Phoenix, about six and half hour’s drive from Farmington. After refusing to give staff at the home her social security number, she was given a bus pass and kicked out. Stewart put her cousin’s story on social media and was flooded with messages from people who had the same experience or those with missing relatives who got into a white van and weren’t seen again.

For sober living house residents, there comes a point where you feel ready to move back into a more conventional living situation where you can continue your recovery. The ideal time to end your time at a sober living house is after you have established a strong foundation for moving forward sober, with a good quality of life and strong community support. Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery. However, outpatient rehab that you may attend during your time in a sober living home may be covered by insurance.

Where Can I Find Sober Living Homes Near Me?

They create an empowering environment where women can connect, share their experiences, and support one another, building a strong sense of community and resilience. Recovering from substance abuse can feel like a tough journey, but with the right support, it is achievable. By Julia Childs Heyl, MSWJulia Childs https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ Heyl, MSW, is a clinical social worker and writer. As a writer, she focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework.

Oxford House – Howell

• By choosing to pursue a challenging transitional phase of recovery at a sober living home, you may minimize the likelihood of relapse derailing your recovery before it gets traction.
• But it wasn’t until the 20th century that they became the structured, supportive homes we see today.
• Among the victims was Jeffrey Hustito, a 43-year-old uncle, brother and son from Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico.
• It supports over 25,000 people in recovery living in more than 2,500 certified recovery residences.
• Overall, both sober living homes and halfway houses can provide a supportive and safe environment for individuals in recovery to build a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life in sobriety.

Whether you’re coming from a rehab program or just need a supportive place to stay sober, understanding what a sober living house offers can help your recovery. Another key difference between sober living homes and halfway houses is the level of support and services offered. While both types of residential environments may offer access to counseling and support groups, halfway houses may offer more intensive therapy and medical services to address specific mental health needs. Sober living homes act as a bridge between the highly structured environment of inpatient rehab facilities and the numerous challenges of returning to everyday life.

Sober living environments in California are typically designed to provide a supportive and structured space for individuals in recovery to transition back into independent living while actively maintaining their sobriety. Halfway houses, on the other hand, are typically more structured and may be mandated as part of a court-ordered treatment program. Halfway houses are often reserved for those who have completed a residential treatment program and require additional support and supervision as they transition back into the community. Residents in halfway houses may be subject to more stringent rules, including mandatory curfews and drug testing. Unlike the unpredictable environments you might find outside, these homes establish a routine and rules that foster a safe space for recovery. You’re expected to follow guidelines, which often include curfews, chores, and mandatory participation in recovery meetings.

At the same time, records show, the human toll of the crisis was escalating. At least five people died in sober living homes in April 2023 from drug and alcohol use, medical examiner records show. And at the end of the month, AHCCCS and health department officials found a distressing scene at a former hotel where a treatment program operator was housing dozens of patients, including children.

• Of course, as with anything, living in a sober living environment isn’t without it’s disadvantages, too.
• Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder with relapse rates of between 40% and 60% similar to the relapse rates of other chronic health conditions.
• Not adhering to these rules can lead to consequences, with severe breaches potentially resulting in eviction.
• A great way to find a sober living house in your area is first to explore your network.

Sober Living Houses and 12-Step Programs

Consider asking folks at a recovery meeting or touching base with any sober friends you may have. If you recently completed a treatment program, contact the staff there for referrals to local sober living homes. Halfway houses, also known as sober re-entry programs, tend to be more structured. Sometimes they are designed specifically for formerly incarcerated folks. Other times, they function as a more intensive residential facility, meaning that there is consistent recovery programming, requirements, and staff present in the house.

• Creating a shared set of house rules with resident input is another strategy to enhance trustworthiness.
• If your home still holds the people and things that trigger your substance use, returning could cause you to relapse.1 Sometimes it helps to separate from the people and places contributing to your addiction.
• He said he took his son home, only for him to go back to Phoenix a month later and enter a new treatment program.
• However, sober living houses are not covered under insurance since they do not provide treatment services and thus aren’t considered rehabilitative facilities.

Differences between the two can stem from funding, length of stay, and requirements to apply to live there. Sober 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.

Addiction Recovery & Detox FAQs

Access to on-demand advice and support, especially crucial during the early stages of recovery. Watch the video to see what it is like living in a sober house and residents of a sober house engage in fun activities. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered and if you need pre-authorization. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.

If you or someone you know is considering a sober living house, HealingUS is here to guide you every step of the way. Remember, recovery is more than stopping substance use—it’s about building a thriving, fulfilling life. With the right support, a sober living house can be the first step toward a strong, independent future.