Having social support for recovery is an important component in establishing sustained abstinence. According to research, sober living home residents can maintain long-term abstinence by living in a sober living home. The rules these homes set can have a major impact on their recovery.
When someone searches for “sober living homes near me,” they’ll come across a list of rules for each home. Have you set rules for your sober living home yet?
Here are a few tips that can help you get started. After reviewing this guide, you can set your own sober living house rules. Setting these rules will enable residents to maintain their sobriety.
Set your residents up for success. Discover the rules you need to set with this sober living guide today!
Why Establish Rules
Before establishing your sober living house rules, sit down with your team. It’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page. You’ll have an easier time enforcing these rules as a result.
It’s normal for someone to feel overwhelmed after completing their rehabilitation and returning home. They need to adjust to their new sober lifestyle. Going home can sometimes mean dealing with unhealthy relationships.
It can also cause previous addicts to encounter people or triggers that lead to their addiction.
Searching for sober living homes near me can help them find an environment that will support their sobriety.
Sober living homes can provide previous addicts with the safe, clean environments they need. Living in a sober living residence can help them adjust to a new normal.
The rules and regulations they’ll follow can ensure they maintain their sobriety. Without these guidelines, however, they might struggle to remain sober alone.
Most basic rules and regulations are similar to what one would expect when moving in with a new roommate. For example, residents will need to keep common areas clean. They’ll also need to complete chores around the house, like:
- Making dinner
- Trash duty
- Washing dishes
Sober living house rules are a little different, though. For example, most sober living facilities require residents to undergo random drug tests.
A few other general rules to consider include:
- Obeying quiet hours
- Handling chores
- Paying bills on time
- Respecting roommates and staff
- Expecting travel restrictions
- Respecting pet bans
- Attending house meetings
- No drug or alcohol use
- Obeying house curfews
- Getting a job or volunteering
- Attending support group meetings
Nearly 841,000 people have died since 1999 due to a drug overdose. In 2019, over 70,600 people died in the US.
These rules can ensure everyone enjoys a peaceful, drug- and alcohol-free living space. Residents will have an easier time maintaining their sobriety in a safe environment.
Rules to Consider
Take the time to sit down with your team to discuss the sober living house rules you want to establish. Here are a few common rules you might want to discuss.
Payment
After completing alcohol or drug rehabilitation, residents likely won’t have a lot of money at their disposal. They’ll likely have bills to pay from their treatment, too. It’s understandable that many residents aren’t ready to work yet, either.
Regardless, anyone who wants to live in a sober living home will still need to pay their bills on time. Following this rule can help keep residents accountable and responsible.
Moving into a sober living home is meant to prepare them for the real world. They’ll have to pay bills on time in the real world, too.
Make sure your residents understand the importance of paying their bills on time. Otherwise, you might have to ask them to leave the home.
Substance Use
Remember, part of the purpose of finding sober living homes is to maintain long-term sobriety. One of the biggest rules you can set is allowing no substance use in the house. After all, you want to provide residents with a safe place to live.
Consider setting rules about what residents can have in their rooms. For example, you can restrict alcohol, pills, and products that might contain alcohol.
You might want to screen any vitamins or medications they bring with them, too.
You can also require residents to submit to random drug and alcohol tests. Noncompliance is considered a failed test. If they fail their test, it’s grounds for expulsion.
The threat of getting kicked out could encourage residents to avoid temptation.
House Meetings
Make sure your residents are communicating with you by enforcing house meetings. You can set a rule that residents must attend communal meetings each week.
These meetings will give residents the chance to talk, resolve conflicts, or build relationships.
Support Group Meetings
Have your residents attend support group meetings outside of the house, too. For example, you might recommend local AA or NA meetings.
Attending these meetings can help them maintain long-term sobriety. Residents can also find the tools they need to avoid triggers or stressors.
Counseling
You might want residents to provide proof they’re attending one-on-one meetings with a counselor, too. Have them show you a note from the doctor once a week. Make sure they’re not skipping meetings.
Employment
Remember, residents will need to pay for their sober living housing. Determine if you want to set a rule that residents are required to have a job.
Maintaining a job could help give their lives more structure.
Curfew
Establish a curfew for your residents as well. Alcohol abuse is more common during weekends and late-night hours. Setting a curfew can keep residents from these temptations.
Otherwise, consider setting quiet hours.
Chores
Make sure every resident respects your sober living home. Make a list of chores everyone will need to complete as a resident. Consider how you’ll assign or exchange chores, too.
Sober Living Homes Near Me: Establish Your House Rules Today
What rules will potential residents find when they search “sober living homes near me?” Keep these sober living house rules in mind. The rules you set could help your residents maintain their sobriety.
With the right list of rules, you can give your residents the structure they need in their day-to-day life.
Searching for more tools and resources before starting your own sober living home? We can help.
Explore our library of resources today to get started.
