A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that most Oxford House residents stayed more than a year, but some residents stayed more than three years. Sober living homes usually house only same-sex residents and require residents to complete either a detox program or an inpatient rehab program before moving in. Additionally, residents must agree to a number of rules when they move in. Those searching for the right sober living home should look for facilities with reputable staff, and a safe and productive living environment and culture.

A Brief History of Sober Housing

Sober living homes can provide individuals with a supportive and structured environment as they transition from addiction treatment to independent living. However, like any treatment option, sober living homes have their pros and cons. Recovery residences are less expensive than living at a rehabilitation facility or detox center because fewer services are offered. But many sober homes require residents to attend support group meetings or participate in 12-step programs or outpatient treatment, which may be an additional cost for residents to consider. The goal of sober living homes is to monitor and improve health, safety and wellness using peer support. The goal of many halfway houses is to reduce recidivism among felons using supervision.

Dozens of People Died in Arizona Sober Living Homes as State Officials Fumbled Medicaid Fraud Response

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who took office in January 2023, blamed her Republican predecessor, Doug Ducey, for failing to relay the scale of the scheme that persisted for years under his leadership. However, AZCIR and ProPublica found that the leader Hobbs appointed at AHCCCS also stalled a key reform the agency would later credit with helping to stem the fraud. Large rooms for meeting and comfortable common areas are important to help facilitate a recovery environment. At Safehaven we work hard to insure that houses are comfortable, clean and within reasonable distances from Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Bus Lines. Our Houses are kept so that you, or your loved one, can feel a since of security while staying with us.

Supervisor, Youth Outpatient

Halfway houses are technically sober living environments, but there are many differences between halfway houses for people transitioning out of incarceration and sober homes for people in recovery from addiction. Oxford House facilities are the best examples of Level I sober living homes. The https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ houses are run by residents and emphasize peer support as an essential component of recovery. To have the best chance for effectively recovering from addiction or substance abuse and remaining sober long-term, individuals should look for drug-free, stable housing that will support their recovery.

For Treatment Providers

This is particularly related to the peer support and solidarity offered at a sober living home where all residents are on the recovery journey together. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, peer support programs during and following treatment can help maintain abstinence. However, sober living houses are not covered under insurance since they do not provide treatment services and thus aren’t considered rehabilitative facilities.

• If you would like to add a listing to our sober house directory, please let us know.
• Meetings were held both in the home and in neighboring organizations in the community.
• This can be especially true in certain areas or during periods of high demand.
• Her public concerns were voiced nearly six months before Hobbs and Mayes announced the state’s acknowledgment of the fraud.
• For comprehensive care, the best treatment centers offer specialized programs targeting drug addiction and long-term recovery.

Massachusetts Center for Addiction

Overall, access to resources and services can be a major benefit of sober living homes, but it is important for individuals to use these resources in a responsible and balanced way as part of their overall recovery plan. In addition, many sober living homes offer recreational activities and social events that can help individuals build new friendships and find new hobbies and interests. These activities can help individuals find healthy outlets for stress and boredom, which are common triggers for relapse. A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found sober living home residents experienced improvements in arrest rates, alcohol and drug use rates, and employment rates. The authors found evidence that 12-step program attendance and social support systems were key components of recovery for residents.

One of the most challenging times for someone recovering from drug or alcohol addiction is when they leave a residential treatment center and head back to their daily life. Without the supervision and structure of a treatment program, a person in recovery can be tempted to return to old habits. The risk of relapse is particularly high in the first few months following treatment. Studies have identified that 65% to 70% of people relapse within the initial 90-day period. In a letter sent the day after Hustito died, officials accused Beyond4Wallz of billing excessively for services that could not have been provided to patients.

Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab: 30 Day, 60 Day, & Long Term

Though AHCCCS claims it worked to connect victims with ‘reputable’ housing, it arranged for just three facilities—all in the Phoenix area—to meet overwhelming statewide need. Heredia then briefly blocked another attempt by AHCCCS’s billing experts to cap reimbursement rates, this time at Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In $158, records obtained by AZCIR and ProPublica show. Her public concerns were voiced nearly six months before Hobbs and Mayes announced the state’s acknowledgment of the fraud. She continues her advocacy efforts to help people impacted by the sober living crisis through her non-profit Turtle Island Women Warriors. Her group, Stolen People Stolen Benefits, prioritizes helping any Indigenous person affected by the ongoing scheme.

For many, the thought of returning home after addiction treatment can be daunting. Substance abuse can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including how they function in their family, work, and community. This effect can cause ongoing problems and make someone reluctant to return home after addiction treatment. People who live in sober homes report that they are non-judgmental and safe spaces where they can focus on their continued recovery. As the others in the house are in the same situation, they can be authentic without having to explain their addiction or recovery needs. By encouraging a sense of community and togetherness, recovering people are motivated to bond with others, support each other, and continue sobriety to retain their place in the house.