Also known as a halfway house or a recovery residence, a sober home is one where all the residents pledge to stay off drugs and alcohol. In most of these homes, that pledge is backed up by regular drug testing, ongoing counseling, and mandatory attendance at support group meetings. Staying in a sober home after treatment is one of the best ways to avoid relapses. Here’s what you need to know about the costs associated with sober homes.
How Much Does a Sober Home Cost?
The monthly rent at a sober home or apartment depends on several factors, including:
- Average rental prices in the area
- Amenities such as pools, in-home laundry, and parking
- Number of services offered
- Utility costs Local rent is the biggest determining factor. That means your rent will range from a low of $250 to a high of more than 1,000 a month.
Typical Rules at a Sober House
Many sober homes are affiliated with drug and alcohol treatment centers. They offer a safe, structured place for people to live after they complete substance abuse treatment. Some halfway houses have strict rules about resident schedules, activities, meetings, and other requirements. Others are less structured and allow residents to be more independent.
All sober homes, however, have some variations on the same rules. As a resident, you must agree to:
- Have a job or be in school
- Attend sober support group meetings
- Pitch in with household chores
- Submit to regular drug and alcohol testing
- Attend house meetings to discuss house-related issues
- Follow house rules on curfews and overnight guests
Do Sober Homes Cost Less Than Treatment?
The good news is that most sober homes cost less than a drug or alcohol residential treatment center. There are several reasons for this. First, you’re sharing the rent and expenses of living in a house. Second, you are not getting round-the-clock treatment and care. Third, you must pay for your food, cleaning supplies, and utilities. Sober homes teach you how to manage money, routines, and daily living, while you’re still in a supportive environment.
How To Pay for Your Stay at a Sober Home
- With a job: Once you’re out of full-time rehab, you have time to find a local job. Some sober homes require each resident to get and keep a job. In these homes, a job is considered part of your recovery. Getting back to the world of work is a key step on the path to a new life without drugs and alcohol. If you’ve been out of work for a long time, you might not get a high-paying job right away, so take that into account when you choose a home.
- Insurance: Some insurance companies will cover the cost of sober home living, especially if the home is connected to or run by a treatment center. The insurance company may have a cap on how long you can stay there, so check with your insurance provider. Medicaid may also pay for all or part of your stay.
Sober Home Accreditations
Like treatment centers, sober homes are accredited by several agencies. Accreditation shows that the home meets the standards needed to provide care and support to people in recovery:
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
- Association of Halfway House Alcoholism Programs
Unaccredited sober homes
In some places, you may find sober homes that are not run by rehab centers. These are shared homes where all the tenants have agreed to stay sober and follow certain house rules. They aren’t run by professionals or affiliated with any treatment centers. Unfortunately, without accreditation or professional oversight, you may not get the structure that you need to stay sober. Everyone may start with the best intentions, but without oversight or accountability, residents won’t have any reason to follow the rules.
We’ll Help You Find the Right Sober Home
Are you looking for a sober home or halfway house? We can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget. Our counselors are available 24-7, so call us any time at 833-285-1315.
