Although rules vary by house depending on varying factors, below are some of the most common house rules in a sober living:
- Follow the 12-step program
- This is one of the common systems in place that most houses observe in order to help residents focus on their recovery.
- Attend a mandatory number of meetings
- Most houses require residents to attend a certain number of meetings every week and log it with the house manager. Residents can use the One Step mobile app to check in/out of meetings in a seamless manner. If you want to learn more about One Step, fill out the contact form.
- Zero tolerance for any drugs, alcohol or mind-altering substances
- If an individual cannot commit to staying clean at all times, they simply cannot live in the home and are asked to leave immediately.
- Submit to random drug and alcohol screenings
- Residents must submit to random UA/BA tests to keep them accountable for their behavior at all times.
- Find a sponsor
- Finding a sponsor gives residents the extra peer support so that they do not feel alone in this process.
- No sexual activity
- Sober livings want individuals to focus on their personal well-being first and not form any unhealthy attachments during their recovery process.
- Complete house chores
- Sober livings expect residents to follow a code of conduct around the house in order to teach them personal responsibility. Sober livings assign all residents daily chores to complete.
- Observe curfew
- All sober livings have a set curfew during the week and weekend.
- Pay rent on time
- Residents must pay their monthly rent whether it’s out of the pocket or through a family member. Paying rent on time is a life skill we all have to learn.
- Get a job
- Some houses require residents to get a job within weeks of moving in so that they develop a normal routine and can start to re-acclimate back into getting a job and paying their bills
Sometimes, house rules change depending on which phase of their recovery the resident is in. Phase I typically is the most structured, and as they gain more independence and confidence to navigate ordinary life, the residents get more independence and freedom.
Have any rules you want to add to the list? Email us at info@onestepsoftware.com.