Sober Living For Substance Use
Sober living provides a safe and supportive home where you can live with others who are also working on staying sober. Unlike living at home, everyone in transitional housing understands the challenges and how to help.
Consistent, Supportive Accountability & Independence
Even for those who have a stable home to return to, sober living can be a better option, especially in the first six months post-treatment when the risk of relapse is highest. Sober Living is definitely recommended if family relationships are tense or the home environment is filled with reminders of past substance use. It offers a structured, substance-free setting where you reinforce the new coping skills and strengthen your commitment to sobriety.
- Newly renovated, fully furnished houses with 24/7 security and outdoor space
- Weekly get-togethers, family-style dinners and supportive friendships
- A stable, drug-free environment to rebuild a healthy life and habits with accountability
What to Expect At Sober Living
In sober living, you’ll join a close-knit community working towards a common recovery goal. Daily routines are designed to support a drug-free lifestyle. Here, you’ll engage in group meetings and re-learn life skills that your addiction may have stripped away. Drug testing helps keep the home safe and substance-free. Residents may also participate in outpatient therapy beyond the built-in support network that sober living provides.
Substance-Free Environment
Ensures a safe space without access to drugs or alcohol or reminders of past use.
Peer Support
Certified peer staff onsite 24/7 and a house of people who understand and support you even after you leave.
Accountability
Structured rules and day-to-day responsibilities maintain sobriety while still living your life in the real world.
Skill Reinforcement
Repeatively practice coping skills learned in treatment to solidify healthy responses in future life situations.
Stress Reduction
Less stress from relationship tensions or problematic environments to focus on continued healing.
Improved Relationships
A break from home environments strained by worry, anger or fear to rebuild a healthier family from a place of strength.
Personal Responsibility
Empowers taking charge of your actions and recovery and the control to make good choices, including job assistance and life-skills coaching.
Long-Term Focus
Emphasizes sustainable self-care habits and lifestyle changes to build a productive life without substances.
Much better experience then I could have expected. You will find your home here!
I took the option of going to sober living. It really saved my life and kept me from going back to the same people, places and things. I attended outpatient through Sana lake as well, so I could continue to learn and heal. I met lasting friends and owe my life to this place.
I have been working with Sana Lake on my recovery since February 2021 and have had so much support!
2 Sober Living Locations in St. Louis
You have two options for housing, in Univeristy City or in Affton. All houses are gender-specific, newly renovated and have access to transportation, including transportation to our outpatient therapy and medications. Availability can be limited, so inquire as soon as you are considering sober living.
Is Sober Living Right For Me?
Are family dynamics are strained by the substance use?
Are alcohol or drugs are kept at the home?
Does being at home feel triggering?
Do you want to do whatever it takes to ensure recovery sticks?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Living
Discover answers to common questions about sober living, from the types of residents and house rules to the flexibility of maintaining work and school commitments. But, if you still have questions, just call.
Who lives in a sober living?
Sober living houses are home to normal people who are committed to maintaining sobriety. Regardless of age or job situation, all residents have a deep bond over the common goal of wanting better for their life.
Houses are organized by gender to create a comfortable and respectful atmosphere. All residents have a past foundation and/or ongoing commitment to addiction treatment. Most people come from our treatment programs, although individuals from other treatment programs are welcome as well.
There will be at least one person in the house you relate to and stay in touch with for years after moving.
What are the rules of sober living?
The main rule of sober living is not to use any mind-altering substances or bring them into the house. Support meetings, including housemate meetings, are usually part of the deal, as well as testing for drugs or alcohol as needed to keep the house safe for everyone. There are typically rules around curfews, visiting guests and overnight stays, but there are always exceptions. The people in the home are looking out for your best interest, not looking to police you.
You can work, see family, surf the internet and live a normal life. The rules simply ensure the house is safe, kept in decent condition and stays drug/alcohol-free.
Can I work, attend school, and have my own car while in sober living?
Yes, one of the benefits of sober living is flexibility. You can continue working, attending school and seeing family. In fact, residents are encouraged to pursue employment or education to provide structure and purpose. Services to help with job seeking or education paperwork are offered at the sober living.
In sober living, you’ll find support in balancing these responsibilities:
- Work: Maintaining a job can provide financial stability and a sense of normalcy.
- School: Continuing your education helps you work towards future goals and provides a productive use of time.
Having your own car is permitted to make it easier to get to work, school or other important appointments. The houses are also well-situated for walking and public transit. Plus, transportation, including to outpatient treatment clinics, is included. Balancing work or school with your recovery goals helps build routines that support long-term sobriety.
What is the cost of sober living?
While sober living is not covered by insurance, it provides an affordable and structured living option for those in recovery. It is comparable to paying rent at an apartment, not inpatient at a hospital.
The cost of staying in a sober living house depends on the specific house and even the bedroom options available within a house.
Sober Living here is comparable or lower than nearby rental rates and is only a weekly commitment, which is more budget-friendly than traditional renting. The structure allows you to be flexible with how much time you need in the supportive environment and take things week-by-week.
Is sober living the same as addiction treatment?
Sober living is not the same as addiction treatment.
- Addiction treatment programs provide structured therapy and medical care to overcome drug and alcohol issues.
- Sober living is a supportive environment to apply what was learned in treatment.
Those in sober living should already have drugs and alcohol safely out of their system and a foundation of coping and life skills like conflict resolution, goal-setting and a relapse prevention plan.
Many residents attend outpatient treatment while living in the sober living house. In fact, we offer free transportation to our PHP, IOP, outpatient therapy and medication management programs from any of our sober living houses, if needed.
Are sober living and halfway houses the same?
The terms sober living and halfway house are often used interchangeably, but they are not technically the same. Both options provide critical support for recovery, yet they differ in their quality and environment.
Sober living homes are privately funded leading to better facilities and more comfortable amenities. These homes are managed by individuals who have personal experience with recovery, creating a nurturing and empathetic environment that fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
Halfway houses are usually funded by government programs and are designed mainly for individuals transitioning from incarceration. This funding model often results in more basic accommodations and a population that might not be as committed to recovery. The environment in halfway houses can sometimes feel more institutional and less personalized, which can affect the quality of support and recovery outcomes.
Sober living homes emphasize a responsible, sober lifestyle through structured living conditions and community involvement. Residents participate in regular house meetings, engage in group activities and are often encouraged to join recovery programs, which enhance life skills and accountability. This proactive approach helps build a stable foundation for sobriety, surrounded by peers who are equally committed to maintaining long-term recovery.
Rodney H.Google