Most Common House Rules in Sober Livings

Aug 20, 2018

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.