Sober living is structured residential housing that supports ongoing recovery through peer accountability, shared routines, and substance-free environments. This guide explains intake procedures, eligibility requirements, house rules, costs, medication policies, and practical strategies for finding a supportive recovery residence.
The intake process typically includes screening calls, documentation review, and orientation sessions. Eligibility standards focus on commitment to substance-free living and ability to meet household responsibilities. Daily structure involves curfews, drug testing, meetings, and shared chores that support routine and accountability.
Understanding Sober Living and How It Fits in Recovery
Sober living is residential housing that supports people continuing their recovery through peer accountability, shared routines, and a substance-free environment. It is not a form of clinical treatment; instead it complements treatment by providing structure, community-based support, and practice with daily responsibilities.
The experience at Williamsburg House demonstrates how structured community living can support ongoing recovery. Clarity about expectations and boundaries helps you evaluate whether a particular residence aligns with your recovery needs and goals.
Intake and Eligibility
Most sober living homes follow a basic intake pattern that checks safety, fit, and readiness while preserving dignity and privacy.
Typical Intake Steps
Initial contact and pre-screening: A short phone call or online form to share basic information, current substance use status, medical concerns, and immediate needs.
Phone or in-person screening: More detailed questions about recent treatment, medications, legal obligations, and ability to meet house rules.
Documentation and verification: Request for ID, emergency contacts, and sometimes a discharge summary from treatment or a recent negative drug screen when appropriate.
Orientation and agreement signing: Review of house rules, fees, responsibilities, and a signed residency agreement.
Move-in scheduling and bed assignment: A confirmed move-in date when a bed is available and initial payment is arranged.
Common Eligibility Expectations
Willingness to live substance-free while in the house forms the foundation of community safety. Ability to meet basic household responsibilities and financial obligations demonstrates readiness for independent living skills.
Participation in required meetings, chores, or program elements as the house defines them supports accountability. Medical or behavioral safety that the residence can reasonably support ensures appropriate placement.
Each home handles these steps with different levels of formality and timing, so asking about their specific process helps set realistic expectations.
Daily Structure and House Expectations
Sober living houses use predictable routines and clear expectations to support recovery and community functioning.
Curfew and check-ins: Many houses require evening check-ins and set quiet hours to preserve rest and stability.
Random or scheduled drug testing: Testing policies vary; some homes use random tests while others require tests at move-in and intermittently.
Attendance and accountability: Requirement to attend house meetings, 12-step or peer-support meetings, or other recovery activities.
Chores and shared responsibilities: Rotating household tasks and shared contributions keep the living environment orderly and teach daily-living skills.
Respectful conduct: Rules around visitors, property, and interpersonal behavior protect safety and privacy.
Work and school expectations: Many houses require or strongly encourage steady employment, job searching, or enrollment in school. For professionals in recovery, balancing career responsibilities with recovery commitments requires clear communication with house staff.
Clear rules create predictable days and shared responsibility, which in turn affect practical questions about cost and payment.
Costs, Payment, and Insurance Considerations
Costs for sober living and payment practices vary widely by location and house model.
Payment structure: Residents usually pay rent or a weekly fee that covers room and board and sometimes utilities. Payments are private pay in most cases.
What fees cover: Some homes include utilities, basic household supplies, and programming; others charge separately for utilities or support services.
Sliding scale and financial aid: A few residences offer sliding scales, scholarships, or short-term assistance based on need and availability.
Insurance and coverage: Room and board in sober living is rarely covered by health insurance because it is not clinical treatment. Some treatment programs or transitional housing linked to a provider may be billable through specific funding sources, so confirm with both the house and your insurer.
Understanding typical payment practices makes it easier to weigh costs against the expected level of structure and services in a given home.
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Medical Needs
Policies on medication-assisted treatment or other medications vary by house and should be discussed openly during intake.
MAT acceptance: Many sober living homes accept residents on medically prescribed medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone, provided there is a treatment plan and prescriptions are managed safely.
Documentation and storage: Homes may require documentation from a prescribing clinician and specify how medications are stored or dispensed to reduce diversion risk.
Medical oversight: Sober living is not a medical clinic, so residents should have access to appropriate medical or mental health care outside the residence.
Clear communication about medications and medical needs during intake helps protect safety and supports continuity of care.
Responding to Relapse
Homes respond to relapse in ways that balance community safety, support, and individual care, with policies differing across residences.
Immediate safety and support: Staff or housemates focus first on health and safety, including arranging medical care if needed.
Case-by-case resolution: Responses can range from supportive re-engagement with treatment, temporary separation while stabilizing, or discharge if the residence cannot safely support the resident.
Re-entry and steps forward: Some homes allow residents to return after completing detox or a higher level of care, while others set criteria for reapplication.
Knowing a house's relapse policy in advance helps you and your support network prepare for realistic, timely responses if difficulties arise.
Regulation, Accreditation, and House Types
Sober living regulation and formal recognition vary by state and organization.
Licensing: Many sober living homes are not licensed as treatment programs because they provide housing and peer support rather than clinical services.
Accreditation and standards: Voluntary accreditation bodies such as the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) provide standards and credentialing that some homes use to signal quality.
Local rules: Local ordinances or zoning rules can affect where and how homes operate, so practices differ by municipality.
What Is a Three-Quarter House
A three-quarter house is a model of recovery residence that typically sits between highly supervised transitional housing and independent living. It often offers structured peer support and expectations for employment or school while allowing more autonomy than a more supervised setting.
Because models vary, ask how a specific three-quarter house defines responsibilities and supports for residents. Understanding regulation and house type is important when comparing houses and evaluating whether a specific residence matches your needs.
Practical Tips for Finding a Supportive Sober Living Home
Ask specific questions: Inquire about rules, testing, medication policies, work and school expectations, roommate selection, and relapse response.
Visit in person: A tour or meeting with current residents gives insight into house culture and daily life.
Check references: Speak with alumni or local treatment providers for recommendations.
Confirm paperwork: Request a written residency agreement that outlines fees, rules, and grievance processes.
Trust your sense of fit: Consider whether the house atmosphere supports your goals and whether you feel safe and respected.
These practical steps help you evaluate fit and prepare for move-in.
Key Considerations for Choosing Sober Living
Sober living offers community-driven structure and peer support that can support ongoing recovery, but it is different from clinical treatment. Intake usually involves screening, paperwork, and an agreement to follow house rules.
Costs are commonly private pay and vary by house. Policies on medication and relapse differ, so ask directly and get written expectations. Choosing the right house is about matching rules, culture, and supports to your needs and readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Into Sober Living
How long does the intake process usually take from initial contact to move-in?
Timing varies by house and bed availability. Intake can be completed the same day when a bed is open and paperwork is straightforward, or it may take several days to a couple of weeks if the home needs medical clearance, verification from a treatment program, or has a waiting list.
Ask the residence about typical timelines so you can plan travel, finances, and transitional steps.
Do sober living homes require proof of completed treatment?
Some sober living homes prefer residents who have completed detox or a primary treatment program, while others accept people at different points in recovery. Documentation such as a discharge summary or a recent negative drug screen may be requested in some houses, but requirements vary.
If you have recently gone to treatment, be transparent about your recent history so the home can assess whether it is an appropriate match.
Can I work or attend school while living in sober housing?
Yes, many sober living homes expect or encourage employment, job searches, or school participation as part of building stability. Houses often set standards for activity levels and may adjust routines to support work or classes.
Confirm scheduling expectations and any required meetings so you can balance responsibilities.
Do sober living homes accept people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Policies differ between residences. Many homes accept residents on MAT when medications are prescribed and managed by a clinician, and when the resident agrees to safe storage and documentation procedures.
Discuss MAT openly during intake to confirm the home's policy and any required coordination with your prescriber.
What happens if I relapse while living in a sober living home?
Responses depend on house policy and safety considerations. Typical responses include arranging medical care if needed, encouraging or requiring re-engagement with treatment, temporary removal while stabilizing, or discharge if the home cannot safely support the situation.
Ask about the home's relapse policy before moving in so expectations are clear.
Are sober living homes regulated or licensed?
Regulation varies by state and locality. Many sober living homes operate as residential housing rather than licensed treatment programs, so they are not subject to the same licensing rules as clinical facilities.
Some homes pursue voluntary accreditation from organizations like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences to demonstrate adherence to recognized standards. Check local rules and accreditation status when evaluating options.
How much does sober living typically cost and is any of it covered by insurance?
Costs vary widely by location and the level of services offered and are commonly paid weekly or monthly by residents. Room and board in sober living is rarely covered by health insurance because it is not clinical treatment, though some transitional housing tied to treatment programs or specific funding sources might be billable.
Ask each home what the fee includes, whether there are sliding-scale options, and if any third-party funding or short-term assistance is available.
What is a three-quarter house and how is it different from other sober homes?
A three-quarter house generally provides more autonomy than highly supervised transitional housing while still offering structured peer support and shared responsibilities. It tends to emphasize employment or schooling and independence with ongoing accountability.
Because the term is used differently across regions, ask the residence to describe what three-quarter house means for their model.
Can I bring guests or have visitors while living in a sober home?
Visitor policies vary. Many homes allow scheduled daytime visitors and limit overnight guests to protect safety and recovery. Some residences have no-guest policies or require approval in advance.
Review visitor rules during intake and ask how the house balances privacy, safety, and community needs.
Is there a minimum sobriety period required to apply?
Minimum sobriety requirements differ by house. Some homes prefer at least a short period of abstinence or completion of detox, while others accept people earlier in recovery with appropriate supports in place.
For those in early sobriety, ask about any sobriety expectations and what documentation, if any, the home requires.
Learn More About Williamsburg House
If you are considering sober living as the next step in your recovery, contact Williamsburg House to ask specific questions about intake, rules, medication policies, and costs. Learn about our services and explore whether our community-based recovery environment aligns with your needs.