Sober living houses provide a supportive and structured living environment for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. These houses can be a crucial step in the recovery process, as they offer a safe and sober place to live while also providing opportunities for residents to engage in recovery-related activities and build a support network. However, in order to create a healthy and supportive environment, it is important that sober living houses have strict rules in place.
One reason for strict house rules is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Substance abuse can have serious consequences, both physically and mentally, and it is important that residents feel safe and supported in their recovery journey. This means that any behavior that could potentially harm others or disrupt the recovery process must be strictly prohibited. For example, a sober living house may have a zero tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, as well as for any violent or threatening behavior.
Another reason for strict rules is to foster a sense of accountability and responsibility among residents. Recovery is a process that requires hard work and commitment, and sober living houses can provide a supportive environment in which residents can develop healthy habits and behaviors. By establishing clear expectations and consequences, sober living houses can help residents take ownership of their recovery and make positive changes in their lives.
Strict rules can also help to create a sense of community and support among residents. When everyone is held to the same standards and expectations, it can foster a sense of mutual respect and understanding. It can also encourage residents to support one another in their recovery journey, as they are all working towards a common goal.
It is important to note that strict house rules should not be used as a means of punishment or control. Instead, they should be seen as a way to create a safe and supportive environment for recovery. Sober living houses should also have clear communication channels in place, such as regular meetings or check-ins with staff, so that residents can voice any concerns or issues they may have.
Here are a few rules we have in place and what is the reason we use them:
"No drinking or drug use. Any questionable behavior may result in an eviction."
We are giving the best enviorment for our residents to stay sober, we do drug/ alcohol test every week randomly and if one refuses or we found that he used, unfurtunatly he will be momentarily evicted.
"Everyone must be out of bed and properly dressed (room/areacleaned, bedmade) by 8:00 AM."
If you did not work night shift, you should wake up by 8:00 make your bed, clean the room and do your chores, we want the residents to be in a "DO" mode and be productive. I know this rule works for me, and I am confident it works for our residents.
"If you are unemployed you must be out of the house from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. seeking employment."
We encourage our residents to work and earn money, so they could pay their rent.
We also advise not to work in an over demanding job that might make them relapse.
"Curfew is 10:00 p.m. while on restriction and 12:00 a.m. after restriction is lifted."
Curfew?! our statistics show that staying home with the senior residents helps newer residents stay focus and increases their chances to stay sober for a longer period, after 30 days we allow them to stay outside the house for longer periods.
"Any resident committing a criminal offense will result in immediate eviction."
We don't allow any violence or criminal acts, we are doing our best to provide a safer enviorment that will give our residents the best tools for their rehabilitation.
"Residents are required to attend three twelve-step meeting weekly. (documented)"
12 steps meetings have been proven that it helps dealing with addictions, now that Covid-19 starting to show that we can handle it, we are starting to have 12 steps meetings for the greater good.
Also we have once a week a mandatory meeting with all the residents and the house manager, so that gives them an opportunity to talk about their day to day and cope with addictions.
In summary, strict house rules are necessary for sober living houses in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, foster a sense of accountability and responsibility, and create a supportive community. By establishing clear expectations and consequences, sober living houses can provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals in recovery to make positive changes in their lives.