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People often ask us whether they should go to sober living after inpatient treatment or stay in a hotel or Airbnb. Treatment professionals are hearing the same concerns from their clients and patients. After leaving inpatient treatment, it’s common for patients to step down to a partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient programs level of care, where sober living is typically recommended for at least 90 days. This question is especially important now, given the need to stay safe and healthy during these times.
If discussions with your loved one about their addiction aren’t leading to progress, or if they’re downplaying their issues, it might be time to seek professional help. At Resilient Home Living, we’re here to support you through this challenging time. We offer intervention services to help guide your loved one toward recovery.
Purpose of Sober Living
The purpose of a sober living home is to offer essential support, accountability, structure, safety, and a sense of community. In inpatient treatment, individuals are in a protected environment, following a structured schedule every day—they wake up at the same time, attend group sessions, meet with counselors, and engage in activities like yoga.
Everything is planned for them. However, transitioning directly from this structured environment to a hotel, Airbnb, or even returning to their old environment can be overwhelming. It’s often too much to handle, as these settings lack the rules and accountability needed during early recovery. Returning to the environment where they were actively using substances is never a wise choice.
Hotel or Airbnb vs Sober Living: Top 6 Differences
Let’s break down the differences between what you get at a sober living home and what you find in a hotel or Airbnb. In a sober living home, you’ll find a supportive community and a healthy, family-like environment—things you simply won’t get at a hotel or Airbnb. However, it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a sober living home because not all of them offer the same level of care. Given the current circumstances, it’s crucial to have an even more thorough vetting process to ensure you find the right fit.
Accountability
A hotel or Airbnb lacks accountability. In these settings, you have complete freedom to come and go as you please, sleep in all day, or watch TV non-stop. There are no drug tests, no curfews—essentially, no rules or accountability. In contrast, a sober living home is structured with clear rules and accountability.
You’ll have a house manager and live among others committed to recovery. Ideally, you want a sober living home with a minimum stay requirement of at least a month, or preferably three months. Homes that accept weekly payments often have high turnover rates, which can be detrimental. It’s crucial to choose a stable environment, especially in current times.
There is help available, and you don’t have to face addiction alone. Whether it’s you or a loved one struggling, reaching out is the first step toward healing. For support, visit our website at resilienthomeliving.com or email us at contact@resilienthomeliving.com. We’re here to help you build a strong foundation for a successful recovery journey.
Support
Support is a key component of a sober living home. Unlike a hotel or Airbnb, where your support network isn’t present, a sober living home provides a community of people who are also in recovery and committed to their own healing. In such a home, you’ll find a house manager, and often an owner, operator, housing supervisor, or program director. The environment includes staff and other residents, including those who have been there longer and have more experience in recovery. This community offers essential support that’s not available in a hotel or Airbnb.
Structure
Hotels and Airbnbs lack structure, allowing you to come and go as you please and do whatever you want. In contrast, a sober living home provides a structured environment. Residents follow a set schedule: getting out of bed at a specific time, making their bed, completing chores, cleaning up after themselves, and adhering to curfews. Regular drug testing and participation in a 12-step or similar recovery program are also typically required. Additionally, if the sober living home communicates with the treatment center or therapist and has an ROI on file, it ensures coordinated care and support for those early in their recovery journey.
Precautions
Our goal is to build a supportive community and create a therapeutic team focused on helping people early in recovery achieve long-term sobriety and recovery. When evaluating a sober living home, consider these important questions: What current health and safety measures are in place? How frequently do new residents move in? Are both new and current residents tested for health concerns? What are the procedures for cleaning, including daily and deep cleaning? Are residents required to follow any specific health protocols?
Length of Stay
What is the average length of stay? Is it just a few weeks, or is it typically three to four months? Look for an environment that offers stability, where residents can settle in and become part of a consistent community rather than facing constant turnover and new arrivals on a daily or weekly basis. Inquire about the health of current clients—have any of them experienced significant health issues recently?
12-step meetings
Ask about the availability of 12-step meetings. While there are fewer in-person meetings these days, it’s important to know if the sober living home offers any on-site or virtual meetings, such as Zoom meetings. Also, check if there are alumni meetings available. Providing a variety of recovery resources and support tools will enhance the chances of successful and sustained sobriety for new residents.