It is not uncommon for people to mistake a sober house and a rehab or treatment center as the same thing. We get calls all the time from people confusing the two. But, while critical to those seeking sobriety from drug or alcohol abuse, each plays a completely different role in the path to a sober lifestyle.

Rehab/Detox/Treatment Centers

The primary role of a rehab facility is to help the addict recover from substance abuse. Depending on the rehab or treatment center this may be done through a traditional medication and guided support approach, through a more spiritual approach, or a combination of both. The National Institute on Drug Abuse officially recognizes four types of approaches to rehab treatment that differ in the methodology of psychotherapy provided, medication non medication assistance, or length of treatment program. Much of the confusion arises due to the widely known practice of inpatient rehabilitation or “short-term residential treatment” where patients undergo rehab treatment in an in-house, residence-type facility. Rehab and treatment facilities are typically staffed by clinical team that include medical, psychiatric, and/or spiritual professionals and facilitate a prescribed program for detoxing and recovery that often include nursing/medical and psychiatric services, nutrition and wellness services, recreational and exercise activities, and more.

Sober Homes

A sober home is designed to assist in the maintaining a sober and drug free lifestyle after completing a rehab or detox program by providing a temptation-free, sober living environment with other sober housemates. Studies have shown that the absence of a stable, alcohol and drug-free living environment is a monumental obstacle to maintained abstinence and sober living.  Sober homes or a sober house provides a sober, drug-free, safe, and healthy living environment to promote long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug use and associated problems. They provide sober living environments where all residents are expected to abstain from alcohol and illegal drug use, abiding by the principals of 12-step programs and other structured sobriety strategies.

Some Features of a Sober Home include:

• Rules regarding sobriety, housemate interaction, and cleanliness
• A sober living environment
• Typically, a bed and furniture
• Most Sober homes require you to bring your own linen and provide your own food
• Full or part time house manager (at Sober Surroundings we have live-in house managers)
• A typical sober house will require periodic drug testing

At Sober Surrounding you will also find:

• Commuter-friendly locations
• Fully furnished sober homes
• Cable TV
• Free Wifi
• Live-in house manager
• Quiet space
• Food stamp assistance available if needed
• Overnights allowed
• Working full time is permitted from check-in

If you want to know more. Feel free to call us.