Steps House-Center For Healing

Sober living homes, also known as sober homes and supervised living facilities, are residential centers that offer residential, supportive, organized living conditions for individuals exiting rehabilitation programs for drug abuse or alcoholism. SLHs are typically a transition phase between such programs and typical mainstream society. Many individuals leave drug rehabs with the understanding that they will have to adapt to a new lifestyle; however, there are some individuals who do not.

While there are many different types of sobered living homes for various levels of drug abuse and alcoholism, the most common is what is commonly known as a short-term residential treatment facility. The primary difference between a short-term residential treatment facility and a long-term residential treatment facility is the amount of time spent in a residential treatment facility versus a short-term residential care center. Short term residential treatment facilities generally require less than 12 months of residence in order to qualify. The majority of these residences require just two weeks of stay in one of the short term residences to be considered eligible. However, for those who enter a longer length of stay in residential treatment program, it may be necessary for a long-term residential treatment facility to be selected in order to qualify for long term treatment. Those who qualify for long-term residential treatment facilities are typically in need of long-term residential care and/or have a history of alcohol or drug use that is well established and ongoing.

Regardless of which type of residential care center is selected, the objective of the resident in a sobered living home is to be given the opportunity to return to their normal daily activities and to live normal, productive lives without the need to rely on substances. While many residents of a sobered living residence are in need of support and guidance to help them through the recovery process, a majority of these residents do not require inpatient treatment. For most residents, the goal is simply to return to daily life and function on a day-to-day basis without the use of drugs or alcohol. Therefore, most sobered living homes are considered “short term” residential treatment centers.