Recovery housing
(often called sober living) is alcohol- and drug-free housing that supports people in recovery. It’s not treatment itself, but it supports treatment and long-term stability.
Recovery housing, often known as sober living, provides a safe haven for individuals journeying through sobriety. Unlike direct treatment, it's a crucial support structure that reinforces recovery and long-term stability. At its core, sober living environments are substance-free and foster a community atmosphere grounded in peer support and accountability. While some homes thrive under minimal structure with peer-run models, others offer varying degrees of support, with managers, structured programming, and even onsite clinical services. It’s an ideal setting for those transitioning from detox, inpatient facilities, or incarceration. Importantly, these homes are adaptable to different needs and budgets—some accepting state support and others requiring private payment. Ultimately, recovery housing is about cultivating a recovery-focused community, offering people a vibrant alternative to solitary living, and paving the way for a stable, sober life.
What it usually includes
- Substance-free environment
- Peer support & accountability
- House rules (curfews, chores, meeting attendance)
- Varies from very structured to fairly independent
Common levels (you’ll hear these terms)
- Level I – Peer-run, minimal structure
- Level II – House manager, some structure
- Level III – On-site staff, recovery programming
- Level IV – Clinical services on-site (closest to residential treatment)
Who it’s for
- People leaving detox, inpatient, or jail/prison
- Folks who need stable housing to stay sober
- Anyone wanting recovery-focused community instead of living alone
Paying for it
- Some accept state funding, VA support, or grants
- Others are self-pay (weekly or monthly)
- VA-connected programs may coordinate with Community Care or homeless services
Stable Housing During Your Recovery Journey
Healing Touch operates Recovery Housing Programs that provide safe, sober living environments for individuals working on substance use recovery.
You have made the decision to pursue recovery, and finding a stable place to live is one of the most important steps in making that change last. Healing Touch offers recovery housing that gives you a drug-free and alcohol-free environment where you can focus on sobriety without the distractions or triggers that often exist in other living situations. These homes provide structure, accountability, and peer support as you work through the early stages of recovery.
Our recovery housing includes private or shared bedrooms, common living areas, and access to support staff who help you stay connected to treatment, maintain household responsibilities, and build healthy routines. You live alongside others who are also in recovery, which creates a sense of community and shared purpose. House rules include regular drug testing, participation in recovery meetings, and adherence to curfews and expectations that support sobriety.
If you are leaving treatment and need a safe place to continue your recovery, contact Healing Touch to learn about program requirements and current availability.
How Recovery Housing Supports Long-Term Sobriety
Your day in a recovery home includes attending 12-step meetings or other support groups, maintaining employment or attending job training, completing household chores, and participating in house meetings. Staff check in regularly to make sure you are following your recovery plan and staying engaged with outpatient therapy or counseling. Random drug and alcohol screenings are conducted to maintain accountability and protect the safety of all residents.
After living in a recovery home for several weeks or months, many residents notice they feel more confident in their ability to stay sober and handle stress without using substances. You develop daily habits that support your recovery, build relationships with others who understand your challenges, and gain skills that help you transition to independent living when you are ready. The structured environment reduces the chaos that often accompanies early recovery and gives you time to rebuild trust with yourself and others.
Residents are expected to contribute to the household by preparing meals, cleaning common areas, and supporting housemates in their recovery efforts. Staff provide guidance and resources, but recovery housing is not a treatment facility and does not offer clinical therapy or medical detox. You must be actively engaged in outpatient treatment or mutual support groups to remain in the program.
Starting recovery housing can bring up a lot of questions
People often want to know what the rules are, how long they can stay, and what happens if they relapse. These are the questions we hear most from individuals considering recovery housing.
What are the main rules in recovery housing?
You must remain completely sober, attend recovery meetings, submit to random drug testing, maintain employment or education, and contribute to household responsibilities. Curfews and visitor policies are also enforced to maintain a stable environment.
How long can I stay in a recovery home?
Length of stay varies based on your progress and personal goals. Some residents stay for a few months, while others remain for a year or longer as they work toward independent living and sustained sobriety.
What happens if I relapse while living in the home?
Relapse typically results in discharge from the program, though each situation is reviewed individually. If you relapse, staff may refer you back to treatment or help you find another level of care that better meets your current needs.
Do I need to have completed treatment before moving in?
Most recovery homes require you to have completed a detox or inpatient treatment program before admission. You must be physically stable and ready to focus on maintaining sobriety in a community setting.
What kind of support is available from staff?
Staff provide accountability, resources for employment and benefits, connections to outpatient treatment, and crisis support if you are struggling. They do not provide counseling or therapy, but they help you stay on track with your recovery plan.
Recovery housing can provide the stability and community support you need to build a life free from substances. Healing Touch is here to answer your questions, review program expectations, and help you take the next step. Contact us to get started.