How to Get into Sober Living

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Many people who complete an inpatient addiction treatment program want to know how to get into sober living. Sober living communities can help those fighting addictions to readjust to their daily routines in a structured and supportive setting, but how can you find one of these communities?

Steps to Getting into a Sober Living House

Here’s how to get into a sober living home if you have no idea where to start.

  • Assessment and treatment plan: Kickstart the recovery process with an initial assessment and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan in an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility. This includes an evaluation of your addiction history, mental health status, and any other relevant medical considerations.
  • Research and choose a sober living house Conduct thorough research to identify a reputable and suitable sober living house that aligns with your recovery goals and specific needs. Consider factors such as location, cost, amenities, and the available support programs.
  • Contact the sober living house: Get in touch with the sober living house directly to inquire about their admission process, any specific requirements they may have, and the availability of space.
  • Complete application and interview process: Prepare and submit the necessary application materials, including personal information and references. Be ready for an interview, during which the staff will assess your commitment to maintaining a sober lifestyle and contributing positively to the sober living community.
  • Transition planning: Coordinate with the sober living house to determine your move-in date. This includes making any necessary arrangements for your current living situation and preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the transition.
  • Attend orientation and settle in: Participate in the orientation program provided by the sober living house. Take the time to get acquainted with the house rules, guidelines, and expectations, as well as the support staff and other residents.
  • Engage in supportive programs: Actively participate in the various counseling sessions, support groups, and other recovery-oriented activities offered by the sober living house. Embrace the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges, and use the resources provided to enhance your recovery journey.
a man thinking intensely after learning about how to get into sober living

What to Bring to a Sober Living House

Now you know how to get into sober living house near you, here are some packing suggestions:

  • Essential clothing: Pack enough comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for daily wear.
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene products: Bring items like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other personal care essentials.
  • Prescription medications: Ensure that you have an adequate supply of any necessary medications along with supporting prescriptions.
  • Recovery related material: Bring any recovery-related books, journals, or materials that aid in your sobriety journey.
  • Personal identification and documents: Carry your identification, insurance cards, and any other relevant documents.
  • Bedding and linens: Check with the facility for any specific requirements regarding bedding, pillows, and linens.
  • Comfort items: Consider bringing personal items that provide comfort and emotional support, such as photos, letters, or small mementos.
  • Exercise gear: If you enjoy physical activities, pack appropriate exercise clothing and footwear.
  • Electronics and devices: Check the guidelines about electronic devices and bring any approved items, such as a phone, laptop, or tablet.
  • Recreational materials: Consider bringing books, puzzles, or other recreational activities that can help in leisure time and relaxation.

What Do Sober Living Homes Help With?

Sober living homes provide a supportive environment for individuals recovering from addiction with many important benefits.

Sustained sobriety

Sober living homes help residents maintain their sobriety by providing a drug and alcohol-free environment.

Structured routine

Sober communities establish structured daily routines, encouraging residents to adopt healthy habits and stick to a disciplined lifestyle.

Peer support

Residents receive encouragement and guidance from their peers, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Accountability

Sober living homes often implement rules and regulations that hold residents accountable for their actions, promoting responsibility and self-discipline.

Reintegration preparation

These communities aid individuals in transitioning back to independent living by providing life skills training and support for job seeking and educational pursuits.

Relapse prevention

Sober living homes offer tools and coping strategies to prevent relapse and the need for relapse recovery by helping residents develop effective techniques to manage triggers and cravings.

Emotional stability

A sober living house promotes emotional well-being through counseling, therapy sessions, and group discussions, fostering mental health and stability.

Long-term recovery

Sober living homes focus on long-term recovery goals, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment and dedication to a sober lifestyle.

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Get Outpatient Treatment for Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers

Begin your journey to sober living by engaging with evidence-based outpatient treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers in Cincinnati, OH.

Studies show that many mild and moderate addictions respond just as positively to intensive outpatient treatment as residential rehab. Our IOP (intensive outpatient program) offers those with addictions a personalized blend of MAT (medication-assisted treatment), psychotherapy, counseling, and holistic treatments. When you are ready to kickstart your recovery from substance use disorder, call 877-679-2132.

Table of Contents

an image of author Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn