Sober living homes for men are safe, supportive, and drug-and-alcohol-free housing arrangements that are available to men in early recovery. Some people stay in a sober living home while receiving intensive outpatient treatment and others transition to sober living after completing an inpatient rehab program. Regardless of the situation, staying in a North Carolina sober living home can provide men with the time and space needed to continue their healing journey.
Finding a sober living home isn’t as straightforward as finding a doctor or therapist. Sober living homes are not covered by insurance and they don’t offer formal treatment, so you can’t go to your insurance for a list of in-network facilities. Instead, you have to research your options and find the right one for you. But how do you find the right men’s sober living?
At Next Step Recovery, our sober living programs in Asheville, North Carolina take a holistic approach to addiction, equipping men with the skills they need to achieve long-term addiction recovery.
What to Look for in a Men’s Sober Living Home
Anyone can open a sober living home, so it’s important to know what to look for in one you can trust. Characteristics of a quality sober living home include:
- Safe location – The home should be located in a safe neighborhood or area, particularly one that creates some distance between you and the environment in which you used drugs or drank alcohol. Some people prefer to stay closer to home to be near friends and family while others benefit more from starting fresh somewhere new.
- House rules – Staying in a sober living home isn’t like staying in your own apartment. There will be rules and expectations for you. For example, most sober living homes in North Carolina require residents to be home by a certain curfew, pass randomized drug tests and breathalyzer screenings, attend regular support group meetings, be respectful to housemates, and do chores.
- Entry requirements – A quality sober living home won’t let you in without screening to ensure you meet specific entry requirements. While these requirements may vary, you usually have to be participating in some form of treatment, have already finished treatment, and be able to pass a drug screen.
- Fair payment options – Health insurance does not have to cover sober living so you will be responsible for paying expenses. If a sober living home offers to pay you to live there, that is a red flag that their program is engaging in unethical practices. A sober living will require you to make weekly or monthly rent payments. Be sure to choose one that you can afford. Some sober living homes will offer a grace period while you are looking for employment, during which you are given the opportunity to pay back your rent at a later date.
More Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right North Carolina Sober Home for You
Even if a sober living home is reputable and trustworthy, it may not be the right one for you. When choosing a men’s sober living home in North Carolina, be sure to consider the following:
- Proximity to meetings – Make sure the home is located near AA/NA meetings or other types of support groups that you want to attend so you have access to meetings.
- Transportation – If you don’t have a car, you may want to choose a sober living home that is located near public transportation options.
- Lifestyle – Some sober living homes offer luxurious living amenities while others are more basic. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Ways to Find a Sober Living Home in North Carolina
There are several ways you can find men’s sober living homes. If you are going to rehab or planning to, ask if the rehab facility you are going to attend has a sober living program. Most drug and alcohol rehab centers in North Carolina have their own sober living programs or can refer clients out to trusted sober living homes in the area.
Other ways to find a reputable sober home include:
- Look online for ones with a good reputation – Read Google and Facebook reviews from past residents to see what their experience was like.
- Ask a friend or family member – If someone you love has been to a sober living before and had a positive experience, consider going there.
- Ask someone in your support group – 12-Step and other recovery-focused support groups will be full of sober people who have stayed in sober homes before. Ask about their experiences and for a referral.
- Ask a counselor – A substance abuse or mental health counselor near you will be able to connect you to sober living homes in your area.
Transitional Sober Living in Asheville, North Carolina
Recovery is possible for anyone, but long-term recovery takes time. At Next Step Recovery, our Asheville, North Carolina drug and alcohol rehab helps bridge the gap between inpatient detox and independent living by offering clients a safe, supportive housing option.
Our North Carolina recovery residences hold a monthly house meeting with residents and the house managers in which we speak with members of the organization about the goals they have in life and the house rules. Our primary focus is separating the user from their previous substance-abusing environment so they can recover in a sober, supportive environment.
Next Step Recovery is more than just a sober living house–we are a full-service addiction and mental health treatment provider that can help you regain control of your life. Take the first step by contacting us today to learn more about your treatment options.
