Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
Leaving a structured treatment program and going straight back to your old apartment, roommates or neighborhood can feel like a big leap. For some people, sober living offers a middle step: a substance-free place to live, surrounded by others in recovery, while they rebuild routines and independence.
Sober living homes vary widely in quality, rules and oversight. This guide explains what sober living is, who it may help and how to evaluate a home in Texas so you can make an informed choice.
What Sober Living Is
A sober living home, sometimes called a recovery residence, is shared housing where residents agree to stay free of alcohol and drugs and to follow a set of house rules. Residents usually pay rent, share chores and support one another’s recovery. Many people live in sober housing while working, going to school or attending outpatient treatment.
Sober living is not the same as treatment. Most homes do not provide therapy, medical care or medication management. Instead, they offer a stable, accountable environment in which to practice the skills you learned in treatment.
Who May Benefit From Sober Living
Sober living is not necessary for everyone. It may be worth considering if:
- Your current home includes people who drink or use drugs
- You do not have stable housing to return to after treatment
- You want daily structure and accountability while adjusting to life after a program
- You live far from support meetings or outpatient care
- Your treatment team recommends a transitional living setting
Common House Rules
Rules differ from home to home, but many sober living residences include expectations such as:
- Staying substance-free, often with regular drug and alcohol testing
- Following a curfew, at least during the first part of your stay
- Completing assigned chores
- Attending support meetings or outpatient treatment
- Working, volunteering, looking for work or attending school
- Following guest and overnight policies
- Paying rent on time
How Oversight Works in Texas
In Texas, a sober living home that does not provide treatment services is generally not licensed the way a treatment facility is. That means standards can vary considerably. Some homes choose to follow standards developed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences and its state affiliates, which cover areas like operations, safety and resident rights. Certification is voluntary, so ask each home whether it follows any recognized standards. This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Home
Visit in person whenever possible and bring a list of questions. Helpful ones include:
- Who owns and manages the home, and is there a house manager on site?
- Does the home follow recognized recovery residence standards?
- What are the rules, and what happens if someone breaks them?
- How often is drug and alcohol testing done?
- What is the monthly cost, what does it include and is there a deposit?
- Is there a written agreement that explains refunds and move-out terms?
- What is the plan if a resident returns to use? Is naloxone kept in the home?
- Does the home accept residents who take prescribed medications, including medication-assisted treatment? How are medications stored?
- How close is the home to public transportation, work opportunities and meetings?
- Can I talk with current residents about their experience?
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a home offers free rent, travel or other perks in exchange for enrolling in a particular treatment program or handing over your insurance information. Arrangements like this, sometimes called patient brokering, can be illegal and put residents at risk. Other warning signs include no written rules or lease, cash-only payments without receipts, overcrowding, unsafe conditions and no clear response plan for relapse or overdose.
Trust your instincts during a visit. A well-run home should feel clean, calm and organized, and the people managing it should answer questions openly. If someone pressures you to move in on the spot or dodges direct questions about cost and rules, keep looking.
Making Sober Living Part of Your Aftercare
Sober living tends to work well when it is one piece of a larger plan. At Promises DFW, every client receives an aftercare plan before leaving treatment. Your team can help you think through whether sober living makes sense and what questions to ask.
Many people living in sober housing continue structured care as well. The Promises DFW virtual intensive outpatient program meets online several days a week and is open to adults anywhere in Texas, so you could attend from a private space in your residence if the home allows it. For a broader look at early recovery in the region, see our article on beginning your recovery journey in DFW.
If you or a housemate has a medical emergency or overdose, call 911. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sober living the same as a halfway house?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. In some contexts, a halfway house refers to housing connected to the criminal justice system or a residence that offers more services. Ask each home exactly what it provides.
Does insurance pay for sober living?
Health insurance typically does not cover sober living rent. Outpatient treatment you attend while living there may be covered, depending on your plan.
How long do people stay in sober living?
It varies. Some homes set a minimum stay, while others let residents stay as long as they follow the rules. Your treatment team can help you think about timing.
Can I stay in sober living while taking MAT?
It depends on the home. Some welcome residents who take prescribed medications for opioid or alcohol use disorders, and others do not. Ask before you commit.
Plan Your Next Step With Our Team
If you or someone you love is preparing for life after treatment, or still needs to start treatment, we can help you think through options. Review your insurance options, contact us online or call (469) 546-9303 any time.