If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, then you might be thinking about going to a sober living. If this is the case, you must know what requirements need to be met for someone to get admitted into a sober living facility. Typically, there are no age restrictions, and anyone who needs help can find it at these facilities. Below are the requirements to get admitted into sober living.
1. You have to be willing to get sober
Before you can be admitted into a sober living facility, you need to be committed to getting sober. For these facilities to help addicts, the individuals must be open and willing to get sober completely. If they aren’t ready or willing yet, you can encourage them by reminding them that people care about them and want the best for them. Additionally, a person has to show dedication towards their recovery by attending meetings and going through withdrawal symptoms if necessary.
2. Submit an application form
To get into a sober living facility, there’s usually an application process that has to take place before someone can actually move in. This often involves filling out such as medical history documents and writing a statement about why they need to get sober and what they hope to achieve during treatment. Additionally, the application process might involve having a face-to-face interview with an admissions counselor to get a better idea of how someone is feeling.
3. Pass a background check
There have to be no previous convictions on either person’s record for you or your loved one to be admitted into a facility. So, if your future roommate was caught shoplifting at your local grocery store three years ago but hasn’t committed any crime since then, this won’t be much of an issue. On the other hand, if both people have had multiple arrests within the last few months, it would probably be difficult to be admitted into sober living.
4. Meet financial requirements
Most sober living facilities do not provide free or low-cost services to their patients. This means that you or your loved one might have to pay for room and board, which could range from $50 to $600 per week. If you have insurance, most of these costs will likely be covered. However, if you don’t have insurance or if your insurer doesn’t cover sober living treatment, then you’ll need to come up with the money on your own.
5. Complete an intake assessment
Before someone is admitted into a sober living facility, they have to undergo an intake assessment. This is where counselors will evaluate a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health to create a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for them. During the intake assessment, counselors will also ask about a person’s addiction history and what type of support they’ll need while living at the sober living facility.
6. Agree to sobriety rules
To protect other residents and staff members, most sober living facilities have a set of sobriety rules that everyone who lives there must agree to. These rules can vary from place to place, but typically they forbid residents from drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or engaging in any type of criminal activity. If you or your loved one can’t follow these rules, then it’s likely that they won’t be allowed to stay at the sober living.
7. Sign a contract
Before you or your loved one can be admitted into a sober living, you’ll likely have to sign a contract. This document will outline the rules and regulations that must be followed while living in the facility. It will also list the consequences of breaking any of these rules, such as being kicked out of the facility or paying fines.
8. Attend an orientation session
Once you’ve been accepted into a sober living facility, you’ll need to attend an orientation session so that you can learn more about what to expect while living there. During this session, you’ll meet with other residents and staff members, and they’ll go over things such as house rules, a schedule of events, and a map of the neighborhood. The orientation session might also include a tour of the facility to have an idea of where everything is located.
9. Get to know other residents
Although it’s not required for everyone in a sober living facility to be friends with each other, it can help during treatment if people get along well with their roommates and neighbors. To do this, you or your loved one will likely need to participate in activities that allow people from different backgrounds and experiences to come together and socialize. This could include attending community meetings, going on group outings at local restaurants, or watching a movie in a common room.
If you or someone you love is in need of addiction treatment but can’t afford to go to a traditional inpatient facility, then sober living might be an option that’s worth looking into. This type of treatment doesn’t require people to check into a hospital for several weeks at a time, and it allows them to interact with others who are going through similar struggles. Contact us today at 866-963-7200 to learn more about the different sober living facilities we offer and find out if this type of treatment is right for you.
