Research has found “positive longitudinal outcomes” for individuals seeking recovery by living in sober homes. This is probably why more and more people are turning to sober living homes to help in their journey to recovery.
Unfortunately, some institutions out there take advantage of this demand and cause more harm than good to people in need of support. If you’re currently looking for sober living homes for women and men, these are the red flags you need to watch out for.
Unmaintained and Poorly Maintained Facility
A sober living home should be well-maintained and should have enough space for all its residents to go about their business. Anything less can cause additional stress and health issues to their already vulnerable residents.
When looking for a sober living home, check the following:
- Facility and housing interiors are clean and well-kept
- Sleeping quarters are located inside a house and not just any outbuilding or garage-like area
- There should be no signs of insect, rodent, or mold infestation
- Access to clean water and a working kitchen
- Facility and housing are properly lit during the evening.
Never rely solely on photos, pamphlets, and website images. Whenever you’re looking for a sober living facility, always take a tour so you can personally inspect the area and talk to the residents about their living conditions.
There’s No House Rules
To maintain an orderly home, a family typically sets house rules and responsibilities. This concept applies to sober living facilities as well, to make sure every resident has a pleasant living experience. Here are examples of house rules on sober living homes:
- Residents do their laundry and at their own time
- Residents get a turn to decide what show to watch on TV
- Each resident is assigned regular chores that reward additional privileges
Doesn’t Have Safety or Privacy Provisions
Families deserve to live in a place of safety and privacy. The same thing should apply to residents of sober living homes. Ensure that the facility you are considering has clear safety and privacy provisions in place. For example:
- Individual bedrooms should have locks
- Mixed-gender facilities must have separate living areas and bathrooms
- Sober living homes for women with children should not have any adult males
- Violence, abuse, and intimidation are extremely prohibited
Lack of Professional and Ethical Standards
While sober living facilities are generally considered a home, that doesn’t mean the administrators and staff shouldn’t follow any professional and ethical standards. The facility’s staff must always conduct themselves professionally to gain the residents’ trust.
Here are a few examples of professional and ethical standards:
- Both staff and residents follow a specific Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Financial obligations must be met to staff and contractors
- Homes should be properly insured
- Urine tests and other assessments are not falsified
- Staff doesn’t involve residents in any outside businesses
- Staff are abstinent whenever they are on the facility premises
People deserve to live in a safe, clean, and stress-free environment, especially when they’re on the road to recovery. Doing your research and requesting a proper tour of a facility should help you find the transitional home you deserve.
Camelback Recovery provides a variety of sober living homes and programs for both men and women. If you need further questions about our facilities and services, please contact us today. Our team will be happy to discuss your options.
