House Rules in Sober Houses

House Rules in Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes serve as a vital bridge between structured treatment and fully independent recovery. They offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are transitioning from residential rehab, detox centers, or other treatment programs. While sober living homes are not treatment facilities, they do incorporate rules and structure that promote accountability, community, and continued sobriety.

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we believe structure supports success. Our homes offer just the right balance of independence and accountability, helping guests thrive in early recovery.

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Why House Rules Matter

Every sober home operates a bit differently. Some provide more structure, community expectations, and programming, while others offer a more independent living experience. House rules provide clarity, promote safety, and ensure that all guests live together in harmony.

Whether you’re exploring sober living for yourself or a loved one, understanding the typical rules can help you choose the right home—and set realistic expectations for your stay.

Note on NARR Levels

The rules and guidelines described in this article are typical for NARR Level II recovery residences. Level II homes generally emphasize peer support, resident responsibility, and structured house rules while maintaining a balance of autonomy for residents.

Other NARR levels (I, III, and IV) may have different sets of rules or operational standards:

• Level I homes often have minimal structure, relying on peer accountability with fewer formal requirements.

• Level III homes incorporate more intensive staff involvement and structured programming.

• Level IV homes operate similarly to licensed treatment programs, with clinical oversight and strict adherence to professional standards.

Because each level serves a different purpose in the recovery continuum, the rules, expectations, and resident responsibilities can vary significantly.

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Overview of House Rules at Sober Living Homes

Rule/Expectation	What It Means	Why It Matters
Drug & Alcohol Screening	Guests must remain substance-free. Random screenings are conducted to ensure compliance.	Creates a safe, sober, and recovery-focused environment.
House Meetings	Weekly meetings to review chores, resolve issues, and share updates.	Fosters accountability, communication, and community support.
Recovery Meeting Attendance	Regular attendance at 12-Step or alternative recovery meetings (e.g., AA, NA, SMART Recovery).	Strengthens recovery commitment and builds a support network.
Curfews	Standard curfews apply (with adjustments for work or school).	Promotes stability and healthy daily routines.
Chores & Shared Duties	Guests rotate weekly chores and help maintain common spaces.	Builds responsibility and respect for shared environments.
Bathroom Schedules	Shared bathrooms may follow an organized schedule to ensure fairness.	Reduces conflict and maintains harmony in shared spaces.
Recovery Planning	Guests are encouraged to create personal recovery plans with a sponsor or trusted support person.	Promotes proactive, individualized recovery strategies.
Sponsorship & Community	Guests are encouraged to find sponsors, homegroups, and sober support networks.	Builds long-term recovery relationships and accountability.
Visitor & Overnight Policies	Visitor access is limited; overnight guests are typically not allowed. Guests must request overnight leave.	Maintains security, privacy, and a recovery-focused environment.

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Four Core Sober Living House Rules

1. Drug and Alcohol Screening

All sober homes prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol. At Vanderburgh Sober Living, guests agree to remain substance-free.

Random drug and alcohol screenings are conducted to maintain a safe and sober environment. A positive test or suspicion of use may result in immediate discharge.

Why it matters: Regular screenings reinforce accountability and help ensure the home remains a recovery-focused environment.

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2. Mandatory House Meetings

Weekly house meetings are a cornerstone of community accountability. These meetings provide space to:

• Address interpersonal challenges

• Assign and review chores

• Offer encouragement

• Communicate important updates

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, attendance at house meetings is mandatory for all guests.

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3. Recovery Meeting Attendance

Guests are typically required to attend 12-Step or alternative recovery meetings such as A.A., N.A., SMART Recovery, or Celebrate Recovery. Regular attendance strengthens commitment and reinforces recovery principles. At Vanderburgh Sober Living, meeting attendance is a vital part of daily life.

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4. Curfews

A standard curfew is usually enforced, especially for new guests. Over time, curfews may be adjusted based on employment, school, or volunteer commitments. Our current curfew and other rules should be clearly outlined in a Guest Handbook. View our Guest Handbook to explore what VSL homes are all about.

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Additional Sober Living Rules and Expectations

🔄 Chores and Shared Responsibility

Everyone contributes to the cleanliness and upkeep of the home. This includes:

• Rotating weekly chores

• Respecting shared spaces

• Participating in group cleaning

Chores build responsibility and community and are required of all guests and House Mentors.

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📅 Shower and Bathroom Schedules

In homes with many guests, shared bathroom access may be scheduled to avoid conflict. We work with each household to set up fair and flexible schedules as needed.

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🧠 Recovery Planning

While some homes require structured recovery planning with staff, we take a guest-centered approach. Guests are encouraged to develop personal recovery plans with their sponsor, therapist, or another trusted support person.

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Visitor and Overnight Policies

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we prioritize safety, privacy, and accountability. For this reason, we maintain strict visitor and overnight policies that all guests must follow:

• Visitors: While family and friends are an important part of recovery, visitor access is typically limited to certain hours and may require prior approval. Visitors are generally not permitted in bedrooms or private areas of the home.

• Overnight Guests: Overnight guests are not allowed under any circumstances to protect the security and comfort of all residents.

• Spending Nights Outside the Home: If a guest needs to spend a night away (e.g., family visit, travel), they must request permission from the House Mentor in advance. Unapproved overnight absences may be considered a rule violation.

• Visitor Behavior: Visitors are expected to adhere to the home’s rules while on the premises, including remaining drug- and alcohol-free.

These policies ensure the home remains a supportive environment for everyone and prevent potential disruptions to the recovery process.

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🤝 Sponsorship and Community Involvement

Many sober homes—including Vanderburgh Sober Living—recommend or require guests to:

• Obtain a recovery sponsor

• Select a homegroup

• Build a sober support network

This involvement is crucial for long-term recovery.

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🍽️ Meals and Food Planning

Some sober homes include shared meals and require communal cooking. Vanderburgh Sober Living does not require communal meals, but we support guests who wish to share meal preparation responsibilities.

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Finding the Right Fit

Sober living is not one-size-fits-all. Every home has unique rules, expectations, and culture. Choosing a sober living home where you feel safe, supported, and empowered is essential.

At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we’re proud to provide a positive, structured environment for men and women in early recovery. Whether you’re just starting your journey or continuing after treatment, we’re here to help.

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