Sober Living Terminology: Why We Say ‘Guest’ at Vanderburgh Sober Living
At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we believe that language matters. The words we choose shape the way we see the world – and the way we treat each other. In recovery housing, where community and culture play a pivotal role in healing, terminology is more than just technical. It’s foundational.
One of the small but significant choices we’ve made at Vanderburgh Sober Living is to refer to people who live in our homes as guests, not residents. In this post, we’ll explore why that language shift matters, how it reflects our values, and what it means for the future of recovery housing.
The Power of Language in Recovery Housing
Words carry weight. They influence how people see themselves and how they are treated by others. In recovery housing, using affirming, intentional language helps build a sense of dignity and respect, both of which are essential for people in early recovery.
At VSL, we’ve made similar distinctions in other areas of our work. For example, we’ve written about the difference between peer mentorship and case work in our homes, highlighting how the role of the House Mentor is rooted in relationship and guidance, not clinical oversight. You can read more about that here.
Language isn’t neutral. It reinforces the kind of environment we want to create. That’s why we’ve taken time to examine the terms we use across our organization – including the decision to say guest rather than resident.
Why the Term “Guest”?
We use the word guest because it communicates a sense of welcome, hospitality, and mutual respect. Guests are invited in. They’re treated with kindness. And they are also expected to respect the space they are in and participate in shared responsibilities.
Calling someone a guest acknowledges their autonomy and dignity. It also reinforces the idea that their stay is transitional, not permanent. Our homes are places of support and structure – stepping stones toward long-term recovery and independent living. The term guest fits naturally with that model.
Moreover, this word subtly reminds us, as operators and mentors, of our role as hosts. We are here to serve, support, and empower — not to control or supervise.
Why Not the Term “Resident”?
The term resident is widely used in housing and healthcare settings – but it carries some baggage that doesn’t align with our model. In many contexts, a resident is someone who is stationary, dependent, or under the care of an institution. The word often implies a clinical or custodial relationship, which can unintentionally undermine the independence and agency of the people we support.
We also steer away from resident because it tends to evoke images of programs or facilities where people are placed, rather than communities they choose to be part of. Our guests are not here because they have to be. They are here because they want structure, accountability, and a nurturing environment to grow in their recovery.
Just as we’ve taken care to use language like “sober living” or “recovery housing” depending on the context and audience as explained in this article about sober living or recovery housing terms used nationwide, we approach every term we use with similar intentionality.
How This Terminology Shapes Our Future
This shift in language isn’t just symbolic – it influences how we design our homes, train our staff, and welcome people into our community.
- We craft welcome materials and house meetings around the idea of shared space, not institutional policy.
- We encourage House Mentors to treat each interaction with the mindset of a host – engaged, respectful, and present.
- We remind our team that guests are partners in their recovery journey, not clients or cases.
We’ve also heard from guests themselves that this small language shift makes a big difference. Many have shared that being called a guest made them feel valued, not labelled and that it helped them feel safe without feeling controlled. That it set a tone of respect that made it easier to settle in and do the work of recovery.
Closing Thoughts
At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we believe that words matter because people matter. Referring to the men and women who live in our homes as guests is a reflection of our deep commitment to dignity, autonomy, and empowerment in recovery.
As our community continues to grow and evolve, we’ll keep examining the language we use – always with an eye toward inclusion, clarity, and respect.
If you have feedback, thoughts, or language you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out any time or follow us for more updates on how we’re building a recovery community rooted in care and intention.