Aftercare and Sober Living FAQs

During aftercare, someone in recovery from drugs or alcohol will learn how to remain engaged in recovery during the transition from rehab to independent living after treatment ends. Aftercare services may include: 

• Counseling and therapy at locations in the community
• Maintenance medication regimens, if necessary
• Relapse prevention therapy 
• Attending local support groups
• Sober living housing
• Family education
• Case management

Depending on the individualized treatment plan that is created by the treatment provider, drug rehab aftercare programs and services can vary. 

Some of the most common aftercare programs include: 

• Alumni organizations 
• Self-help support groups
• Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Recovery and sobriety sponsors 
• Life coaches

Alumni programs are available in most aftercare programs designed by rehab centers. Alumni services are usually available to clients after they leave treatment and can increase the chances of maintaining sobriety. 

Depending on the rehab facility, alumni services may include: 

• A complete aftercare plan 
• Regular follow-ups over the telephone
• A dedicated alumni coordinator
• Accountability from the coordinator and peers
• Coordinated alumni events
• Private social media groups 
• On-call support and encouragement
• Group meetings 

Building a support network is crucial to maintain sobriety. People often have recovery sponsors as guides for how to navigate life after rehab. For help in finding a sponsor, someone may need to attend an AA or NA meeting. Recovery sponsors may also be available in secular groups like SMART Recovery and LifeRing Secular Recovery.

Sober living homes often have strict rules for living in the house. Sober living house roles and rules are developed to provide structure for people transitioning out of an intensive rehab environment. 

The particular rules can vary depending on each home, but the most common sober living rules and regulations are: 

• No drug or alcohol use 
• Mandatory house meetings 
• Regular drug tests
• Participation in household chores 
• Residents must be looking for a job (this rule may not apply at ever sober home)

Most sober living homes allow residents to stay as long as they need to as long as they follow the rules. However, residents typically remain in a sober living home for 90 days to a year, or until they can maintain a stable routine and find a different supportive living situation.

Depending on the sober living home you decide to live in, the visitor policy and rules may vary.  Most sober living homes allow visitors at some point during the day, but they may have specific visiting hours, and may limit the number of visitors or visits. 

You should have opportunities to form friendships with the house manager and your fellow residents in your sober living home. These people can be active parts in your recovery. Continuing with your treatment, you’ll be encouraged to maintain healthy, meaningful relationships and build new ones with friends who support your recovery.

The location and type of sober living home you decide to live in will determine the sober living home’s cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars a week to a few thousand, although sober home rates vary widely. Check with the sober house before signing up to live there to be sure that it’s affordable.