Sober Living Environment

Jail time almost always goes hand in hand with a DUI conviction, especially for repeat offenders. However, there are several alternative sentencing options when special conditions are met.

If an offender has an alcohol or drug dependence that is considered to have contributed to the incident, a period spent in a sober living environment may be required. This rehabilitative measure may replace or lessen a jail sentence, or reduce some of the fines and fees that the court issues as a result of a DUI conviction. It is usually recommended for people with long-term alcohol or drug problems.

A sober living environment is usually set up in a home or an apartment building. The environment is devoted to offering housing, guidance, support, and supervision to individuals as they transition into a drug-free lifestyle.

Inside the residential home or apartment building, all of the inhabitants are sober. The majority of sober living environments function due to community involvement, and they are self-supporting. Anyone who takes part in a sober living environment residency program is also generally required to participate in counseling, group sessions, and 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to help the individual understand his or her addiction and prevent future abuse. These sessions may take place in the house or at an outside location.

There are many rules to which residents must adhere. Each residence sets up and enforces his or her curfew. Participants are also required to be active in the residential community and perform chores such as cooking, cleaning, and other daily household tasks. Residents of sober living institutions are expected to hold jobs or attend school.

Oftentimes, participants enter a sober living residence after participating in a formal rehabilitation program. A formal rehabilitation or detox program is particularly helpful for drug or alcohol addicts who need to be medically supervised early on in the recovery process.

The sudden absence of a drug in a person’s body can cause serious, detrimental symptoms which require medical attention; many addicts need to slowly reduce the presence of drugs in their system. Entering into a detox program where the person can be monitored is often necessary. Nevertheless, if it is determined that a person does not require an intensive, medically-administered detox program, he or she can enter directly into a sober living environment.