Welcome to Your Sober Sanctuary: A Guide to Living Together
Living in a sober home is a beautiful opportunity to heal and grow as we build a brighter future, side by side. To maintain a supportive and healing environment, we’ve established some essential guidelines that everyone is expected to embrace:
Commitment to Sobriety
Your recovery begins with this important promise: no alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances of any kind. This includes marijuana, spice, kratom, and anything else that could affect your clarity. For everyone’s safety, we reserve the right to drug screen at any time. Refusal to take a drug test or a positive result may result in immediate eviction. Let’s support one another by staying on track and checking in regularly.
Gathering for Growth
Weekly house meetings are our space to connect, share, and grow. This is a vital part of our community, and attendance is mandatory. Here, we address any concerns, celebrate milestones, and strengthen the bonds that help us succeed together.
Curfew: A Guiding Light
Our curfew is from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. It helps us maintain structure and accountability. If you need to adjust your schedule, just communicate with us in advance. We’re here to support you!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
A clean home is a happy home! Each resident contributes to maintaining our space. You’ll be assigned specific chores, and it’s important to take personal responsibility for the area you’re in. Keep your room tidy, wash your bedding weekly, and store dirty laundry properly. No food or dishes are allowed in your room. After cooking, clean all surfaces and dishes immediately. Store food in sealed containers to keep pests at bay and respect each other’s food items. Community pantry items are shared—anything you want to keep personal should be stored separately.
Respect is the Foundation
We thrive on kindness and mutual respect. Treat everyone—housemates, staff, and guests—with consideration. Physical altercations, verbal threats, or intimidation will result in immediate eviction and possibly legal action. Theft or unauthorized possession of others’ belongings will also lead to eviction. Only enter another person’s room if invited and present. Keep boundaries clear, resolve conflicts peacefully, and pitch in for house cleaning, especially in common areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Financial Responsibility
Staying on top of your rent is crucial for the well-being of our community. Rent is due on the 1st of each month, and late payments after the 5th incur a $50 late fee and could lead to eviction. A non-refundable $300 administration fee covers drug testing and move-in/move-out expenses. Forward Recovery is not responsible for your mail, so please update your address as needed. If you leave the program, you’ll have 30 minutes to collect your belongings under staff supervision, after which unclaimed items will be stored for 60 days before donation.
Engagement with Life
Recovery is more than just staying sober—it’s about thriving in all areas of life. We encourage you to engage in 12-step recovery groups, spiritual services, and activities like weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, hiking, and breathwork. These practices nurture your growth and support your journey toward self-sufficiency.
Commitment to Treatment
Active participation in your treatment and support groups is a key part of your recovery plan. After 30 days, we’ll review your progress. Non-compliance may result in eviction. Let’s stay committed to this process together!
Visiting with Purpose
To maintain our recovery-focused environment, each house has its own visitor policies. Here’s what you need to know: No overnight guests. Guest must be pre-approved. One guest per visit—they must stay in the community area.
No guests under 18 without prior approval.
If your guest is found under the influence, you may be required to undergo a drug test, which could lead to eviction.
Guests must not be on the premises without you.
Navigating Challenges
We understand that life happens, and if rules are bent, there’s a process in place to address it. Consequences may vary, from gentle reminders to more serious discussions about your stay.
These guidelines aren’t just rules; they’re stepping stones toward personal growth, recovery, and the development of essential life skills. Together, let’s create a nurturing community where everyone can thrive!