Sober Living Operations Guide

House Rules Development

Why House Rules Matter

House rules create structure and accountability that support residents' recovery. Research indicates that sober living homes with strict enforcement have a 42% lower relapse rate compared to those with more relaxed policies.

Common House Rules Areas

Sobriety Requirements

• Zero tolerance for alcohol and drug use on or off premises
• Random drug and alcohol screening
• Immediate consequences for substance use violations

Curfew Policies

• Standard curfews typically 9-11 PM
• First 30 days: stricter curfews (e.g., 11 PM Sunday-Thursday, 1 AM Friday-Saturday)
• May be adjusted based on employment, school, or volunteer commitments
• Advanced residents may earn extended or lifted curfews

Visitor Policies

• Controlled visiting hours
• No overnight guests
• All visitors pre-approved by staff
• Visitors only in common areas
• Visitors must have minimum sobriety (often 30 days)

Prohibited Items

• Alcohol and drugs (including marijuana in most facilities)
• Drug paraphernalia
• Weapons of any kind
• Products containing alcohol (perfumes, mouthwash)
• Gambling materials

Chore Responsibilities

• All residents participate in household chores
• Rotating assignments for cooking, cleaning, yard work
• Deadlines enforced with consequences for non-completion
• Room cleanliness standards maintained

Meeting Attendance

• First 90 days: 90 AA/NA meetings (one per day)
• After 90 days: typically 3-5 meetings per week
• Mandatory weekly house meeting attendance
• Sponsor relationship required

Employment/Education

• Residents must be employed or enrolled within first 30 days
• Exceptions for active job searching, volunteering, or treatment

Drug Testing Policies

Purpose of Drug Testing

• Maintains accountability and deters relapse
• Provides early detection for intervention
• Ensures safety of the recovery environment
• Documents sobriety for legal/court requirements

Types of Tests

Testing Frequency Best Practices

• Upon Admission: All residents tested before move-in
• Random testing: Preferred over scheduled (more effective deterrent)
• Weekly minimum: For early recovery
• Reduce frequency as stability increases

Handling Positive Results

Response Options (Graduated):

1. Additional resources and counseling
2. Increased monitoring/testing frequency
3. Mandatory attendance at additional meetings
4. Return to detox or treatment program
5. Discharge from residence

Zero Tolerance vs. Second Chance: Some facilities implement immediate discharge; others allow one incident with return after minimum 72-hour absence, detox completion, and passing drug test.

Documentation Requirements

• Date and time of test
• Type of test administered
• Name of person administering test
• Results (positive/negative)
• Substances detected (if positive)
• Resident acknowledgment signature
• Action taken in response

Confidentiality

• Test results are confidential medical information
• Share only with necessary staff and individual tested
• Comply with 42 CFR Part 2 for substance use records
• Written consent required for disclosure to third parties

Intake and Admission Process

Pre-Screening Assessment (15-20 minutes by phone)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Committed to sobriety and active recovery
• Able to engage in daily living activities independently
• No acute medical/psychiatric needs requiring 24/7 care
• Meets sobriety requirements (varies: 0-90 days)
• Able to pay program fees or has funding source

Assessment Topics: Substance use history, treatment history, mental health status, current medications, legal status, housing history, employment/income, emergency contacts

Required Documentation

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of recent treatment completion (if applicable)
• Income documentation
• Insurance cards
• Prescriptions in original bottles
• Court/probation documents (if applicable)

Residency Agreement Components

Financial Terms: Fee amount, security deposit, payment due dates, accepted methods, late payment consequences, refund policy

Program Requirements: House rules, meeting attendance, chores, curfew, drug testing consent, search consent

Discharge Terms: Notice required, grounds for immediate discharge, personal property procedures, deposit refund conditions

Orientation Process (Day of Move-In)

1. Complete intake paperwork
2. Collect payment (first period + deposit)
3. Conduct drug/alcohol screening
4. Tour facility and introduce to residents
5. Assign room/bed and storage space
6. Review house rules in detail
7. Explain emergency procedures
8. Provide resident handbook
9. Set up chore assignment

Discharge Procedures

Types of Discharge

Discharge Planning Components

• Aftercare/continuing care plan
• Housing arrangements
• Employment/income stability
• Recovery meeting schedule
• Sponsor and support network contacts
• Mental health follow-up (if applicable)
• Relapse prevention plan

Exit Interview Topics

• Reason for departure
• Feedback on program
• Future plans
• Contact information for follow-up
• Alumni program information
• Final accounting review

Alumni Conversion

• Invite to join alumni program
• Provide ongoing meeting/event information
• Schedule follow-up contacts for outcome tracking
• Encourage peer mentoring of current residents

Phase/Privilege Systems

Purpose

• Gradual increase in independence
• Clear goals and milestones
• Motivation for compliance
• Preparation for independent living

Typical Phase Structure

Advancement Criteria

• Clean drug tests throughout phase
• Meeting attendance compliance
• Chore completion
• Rent paid on time
• No major rule violations
• Positive attitude and engagement

Meeting Requirements

House Meetings

• Frequency: Weekly (e.g., Sunday 6 PM)
• Attendance: Mandatory for all residents
• Agenda: Opening, roll call, house business, chore assignments, announcements, concerns, recovery sharing, closing

External Meeting Requirements (AA/NA)

• First 90 days: 90 meetings (daily)
• After 90 days: 3-5 meetings per week
• Must be verified 12-step or approved alternative (SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, etc.)

Meeting Verification Methods

• Attendance sheets: Meeting secretary signs after meeting
• Submit weekly: To house manager
• Alternatives: Digital apps with GPS check-in, photo verification, sponsor confirmation

Consequences for Non-Attendance

1. Verbal warning (first offense)
2. Written warning (repeat offense)
3. Phase demotion
4. Additional meeting requirements
5. Potential discharge for chronic non-compliance

Conflict Resolution and Discipline

Conflict Resolution Principles

• Address conflicts early before escalation
• Model healthy communication skills
• Involve staff as mediators when needed
• Document all conflicts and resolutions
• Focus on behavior, not personal attacks

Resolution Steps

1. Direct conversation between parties (encouraged)
2. If unresolved: bring to house manager
3. Formal mediation if needed
4. Documentation of outcome
5. Follow-up to ensure resolution

Progressive Discipline

Common Infractions and Responses

Grievance Procedure

Resident Rights:

• File grievances without fear of retaliation
• Respectful treatment
• Written response
• Appeal decisions
• External oversight involvement

Process:

1. Request grievance form from house manager
2. Complete and submit form
3. House manager acknowledges receipt
4. Investigation conducted (typically 2-5 business days)
5. Written response provided
6. Appeal if unsatisfied