Recovery Homes and Sober Living in Illinois

What a Recovery Home Is

A recovery home in Illinois is peer-led, residential living facility for individuals who are beginning to build healthy lifestyles while abstaining from substances and/or other addictive behaviors.

In many recovery homes, peers provide services or assistance. However, some recovery homes have paid staff members who oversee the day-to-day operations of the home, as well as provide support to the residents.

There is no set time frame for how long an individual may live in a recovery residence either. Individuals can stay until they are ready to move on and find housing elsewhere.

Illinois recovery homes under an intervention license serve those who seek to maintain an illicit drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Licensed recovery homes and sober living environments are often confused with clinical treatment settings, which generally provide individual therapy or group counseling.

How Recovery Homes Differ From Treatment

Recovery homes are not the same as treatment facilities. Residents in recovery homes are in early or continuing recovery from substance use disorders, but they are not receiving addiction treatment while residing there.

People who live in recovery homes pay rent for their rooms and often take part in household chores as well as being responsible for doing their own laundry and cooking meals. Residents are generally responsible for transportation to and from work or school. In some cases, a recovery house may have a house manager, but there is no requirement that there be one.

For this reason, people who reside in a recovery home need to be prepared for living independently and managing their own life in a substance-free environment.

Clinical treatment programs combine counseling and medications to help people recover from substance use disorders. These programs include medically assisted withdrawal management (detox), inpatient or residential care, partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).

Most recovery residences provide an alcohol- and drug-free environment for individuals living there. All residents must agree to stay abstinent from drugs and alcohol throughout their time at the residence.

Recovery residences are not treatment programs, but many include referrals to treatment. Treatment programs generally follow a set schedule of counseling sessions and medication management and include medical detoxification if needed. Some recovery homes can be used in conjunction with residential care, PHP, and IOP as part of an integrated treatment plan or aftercare.

Unlike licensed residential treatment, Oxford Houses provide peer-driven recovery housing without on-site medical supervision or treatment. However, some residents may continue in outpatient counseling.

House Rules and Expectations

Written house policies should explain resident expectations as well as the consequences for not complying with them. House rules should be clearly posted in common areas and reviewed by each new resident during orientation.

Recovery houses offer alcohol and drug-free living environments, but they are NOT substitute treatment providers or therapists, nor are they intended to replace other mental health services. They should refer clients for treatment, recovery supports, and other needed services.

While policies may vary among recovery residences, common house rules may include:

• No alcohol/drugs on premises
• Curfew (hours when residents must be present)
• House meetings
• Daily household chores and cleaning

In addition, residents can be asked to leave for violating house rules.

House meetings in many residences give the house manager(s) and residents an opportunity to discuss any issues that have come up since the last meeting. House meetings may include discussing the rules and expectations, how to improve the residence, and any concerns about a particular resident’s behavior.

Who Recovery Homes Fit

People leaving residential alcohol treatment may usefully transition from a highly structured, medical model environment into a more independent but still supportive home where they have time to focus on establishing new routines and coping skills.

Recovery homes also serve people who have completed or are in the process of completing an outpatient alcohol rehab program. Some residents need help with job and family responsibilities. A recovery home can provide a bridge to living independently.

At Oxford Houses, there is no on-site paid staff. The residents govern themselves, run meetings, and are responsible for house chores.

Other recovery houses have more structure, including rules that vary from facility to facility. These levels of housing are often for people who need some transition time from a high level of care, such as residential treatment.

Peer-run level 1 recovery homes are democratically run by residents who take an active role in the governance of their home.

Paying for a Recovery Home

Paying for recovery housing often means covering a monthly fee for rent, utilities, house maintenance, food, etc. Most residents cover these costs out-of-pocket.

An Oxford House is a democratically self-run, peer-supported house where individuals who are recovering from addiction live together in a clean, safe, and drug-free environment.

Recovery homes provide an important step between residential treatment or a detox center and returning to the community.

Ask each recovery home what costs are involved when you first contact them.

Treatment received outside the residence may be paid for via insurance or private pay sources.

Some recovery homes also require tenants pay additional fees for amenities like laundry service, cable television service and internet access. If this is something that interests you make sure it's included in your cost calculation before moving into the home.

Finding a Recovery Home in Illinois

The Illinois Helpline connects people seeking help with licensed service providers that offer treatment services such as: detoxification, residential treatment programs, outpatient programs, and peer recovery support groups.

The Illinois Helpline can refer callers to community-based alcohol and drug treatment centers which can assist people in locating sober living homes.

Confirm a DHS DBHR intervention license for a facility you're considering.

During a visit ask about house rules, living conditions, and the amount you'll be charged for rent.

If possible, visit a few homes before deciding which one is right for you. This will allow you to see firsthand how the home operates and if it's a good fit for you.

Finding recovery housing in Illinois can start your life on a new path. When looking for a sober living home, consider the following criteria:

The length of stay. Do you need short-term or long-term housing?

The location. Does the house fit your lifestyle needs?

The amenities and rules. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?

Finding a recovery home is an important part of transitioning from addiction treatment to everyday life.

Other Recovery Supports

Peer recovery coaching and mutual-support groups, such as AA or SMART Recovery, help people in recovery from substance use disorders learn to manage life without drugs. Peer coaches are individuals with experience who share their knowledge and skills with others who want to live free of alcohol and other drugs.

Peer support is a popular element of many recovery communities in Illinois. Peer supports are provided by individuals who have had personal experiences with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues. Recovery peer supports help individuals learn how to live their own lives successfully free from alcohol or drugs. They do not provide direct treatment services, however they often refer people to other resources.

ROSC councils help communities build local networks of recovery supports in the community and provide links to the statewide ROSC Network.