sober living homes

Sober living is a transitional step for individuals who have completed drug and alcohol detox and outpatient treatment and are adjusting to life in recovery. Unlike rehab, sober living homes allow residents to live more independently while still providing structure, accountability, and a supportive community.

Residents live in a supervised home alongside others committed to sobriety. They follow house rules, attend meetings, and participate in daily routines designed to promote a healthy lifestyle free from substances. Sober living helps bridge the gap between structured care and independent life, offering the tools and support needed to reduce the risk of relapse.

Whether you’re transitioning from rehab or struggling to maintain sobriety at home, at Addiction Treatment Center of New England in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, MA, our sober living homes provide a safe, structured environment where you can continue your recovery journey.

Components of Sober Living

Sober living homes offer a mix of independence and structure, tailored to support long-term recovery. Common components include:
  • Supervised living: House managers oversee daily operations and ensure a safe, substance-free environment.
  • Peer support: Living with individuals in recovery fosters accountability and motivation.
  • Structured schedules: Residents follow routines including chores, meetings, and curfews.
  • Life Skills development: Support is provided for employment, education, financial management, and healthy social interactions.
  • Outpatient therapy access: Many residents continue attending outpatient rehab or counseling, which may be covered by insurance.

These elements work together to create a supportive environment where residents can focus on recovery while building independence.

sober living in Massachusetts
sober living in Boston, MA

Benefits of Sober Living

Positive Environment

Living in a sober home allows you to distance yourself from triggers or relationships tied to past substance use. You are surrounded by peers committed to sobriety, fostering a culture of encouragement and accountability.

Supportive Care

Sober living homes guide house managers, structured routines, and support from other residents. This level of support is especially helpful for those who find the transition from rehab to independent living challenging.

Credentialed Staff

Many sober living programs employ trained and credentialed staff who connect residents with counseling, vocational services, or other recovery resources. Knowing professional help is readily available gives residents confidence in their recovery journey.

Reduced Risk of Relapse

Research shows relapse rates for substance use disorders can range between 40–60%, similar to other chronic health conditions. Sober living provides structure, peer accountability, and ongoing support, all of which improve the likelihood of sustained sobriety.

sober living homes

Features of Our Sober Living Program

Our Massachusetts sober living homes are designed to support individuals recovering from alcohol and substance abuse with programs that focus on both recovery and life skills development. Key features include:
  • Access to Counseling: Individual and group therapy sessions to support continued recovery.
  • 12-Step & Support Networks: Connections to community recovery programs.
  • Life Skills Coaching: Guidance in finding employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
  • Structured Independence: Residents enjoy freedom within a safe, supportive framework.
  • Flexible Stay Durations: Programs are tailored to individual recovery needs.

Residents in our homes gain the tools, community, and guidance necessary to thrive while living sober.

Who Can Benefit From Sober Living?

Sober living is designed for individuals who are ready to continue their recovery journey outside of a formal rehab setting but still need support, structure, and community. Some examples of who can benefit include:
  • Those transitioning from treatment programs: Individuals who have completed rehab may find it difficult to adjust immediately to independent living. Sober living provides a structured, supportive environment to practice the skills learned in recovery while maintaining sobriety.
  • Individuals struggling with home or social environments: Returning home after rehab can sometimes be challenging if a person’s household or social circle includes triggers for substance use. Sober living offers a safe space away from negative influences while fostering healthy habits and routines.
  • People who want to reinforce life skills: Sober living homes focus not only on maintaining sobriety but also on building essential life skills. Residents receive guidance on finding employment, pursuing education, managing finances, developing social skills, and strengthening family relationships, all of which prepare them for independent living.
  • Those seeking accountability and peer support: Recovery is easier when you are surrounded by others on the same journey. Sober living provides daily accountability through house rules, peer encouragement, and structured routines, which can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.

By choosing a sober living home, residents gain access to a community of peers, professional guidance, and structured opportunities for personal growth. This combination of support and independence allows individuals to rebuild their lives in recovery while gradually preparing for the responsibilities of living fully on their own.

Sober Living vs Halfway Houses

While both sober living homes and halfway houses provide outpatient support for individuals in recovery, there are important distinctions:
  • Sober Living Homes: Focus on independence and self-responsibility while maintaining sobriety. Rules are present but less restrictive than halfway houses. Residents often continue work or school and pay their own rent.
  • Halfway Houses: Typically more structured and may be court-ordered. These homes often provide stricter supervision, mandatory drug testing, and additional therapy services.

The choice depends on your recovery needs, desired level of structure, and personal circumstances. Both environments provide support, but sober living offers a balance between independence and accountability.

What Our Massachusetts Sober Living Offers

Sober living in Massachusetts has become an increasingly popular option for individuals in recovery from addiction. Sober living environments are typically designed to provide a supportive and structured space for individuals in recovery to transition back into independent living while actively maintaining their sobriety. Our sober living homes in Brighton, MA, may offer a range of services and amenities, including:
  • Access to individual and group counseling services
  • Connection to 12-step programs and other recovery support groups
  • Educational services
  • Vocational development
  • Assistance with employment

Some sober living communities may also offer specialized programs for those with co-occurring mental health disorders or other unique needs. Those in recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism can form supportive and meaningful relationships with peers in recovery, as well as access to fun sober activities and resources that promote wellness and personal growth.

Additionally, most sober living communities in Massachusetts are located in areas with easy access to nature, helping you to embrace sober living in Massachusetts, thriving rather than merely surviving.

sober living homes
sober living in Boston, Massachusetts

Why Choose Sober Living?

Our sober living homes at Addiction Treatment Center of New England are particularly popular due to their emphasis on recovery in a supportive, structured, and enriching environment. Benefits include:
  • Access to nature and recreational activities to support wellness.
  • Connection to a community of peers in recovery.
  • Programs designed to enhance life skills and maintain sobriety.
  • Specialized support for co-occurring mental health disorders or unique recovery needs.

Our sober living allows residents to focus on thriving in sobriety rather than simply surviving.

Sober Living FAQs

Transitioning from treatment back into daily life can be one of the most challenging and rewarding stages of recovery. Sober living homes in Massachusetts offer a safe, structured, and supportive environment where individuals can continue building the habits and confidence needed to maintain long-term sobriety.

These residences bridge the gap between treatment and independent living, helping residents practice accountability, develop life skills, and strengthen their recovery foundations within a community of peers who share similar goals.

If you’re interested in exploring sober living in Massachusetts, see if you can find what you’re looking for in the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Addiction Treatment Centers of New England.

Sober living refers to maintaining a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle. The term often applies to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders who are committed to abstinence and personal growth.

In the context of a sober living home, it means residing in a structured, supportive, and substance-free environment designed to encourage continued sobriety. These homes provide accountability through rules and guidelines, such as mandatory sobriety, participation in recovery activities, and shared responsibilities, helping residents transition from treatment to independent living.

Living a sober life can lead to meaningful improvements in nearly every area of your well-being:

  • Improved physical health: Your body begins to heal, often resulting in better sleep, increased energy, and stronger immunity.
  • Better mental health: Sobriety helps reduce anxiety and depression while promoting emotional stability and self-awareness.
  • Stronger relationships: Without the strain of addiction, you can rebuild trust and nurture healthy, supportive relationships.
  • Increased productivity: Focus, motivation, and job performance often improve when substances no longer interfere.
  • Financial stability: Without the expenses tied to addiction, many people find greater financial security and independence.

Everyone’s experience of sobriety is unique, but many people describe it as empowering and deeply rewarding.

Common benefits include:

  • Mental clarity: Clearer thinking and sharper focus.
  • Improved mood: More emotional balance and a sense of joy and fulfillment.
  • Higher energy levels: Better sleep and vitality throughout the day.
  • Confidence and pride: A renewed sense of self-worth and achievement as you take control of your life and future.

A sober living house (or sober living community) is an environment where people in recovery can live among peers who are also committed to sobriety.

These homes bridge the gap between structured treatment and independent living by offering a safe, substance-free setting with clear expectations. Residents are typically required to:

  • Stay drug- and alcohol-free
  • Participate in recovery meetings or therapy
  • Contribute to household chores
  • Follow curfews and house rules

Sober living homes do not provide treatment directly but serve as a vital support system that helps individuals maintain long-term recovery.

Yes. One of the main benefits of sober living is the opportunity to rebuild your life while maintaining accountability. Residents are encouraged to work, attend school, or pursue further education while actively participating in recovery programs and contributing to the household. This balance supports independence and real-world readiness while staying focused on sobriety.

Sober living homes operate with structure and consistency to maintain a safe, recovery-focused environment. Residents are expected to:

  • Abstain from drugs and alcohol
  • Attend recovery meetings or therapy sessions
  • Respect curfews and housemates
  • Complete assigned chores

House managers or staff help oversee daily operations, ensuring accountability and providing guidance when challenges arise. These rules are designed to promote stability, responsibility, and long-term recovery, not punishment.

Most sober living homes require residents to pay their own rent and do chores. With some exceptions, sober living homes usually aren’t eligible for insurance coverage because they’re not considered a treatment facility by the government. This is because sober living homes don’t offer treatment as rehab facilities do. While this seems like a disadvantage, paying rent can help a resident continue responsible financial habits.

However, outpatient rehab that you may attend during your time in a sober living home may be covered by insurance. Some insurance policies may limit your care providers or may want you to contribute to the cost. The cost depends on your insurance policy’s deductible and your policy’s co-pay. Most treatment facilities can help determine if your insurance is eligible for outpatient rehab.

The average stay in a sober living home is approximately 90 days, though arrangements can be adjusted based on individual progress and personal circumstances.

Factors that influence the length of stay include:

  • Your level of independence and readiness to return home.
  • The home or social environment you are returning to.
  • Continued engagement with recovery programs and outpatient therapy.

Some residents may remain in sober living longer to reinforce healthy habits and prevent relapse, while others transition sooner depending on their progress.

Begin Your Recovery Journey in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one is seeking a safe and supportive sober living environment in Massachusetts, Addiction Treatment Centers of New England can help you take the next step.

Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify insurance, and guide you toward a sober living option that supports your long-term recovery goals. Call us today or fill out our confidential contact form to get started.

Our Sober Homes

Gardner St

Male Only

10 Single Beds

Quint Ave

Co-Ed

15 Single Beds

In partnership with the Allston Brighton CDC

Englewood Ave

Female Only

11 Single Beds

Commonwealth Ave

Male Only

14 Single Beds

Referral & Admission Process Contacts

Adam Tucker – Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (617) 254-1271, ext 130

Rashidah Devane – Assistant Housing Coordinator
Phone: 617-694-2938

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Sober Living in Massachusetts

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