Sober Houses – a loving, supportive launchpad for your recovery

Sober Houses – a loving, supportive launchpad for your recovery

Ever wondered what life is like living in a sober house? Here’s everything you need to know about sober living after rehab. 

What is a sober house? 

Also known as a sober living house or recovery residence, a sober house is a drug and alcohol free living environment designed to support people in the early stages of recovery. It is not somewhere you go to ‘sober up’ but can provide you with support as you transition from a detox or rehabilitation program back into the community.  

What kind of people live in a sober house?

You will find each sober house is operated differently and most will have criteria you will need to meet to be considered. At The Sydney Retreat, our sober houses are for people who are clean and sober, are seriously committed to the 12 Step program of recovery, and willing to be an active part of the sober house community. 

How do you choose the right sober house? 

If the main goal of a sober house is to support individuals in their recovery journey and provide a safe, alcohol and drug free living environment, then you want to choose a sober house with clear house rules and requirements of its residents. It is also good to understand what is expected of you and whether the living arrangements suit your needs. 

The Sydney Retreat Sober Houses

The Sydney Retreat currently runs two sober houses in Sydney’s Inner West. The houses are fully furnished, comfortable and homely with private bedrooms and shared living spaces. To the outside world, they look like regular homes shared by a group of friends.  

Tris Ellicott, Sober House Manager says the sober houses aren’t just a place to hide out and take things easy, but a supportive environment which can act like a launchpad for recovery. 

“We have worked hard to create a positive community culture within our sober houses,” he explains. “Our philosophy is that our common welfare comes first, the individual second, so our houses are for people who are seriously committed to the 12 Step program and are willing to participate fully in their recovery.”  

“Our first sober house has been going since 2023 and we’ve built up a really great 

culture amongst the men in that community. We have two guys who have been there nearly a year and have slowly been mending their relationships with their ex partners. They have been able to set up homes for shared custody of their kids which they will move into shortly – it’s really incredible what they’ve achieved since they’ve been with us.”  

What are the requirements to live in The Sydney Retreat Sober Houses?

Living in a sober house shouldn’t feel like you are in ‘sober jail’, however our sober houses have some requirements to ensure people’s time in the house is productive and recovery-focussed, and that the community is safe and the environment supportive. Guests must: 

• Attend a minimum of four in person 12 Step recovery meetings per week and at least two of these have to be with house mates 
• Have a weekly service commitment at one regular 12 Step meeting
• Meet regularly with a sponsor and be actively working a 12 Step program
• Be in paid employment within the first three months 
• Keep the house neat and tidy, clean and well maintained 
• Not have alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks in the house  
• Provide random urine and breath tests on request

Residents are also required to attend weekly house meetings with the sober house manager which is an opportunity to check in and address any issues or concerns, ensure the house is running smoothly and commitments are being met. They are also encouraged to cook and share meals together and while there are no overnight stays, residents have been supported to attend recovery weekends and even take their kids camping during school holidays.  

To keep rent and expenses as affordable as possible for those in early recovery, The Sydney Retreat relies on donations to keep our sober houses running and provide this wonderful support for those who need it.