Walter’s House

There have been a lot of questions sent our way about the efficacy and overall safety of Recovery Residence such as Walter’s House. Recovery Residences, also called sober living homes, offer a safe haven to people in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. If someone comes from a home that is not sobriety-friendly or not supportive of their new lifestyle choices, sober living homes may be the bridge to a new tomorrow. These special living environments can help people re-enter mainstream society following outpatient or residential treatment.
Here are some important facts about Recovery Residences:
1. Sober living homes are not homeless shelters:
Many people incorrectly associate sober living homes with homelessness. Some people actually refer to them as “flop houses.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. These houses offer recovering addicts a place to reconstruct their day-to-day lives. In this safe setting, they can get re-acclimated to life in the “real world.” Completion of a rehab program is usually prerequisite to admittance into any sober living home. Walter’s House requires a period of sobriety before a resident is allowed on the property.
2. Sober living homes are governed by a strict set of rules:
Those who live in a sober living home are subject to a series of rules and regulations. Common rules that all residents must follow include: curfews, drug-free visitors only, specific visitation hours, strict drug testing policies, community service, and many more.
3. Sober living homes are not free:
Those residing in sober living homes are expected to pay rent and their share of utility and grocery bills. Paying for these things is actually a blessing, as it helps rebuild the independence that these individuals may have lost during their drug addiction. One of the main objectives of Walter’s House is to promote self sufficiency through personal accountability.
4. Communal living is the order of the day:
Sober living homes are all about community. By sharing space and responsibilities with the other residents, each inhabitant develops personal accountability and gains needed self-respect during a period when relapse is still a concern.
5. Sober living homes offer a chance to interact with peers:
The resident peer group plays a key role in sober living homes. Individuals in recovery aftercare may not get the understanding and affirmation they need from their friends and family. Sober living home peers can relate to what the other residents are going through, so they can provide a powerful support structure. These men live as a family.
6. Sober living homes offer a fresh start at self-sufficiency:
Living in a sober living home is a phase in the recovery process, part of the transition into the real world – not a destination. It is a useful tool in preparing addicts for the day when they get their own apartment, establish their own routines, make all of their own decisions – seek to live an independent, drug-free life.
7. There is drug testing at sober living homes:
In order to maintain the integrity of the sober living home, most require random drug testing. This keeps individuals from relapsing and becoming a negative influence on the other residents in recovery.
8. Sober living homes have a zero tolerance policy towards certain infractions:
If an individual’s random drug test comes back “positive,” chances are high that they will be asked to leave the home. While these homes may show patience and flexibility on many issues, they generally put up with very little when it comes to drug or alcohol use while under the roof of this residence. Walter’s House has a Zero Tolerance Policy to Drug or Alcohol Use.
If you have any questions regarding our mission, please contact us. I can be reached by email, and would be happy to sit down and talk with supporters or opposition. My goal is to continue to provide information to those who want it.
Thank you!
Simon Cross
simon.cross@thestraightlinegroup.comec