The path to lasting sobriety can be challenging and come with many twists and turns. Long-term recovery is not achieved after completing a rehab or addiction treatment program. Maintaining lifelong sobriety requires continuous effort and the choice each day to abstain from drugs or alcohol. Adjusting to a new lifestyle is not easy, especially if your addiction struggles are tied to painful emotions or past experiences. Continuing to receive additional support after leaving treatment can give you the time and space to keep on learning how to prioritize your health and sobriety.
At Harmony Haus, we set the platinum standard for sober living homes. We understand that everyone’s experiences with addiction and recovery are different. Our team will work with you to understand your needs and create a treatment plan centered around the resources and guidance that will best support you. Schedule a tour to learn more about our sober living homes and services. We are here to help you continue your healing and recovery journey.
Recovery Option:
Alcohol
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-6 months
12 months or more
A 30-day minimum is common; longer stays often help solidify new habits and support lasting recovery.
Heroin (Opioids)
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-6 months
12 months or more
Extended support is beneficial given the complex nature of opioid dependency and withdrawal management.
Methamphetamine
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-6 months
12 months or more
Recovery often requires intensive behavioral therapy to address deep-rooted psychological and behavioral dependencies.
Prescription Drugs
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-6 months
12 months or more
Depending on the drug class (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), monitoring and integrated care for pain or mental health issues may be needed.
Cocaine
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-6 months
12 months or more
Given the intense psychological cravings often associated with cocaine use, extended support can help maintain sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis
Minimum Duration
Typical Duration
Extended/Long-Term Option
Comments
30 days
3-9 months
12 months or more
Programs that integrate treatment for co-occurring mental health issues may offer more flexible timelines to ensure comprehensive care.
Alcohol
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-6 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
A 30-day minimum is common; longer stays often help solidify new habits and support lasting recovery.
Heroin (Opioids)
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-6 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
Extended support is beneficial given the complex nature of opioid dependency and withdrawal management.
Methamphetamine
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-6 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
Recovery often requires intensive behavioral therapy to address deep-rooted psychological and behavioral dependencies.
Prescription Drugs
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-6 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
Depending on the drug class (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), monitoring and integrated care for pain or mental health issues may be needed.
Cocaine
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-6 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
Given the intense psychological cravings often associated with cocaine use, extended support can help maintain sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis
Minimum Duration
30 days
Typical Duration
3-9 months
Extended/Long-Term Option
12 months or more
Comments
Programs that integrate treatment for co-occurring mental health issues may offer more flexible timelines to ensure comprehensive care.
How Long Does Sober Living Last?
Those early days of sobriety, after you complete your treatment program, can feel overwhelming. It is often the most vulnerable time in the recovery process and has a higher risk of relapse. Sober living homes are transitional residences that provide a comfortable and supportive environment for members to continue receiving help in maintaining lasting sobriety. Individuals live with sober peers and continue building on the skills and techniques they learn in addiction treatment.
Key phases of sober living include:
Initial Adjustment (0–1 Month):
Transition from a higher level of care (e.g., inpatient treatment) to the sober living environment. Residents adjust to the structured, substance-free lifestyle.
Stabilization and Skill Building (1–3 Months):
Residents work on daily routines, attend recovery meetings, and learn coping strategies. This phase is crucial for establishing a strong foundation.
Consolidation and Reintegration (3–6 Months):
Many residents start to integrate back into society by seeking employment, further education, or independent living skills. Continued support helps maintain sobriety during reintegration.
Extended Support (6–12+ Months):
For those needing longer-term support, extended stays can offer a continued safety net as they navigate more independent living. Not all programs offer this, but it is common in programs focusing on long-term recovery.
How long someone stays in sober living ultimately depends on the individual and what their needs are. The average length of stay in a sober living house is 5 to 9 months. However, as long as members follow the house rules and continue working on their recovery, they can stay as long as they need. A sober living house is meant to ease the transition between treatment and regular life. Having a longer sober living stay length can help you build your foundation for lasting recovery and wellness.
Can You Leave A Sober Living House?
Yes, you can leave a sober living house if you feel ready and confident in your ability to maintain your sobriety in the real world. It is recommended that you stay for at least 90 days to give yourself time to heal and adjust to a sober lifestyle. A sober living program will provide a stable and structured environment that can be very beneficial during the early days of your journey.
Factors that impact your sober living length of stay:
- If you have a medical or mental health condition that is related to your past substance abuse
- Whether you have a strong support system outside of treatment and sober living
- If this is not your first time going through the treatment process
- Your long-term recovery and life goals
How long sober living lasts for you will depend on your unique experiences and set of circumstances. At Harmony Haus, we provide sober living support services designed to help you adopt a healthy, new lifestyle. Embarking on a new life can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule a Tour at Harmony Haus Today
In a sober living home, you can build confidence and self-esteem in yourself and your behaviors. Recovery is not an easy journey, but Harmony Haus can provide a comfortable landing place for you to work on accomplishing your life goals. If you are ready to quit substances and build a better future for yourself, consider enrolling in our sober living homes and programs. Reach out through the online form or call us at 877.349.1544 to speak with our team and get started.
