Getting Home Before Curfew
Curfew isn’t about restriction—it’s about building healthy routines that support your recovery. Having a set time to be home each night helps create structure, keeps the house safe, and gives everyone the chance to wind down together. Most sober living homes set curfews between 8 and 10 pm, with a little extra flexibility on weekends. If you’re working late or have a special event, you can always talk with staff about an extension—because the goal is to support your progress, not hold you back. Think of curfew as a gentle reminder: you’re part of a community that thrives on consistency, accountability, and respect. By showing up on time, you’re not just following a rule—you’re investing in your recovery and helping the whole house feel secure.

 

Pass Randomized Drug Testing

Everyone staying in a sober home must be abstinent from drugs and alcohol. As a result, all residents must comply with randomized drug testing and breathalyzer tests. Testing positive for drugs or alcohol may mean you have to leave sober living and go back to rehab. Drug tests may be administered randomly, at any time of the day, and on any day of the week. The frequency of drug testing may vary.

 

Respect Your Housemates and Their Space

Living with other people always has its challenges, and when it comes to sober living, unique struggles may arise. Due to people relapsing, going back to rehab, or moving on to independent living, your living situation may constantly change. You may have new roommates every few weeks or months, causing the household dynamics to change. Not only that, but people in early recovery are under a lot of stress and pressure as they learn how to navigate life in recovery, so there can be disagreements in the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to respect your housemates and their space. You must be quiet during quiet hours, stay out of others’ belongings, not eat anyone else’s food, and establish healthy boundaries between you and your housemates.

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Clean Up After Yourself and Do Your Chores

During sober living you are expected to clean up after yourself, keep your room and personal spaces clean, and do chores. Your house may have a chore list or chore assignments that rotate regularly from one house member to another, ensuring that everyone does their fair share in taking care of the home.

 

No Unapproved Visitors

Sober living homes are designed to promote safety and sobriety, so visitors are usually prohibited. This is because it is difficult to regulate the behavior of visitors. They could make others feel uncomfortable or even bring drugs or alcohol into the home. In order to respect everyone’s space, you may be asked to visit with friends in public places rather than at your sober living. Some sober living homes may allow visitors during certain hours; we do not.

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Attend 12-Step Support Groups

Most sober living homes in Connecticut require residents to attend regular 12-Step meetings. You may be required to attend a certain number of meetings each week. Attending meetings will help you stay on track in your recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. We're located conveniently near numerous 12-Step houses or meeting spots. In fact, we are in an area with so many meetings, we recently became our own AA district. There are great NA meetings here too.

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Attend House Meetings and ALUMNI Functions

In addition to regular 12-Step meetings, you may also be required to attend weekly or biweekly house meetings. We're weekly. House meetings are usually led by the house manager. During a house meeting, you may discuss any problems that have risen in the home and come up with a plan to solve them. You may also inform your house manager of what meetings you’ve attended or any other relevant updates about your recovery. We meet every week individually with our coaches and share our Life 360 information with them. Chores rotate every other week and any important announcements, like group activities, may be made. Sober living house meetings help guarantee that everything in the house runs smoothly and that all resident issues are addressed.

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For some, the Rules of Sober Living Rules can be difficult to follow while others embrace them. They are an essential element of a functional, supportive sober living home. If you are unable to follow the rules of your sober living home, you may be asked to leave, but as long as you’re staying sober and making healthy decisions, following sober house rules will be easy and in the end, you are the one who benefits.