Starting a journey to recovery is no easy task; emotionally, physically and financially. The first steps to sobriety differ from one person to another depending on their situation. Often the first step can be a detox facility to help you physically begin the journey. After that, residential treatment, both of which are often covered by federal fundal or insurance. So what is the next step? For most Sober Living is, and in my option, an absolute necessity in the journey to sustained sobriety. However, unlike other important pieces to a treatment plan, sober living costs often fall on the shoulders of the individual.
Back in 2017 when I began my journey to sobriety, I had exhausted all my resources financially. When I finally learned that I couldn’t do this alone and needed to take advantage of sober living, it felt like I may as well be buying a home. Through countless phone calls and surrendering to the process I found myself with an opportunity with a sober living. There was one issue, as I said before, I was broke. Luckily I had a family I could count on to help with the financial obligation. Though, it did not come without boundaries and expectations. This gift was not handed to me without work on my end.
Rest assured, the community is working hard to answer this question and today there are options available to you.
Sober living homes in Colorado can range anywhere from $500-$5000 per month. The homes’ location, amenities and program offerings are big deciders in the cost.
Deciding where you want your sober living home to be located can be a huge factor in the cost. Homes in Denver are often going to be more expensive than homes in cities in the surrounding area. The same can be said for any major city in Colorado. You can equate location desirability to cost. If you are willing to live in a smaller city/town or less desired area, you will definitely find yourself saving.
These are another major factor in cost. The more the home offers you the more they will need to charge. Some programs are designed to offer you the most affordable option while still providing structure, these homes may come with few amenities. Others can offer you an environment similar to individual living experience with amenities and an experience designed to replicate living on your own. When choosing a sober living, ask the questions as to what all is included with your rent and what are you expected to provide.
Sober Living programs are a great way to get involved in a community. Some programs have an extensive list of “extras” that are offered to further assist you in your journey. Some, as stated earlier, are a more affordable option with less offerings. Here are some examples of those offerings that sober livings may provide to you:
So how do you bridge the gap of being in early recovery and in financial hardship? Unless you are in a situation where you are able to maintain a steady income, lean on loved ones or have savings to pull from, the expense of sober living can be too much.
While a lot of states and government agencies are working hard to find ways to supplement the costs of sober living, insurance companies do not view this as medical treatment.
A lot of Sober living homes in Colorado offer their own scholarships. Oftentimes these scholarships are limited, and you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this. Always check with the sober living for what scholarships they have available. You can also check out Steponerecovery.org/Colorado-sober-living for scholarship options.
There are several recovery foundations that are established to help bridge the financial gap. Programs like the Hornbuckle Foundation and All The Way Well are just a few of the foundations established to assist with sober living costs. Like most scholarships, these two will come with certain criteria.
Loved ones can be an asset as well. Of course, personal relationships can be strained during our addiction. If you have been able to maintain some of these relationships, family or friends may be able to assist with getting you established in a sober living while you look for steady work.
These options can sometimes be accommodated by the sober living program, after all we are all in this business to help those in need. Having a plan to get established financially before asking for these may better your chances that the sober living will be willing to work with you.
Hopefully with these options in mind the expense of Sober Living will feel a little less overwhelming and a little more achievable. For me, sober living was the missing piece is several attempts at sobriety. The accountability, community and safety they provide is immeasurable. I was able to learn about the opportunities that recovery could offer me and all the support that is out there routing for me.
