Understanding the Rules around Coming & Going in a Sober Living Home

In the 2024 comedic film Sweet Dreams, misfits from a sober living home in Los Angeles come together as a softball team to win a cash prize and save their beloved facility. The movie features an ensemble cast of American comedians popular on the podcast circuit, and one of the quirkiest characters is Cruise, played by Bobby Lee. Cruise has somehow stayed in the sober living home for seven years. A high risk of relapse prompts his case manager to impose restrictions that keep him inside while other residents are allowed to come and go. Director Lije Sarki chose to inject the film with realism based on his addiction recovery experiences, particularly the dynamics of daily life at a sober living center.

Safety Always Comes First at Sober Living Homes

Many of the plotlines of Sweet Dreams are exaggerated for comedic effect. Such is the case with Cruise, a man whose multiple personality quirks make him prone to disaster. When he’s not in a protective and nurturing environment, the good-hearted Cruise succumbs to stress, peer pressure, and cravings. The restrictions imposed on Cruise are for his safety, an aspect of life that sober living homes always strive to uphold. You can mostly come and go according to the schedules approved by your case manager. However, rules such as curfews are enforced for everyone’s safety.

House and Case Manager Recommendations

Unlike rehabilitation centers, sober living homes like Casa Pacifica, which provides sober living housing for men in Solana Beach, offer a less clinical and more residential treatment experience. You won’t be under lockdown conditions. However, coming and going will be determined by rules, regulations, and recommendations. The rules are announced by the house manager for all residents, and they include schedules for everything from chores to counseling, meetings, and visits. If you’re not participating in these activities, you can generally come and go. However, your case manager may recommend an earlier curfew or some restrictions that are supportive of your treatment plan. Such recommendations would never be as long as the comical restrictions that keep Cruise in sober living for seven years.

Staying Sober Inside and Outside

The transitional aspect of sober living homes assumes you’ll be sober during your stay. If you’re leaving the house for a family weekend, you’ll still be in recovery and expected to stay sober. Depending on the house rules and your treatment plan, you may be asked to participate in drug and alcohol testing. If you’ve been prescribed medications such as antidepressants for recovery, you must take them accordingly, even when you’re not in the house.

Accountability for Your Actions and Whereabouts

Sober living homes are safe and supportive for addiction recovery patients. However, they’re not boarding schools. Accountability is fully expected when you’re admitted to sober living. You should be cognizant and mindful of steps 1, 4, and 5 of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous steps before you check in. This means you’re responsible for your whereabouts and actions while coming and going. House staff provide guidance and support while you’re in the house, but you must assume personal responsibility when you leave for work, school, court, or recreation. This may include adhering to any curfews set by the house manager or recommendations made by your case manager. Depending on the house rules or your case, you may have to inform staff about your destination and expected return time. 

If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol or drugs and needs help, call on the compassionate team at Casa Pacifica. Along with providing Solana Beach sober living housing, we work with our individual residents to develop customized plans that integrate treatment, aftercare, and recovery support. Our services include sober companionship, coaching, and mentorship for those who are recovering from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. For more information about our sober living facilities, call us today.