Sober living homes, sometimes also known as recovery residences or halfway houses, are transitional living environments for people recovering from mental health and substance abuse disorders.[1] These facilities provide a structured, supportive, and substance-free setting to help residents maintain sobriety and gradually reintegrate into their daily lives.
Unlike inpatient rehabilitation centers, sober living homes offer a more independent lifestyle while still enforcing rules and expectations.[2] Residents are typically required to attend support group meetings, participate in household chores, and attend treatment. Many homes also encourage or mandate employment or educational pursuits as well.
The primary goal of sober living homes is to create a safe, communal space where individuals can practice the skills and coping mechanisms learned during treatment. By living alongside peers facing similar challenges, residents can build a support network and develop healthy relationships. This environment helps reduce the risk of relapse and promotes long-term recovery.
Sober living homes vary in their specific offerings, but most provide a balance of structure and autonomy. This approach allows residents to gradually take on more responsibilities and build confidence in their ability to maintain sobriety in the outside world.
How (and Why) Sober Living Works at MARC
MARC offers sober living and recovery houses as part of a comprehensive, integrated approach to addiction and behavioral health treatment. Our model recognizes that recovery is a journey requiring various levels of support at different stages.
At MARC, sober living works in tandem with other levels of care, ensuring you always have the support you need. For instance, some of our patients may participate in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP, extended care) while residing in a sober living home. This combination allows for intensive therapeutic interventions during the day, followed by a supportive, substance-free environment in the evenings.
The sober living component at MARC provides a crucial bridge between intensive treatment and independent living. It offers a structured yet flexible setting where clients can practice newly acquired coping skills, build routines, and gradually increase their responsibilities. House managers and peers offer accountability and support, reinforcing the lessons learned in therapy.
Our approach to recovery homes is effective because it addresses multiple aspects of recovery simultaneously. While our treatment programs focus on clinical treatment and skill-building, sober living addresses the practical challenges of maintaining sobriety in daily life as you work on your recovery. This comprehensive strategy helps clients develop a strong foundation for long-term healing, reducing the risk of relapse as they transition back into the community.
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The Efficacy of Sober Living Homes
Sober housing has emerged as a crucial component in the continuum of care for people recovering from substance use disorders. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of these residential recovery environments in promoting long-term sobriety and overall well-being.[3]
The body of evidence supporting SLHs highlights their value as an effective intervention in the recovery process. By providing a supportive, substance-free living environment, sober living plays a vital role in helping those in recovery transition from treatment to independent living while maintaining their treatment goals.
What Our MARC Sober Living Home Alumni Are Saying
I am very fortunate and grateful I was able to be a patient at MARC for 9 months. It was a challenging program but it has helped me tremendously find footing in my early recovery. I have had multiple bouts of sobriety in the past but relapsed, I now feel very confident moving forward after experiencing the therapy I received at MARC. I would recommend this treatment facility to anybody who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone or has a window of willingness to change. It’s not an easy program to complete and I was challenged periodically but the professionals that I encountered pushed me to do the work on myself that was necessary. My family is just as grateful and that is a blessing.
MIKE H.
Recovering Patient
Without MARC, I would not have much of a life right now. Yes, this place is an addiction treatment center, and surely does intensive therapy for addiction and mental illness. But the residence/community living treatment program also teaches you invaluable life skills such as cleanliness, organization, work ethic, budgeting, communication, and interpersonal skills. Though some of these times for me were extremely difficult, and I hated being in treatment some of the time, I’m grateful to MARC for giving me a shot at an actual life. They don’t do the work for you, but they push you, and it’s up to you if you use the guidance/push to actually move forward.
THOMAS F.
Recovering Patient
I cannot recommend MARC enough. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. The staff is incredibly caring and dedicated to helping patients overcome addiction. The treatment programs are top-notch and tailored to meet each individual's needs. The facility itself is clean, comfortable, and conducive to healing. I am grateful for the time I spent here and will forever be in debt to the staff for saving my life. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, this is the place to go. Five stars!
CASEY
Recovering Patient
Maryland addiction recovery center absolutely saved my life. Multiple times. I have been through several rehab facilities, and MARC was the only treatment center that showed a genuine care for my well-being. They continued to follow up with me afterwards, and 5 years after going through their program, they are still reaching out and extending their hand. I would highly recommend anyone to go through any of their programs.
DAVE D.
Recovering Patient
Marc’s therapeutic approach, mixed with AA/NA fellowships has saved my life ten times over. I came to Marc broken and scared. I had no idea how to live without the use of substances. Marc gives you the resources, and a community of people that show you, you can live a life beyond your wildest dreams. They offer a family program that allows you to improve on family dynamics, individual therapy, group therapy, rides to meetings, and a plethora of other services. It’s also important to note that even after completing Marc they still support me and my family. They genuinely care about their patients and I am forever grateful for the impact Marc continues to have on my life.
AUGUST J.
Recovering Patient
MARC’s Therapy Modalities for Sober Living in Baltimore, Maryland
MARC employs a comprehensive approach to recovery in our sober living homes, utilizing evidence-based modalities to support residents in their journey towards sustained sobriety and improved overall well-being
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
This approach helps residents develop skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and cope with stress effectively.
Educational sessions offer valuable information about addiction, recovery, and mental health, empowering residents with knowledge to support their journey.
By integrating these diverse modalities, MARC creates a holistic treatment environment that addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals in recovery. Our approach aims to equip residents with a robust set of skills and tools to maintain sobriety, improve mental health, and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Our Locations
MARC has three expansive suites on our clinical campus covering over 25,000 square feet, conveniently located just north of Baltimore’s central hub in Towson. In addition to the clinical and administrative suites, we also have our extended care Community Living campus apartment complex, owned, managed, and staffed 24/7 by MARC, as well as male and female sober living homes.
At MARC, we understand that everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to determining the most appropriate level of care for each patient. Our comprehensive assessment process ensures that you receive treatment tailored to your specific needs, circumstances, and goals.
When you come to MARC, our experienced team of clinicians conducts a thorough evaluation. This assessment takes into account various factors, including:
The severity and duration of your substance use
Any co-occurring mental health conditions
Your physical health status
Previous treatment experiences
Your current living situation and support system
Work or educational commitments
Personal goals for recovery
We consider all these elements to create a holistic picture of your needs. Our team then collaborates to determine which level of care will provide the most effective support for your recovery journey. This may range from intensive outpatient programs to extended care (partial hospitalization), along with supportive sober living options.
It’s important to note that your level of care may change as you progress through treatment. We continuously assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. This flexible approach ensures that you receive the right level of support at every stage of your recovery.
Our goal is to provide you with the most appropriate and effective care possible. By carefully determining your level of care, we aim to set you up for long-term success in your recovery journey.
Eligibility typically includes a commitment to maintaining sobriety and often requires people to have completed or be participating in a primary substance abuse treatment and recovery program (which can be outpatient treatment or at another level of care). Some sober living homes might also require a referral or recommendation from a counselor, treatment facility, or healthcare provider. Each home may have its own specific criteria, so it’s important to check with the individual facility.
The cost of staying in a sober living home in Baltimore generally includes rent and utilities, and it varies depending on the location, amenities, and size of the home. Some homes offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees based on the resident’s income or financial situation.
The typical length of stay in a sober living home ranges from a few months to a year or more, depending on your individual needs and progress in recovery. Many homes do not have a set timeframe; instead, they focus on allowing residents to stay as long as needed to build a stable, sober life and transition to independent living.
Yes, sober living homes generally have house rules to ensure a supportive environment. Common rules include maintaining sobriety, adhering to a curfew, participating in house chores, attending house meetings, and respecting other residents. Rules are designed to promote a stable and safe environment conducive to recovery.
Policies on pets vary among sober living homes. Some facilities may allow pets with prior approval, while others may have a no-pet policy due to space constraints, allergies, or other reasons. It’s important to check the specific pet policy of the treatment center or sober living home you’re interested in.
[1] Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Bond, J., & Galloway, G. (2010). What Did We Learn from Our Study on Sober Living Houses and Where Do We Go from Here? Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(4), 425. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2010.10400705 on August 5, 2024
[3] Polcin, D. L., Mericle, A. A., Braucht, G. S., & Wittman, F. D. (2023). Moving Social Model Recovery Forward: Recent Research on Sober Living Houses. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 1–14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10139742/ on August 5, 2024
[4] Polcin, D. L., Mahoney, E., Witbrodt, J., Subbaraman, M. S., & Mericle, A. A. (2023). Outcomes Among Sober Living House Residents Who Relapse: Role of Recovery Capital. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1–9. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791072.2023.2225502#d1e1111 on August 5, 2024
