Sober Living in NJ FAQ
Questions About Sober Living
If you have questions about sober living, you’re not alone. If you or your loved one have never been to drug rehab in NJ or a sober home, then this is a whole new world to you. Even if you aren’t new to the world of recovery, you may still have questions about how recovery housing works, or about Serenity at Bethany’s NJ sober living program.
Common questions about sober living in NJ include:
- How do you get into sober living in NJ?
- Does NJ regulate sober living homes?
- Do you have to be sober already to live in a sober house?
- Can you stay at a sober house while you’re still in IOP or PHP treatment?
We’ll answer those questions and a bunch more below.
General Sober Living Questions and Answers
Here are answers to some of the questions we’re asked the most about sober living in general and how recovery housing in NJ works. As always, if you have any questions you don’t find an answer for here, you’re welcome to call us at (732) 479-3607 or email info@serenityatbethany.com
How Do You Get Into Sober Living in NJ?
To get into a NJ sober living house you will need to be able to pass a drug screening, or at minimum, be currently sober and actively in recovery.
Many sober living houses in NJ, including ours, also require that you be enrolled in outpatient treatment, like IOP or PHP while you live there.
If you meet those requirements, the next step is completing an over the phone interview for admission. Most sober living houses will require a deposit of some kind to move in.
Does the State of New Jersey Regulate Sober Living Homes?
Yes! Fortunately New Jersey is one of the more responsible states when it comes to regulating sober living.
New Jersey law mandates that they obtain a license from the DHS. Under Title 10, Chapter 161A of the New Jersey Administrative Code, a wide range of facilities—including halfway houses, long-term or short-term residential treatment centers, and non-hospital detoxification units—must meet detailed licensure conditions.
Do You Have to Be Sober Already to Live in Recovery Housing?
To live in a sober living home in NJ, (AKA recovery housing), you cannot be in active addiction. You do not necessarily have to be able to pass a drug screening, but you must be currently enrolled in an approved addiction treatment program and in recovery.
Recovery housing is not medical treatment, it’s not the same as being in an inpatient rehab, in other words. Ideally, you should be in PHP or IOP treatment while in recovery housing.
Does Health Insurance Pay for Sober Living Homes in NJ?
No, sober living is not covered by health insurance because it’s room and board, not medical treatment.
However, the best sober living programs in NJ usually collaborate with a substance use disorder treatment program that offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and/or intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) for addiction.
Insurance usually covers those programs and sober living facilities may offer a discounted rate for people enrolled in approved PHP or IOP treatment.
Are You Allowed To Have Visitors When You’re in Sober Living?
Visitors are discouraged from most sober living houses. When they are allowed, the rules are strict. Visitors would have to be screened and approved beforehand by staff, and it’s usually limited to family, sober supports, probation officers, etc.
Visitors may not be allowed inside. If they are, they are generally limited to common areas and not allowed in guests’ bedrooms.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay at a Sober Living House in NJ?
The cost of lodging in NJ recovery housing can vary pretty widely. It depends on things like the quality of the accommodations, staffing, services, amenities and whether or not meals or other extras are provided. Many NJ sober houses charge per week rather than per month.
The per week rates can range anywhere from $200-250 to as much as $5-600 for an especially fancy one. Some NJ recovery housing programs work with a local NJ PHP or IOP treatment facility and may offer a discounted rate for program participants.
Serenity at Bethany strives to offer affordable recovery housing, without compromising on quality or amenities. We also offer payment plan arrangements. Contact us for more information on payment options.
Serenity at Bethany: Your Recovery Sanctuary
Below are answers to some of the questions people ask about Serenity at Bethany. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, check out our Sober Living and About Us pages, or you’re welcome to call us at (732) 479-3607 or email info@serenityatbethany.com
What Makes Serenity at Bethany Different From Other NJ Recovery Housing?
Lots of things! For one, we offer some unique amenities, like an on-site gym and Finnish sauna, that you won’t find in your average NJ recovery housing. But what makes us really special is the people and program.
We integrate closely with approved local PHP addiction treatment programs so that our guests get a complete recovery experience with all the support needed to build a solid foundation for long-term sobriety.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Resident There?
To become a resident here, you’ll need to be an adult 18 years of age or older. You will also need to be enrolled in approved partner partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient (IOP) addiction treatment for the duration of your stay with us.
Our recovery housing is designed to be part of an overall recovery plan, not a standalone option. We are not a medical facility.
Where is Serenity at Bethany Sober Living Located?
Our NJ recovery house is at 36 Bethany Rd, Hazlet, NJ 07730. Note, we do not accept walk-ins. For resident privacy and security reasons, we require that you call for an initial interview and screening and enrollment in separate, approved PHP or IOP addiction treatment prior to becoming a resident.
Please do not visit the property unannounced. We cannot admit anyone to the sober house as a walk-in. Thanks!
What Else Should I Know About Serenity at Bethany?
Know that our recovery housing is the fulfillment of a long-time dream of our co-founder, James Boozan. For us, recovery isn’t a part-time affair or a business venture. It’s a way of life.
We exist to give back to the program of recovery that has made such a difference in our lives. We’re passionate about helping people build real and lasting sobriety. So, if you or your loved one are serious about making the changes needed to get sober and stay that way—you’re in the right place!
Please check out our About Us, Sober Living and Gallery pages for more details on what makes Serenity at Bethany special.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
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