To join a sober living home, isn't so cut and dry to everyone. It is often different depending on region or niche. Any input or tips on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Make a short list of facilities from search and reach out directly to the program, complete an intake interview, and agree to the house rules. Be honest during the intake process and ask questions about structure, support, and daily expectations. Choose a home that aligns with your lifestyle and recovery goals. Do not pay anything until you arrive for move-in. Tip: Look for homes with regular meetings, clear accountability, and a supportive peer environment.

Make sure to ask for certifications when calling and also clarify all costs up front. For women, make sure to clarify if the house is co-ed or women-only.

Sober Living for Dual Diagnosis Near Philadelphia

What is a sober living home, and how does it support addiction recovery?

Standard sober living homes are structured, alcohol-free and drug-free living environments designed to support individuals transitioning from addiction treatment centers or addiction life cycles back to normal independent life again. At My Philadelphia Sober Living, residents benefit from peer to peer support, mentorship, and a safe space to reinforce healthy habits, accountability and implement the structure and and practices necessary for maintaining abstinence from drugs, alcohol and/or other addictive behaviors.

Can I work or go to college while living here?

Absolutely. My Philadelphia is a sober living where you may continue to work or attend classes. For those not yet employed or enrolled in higher education, we support and encourage our residents to find employment, return to school, or volunteer in the community. Many people in our program balance work or class schedules while continuing to attend recovery meetings and participate in sober living responsibilities.

Do I need to be sober already to move in?

You don’t need to have completed a full treatment program to enter. Although many clients join the My Philadelphia sober living program after completing detox or in-patient rehab, it is also fairly common for residents to utilize the sober living experience as a lone means of addiction treatment. At Philadelphia Sober Living, we accept individuals who have been sober for at least 24 hours and are ready to commit to a clean lifestyle. So whether you’re coming straight from detox, leaving inpatient rehab, or just looking to get away from your problematic people, places and things for a while, our program offers a supportive and structured environment to build your foundation in recovery.

What’s different about your program compared to other sober homes?

Unlike basic recovery residences, our Philadelphia home emphasizes structure, community, and accountability while allowing residents to continue their current work or university schedules if needed. Residents follow a customized schedule with their respective house concierge based on their needs, attend recovery meetings, submit to regular drug testing, and participate in weekly house meetings — all within a supportive, family-style environment that encourages personal growth.

How many sober living homes do you manage?

We currently operate three homes in the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey region. One is our flagship men's home in Fairmount just minutes away from Downtown Philadelphia. The second is our women's sober living home in Chester, PA. Which is a suburb of the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. The third being a co-ed partner home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Each home is staffed with industry professionals and insured with it's own respective specialized insurance policy.

Do you have an anti-discrimination policy in place?

Yes. At Philadelphia Sober Living, we enforce a strict anti-discrimination policy to ensure all residents feel safe, respected, and welcome. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, mental health status, or recovery approach (including MAT or non-12-step pathways).

We are an LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed residence and comply fully with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although not every house is set up to accommodate wheelchairs, every resident is treated with dignity, and reasonable accommodations can be made to support equal access to housing and participation in our program.

Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive recovery community where everyone has the opportunity to heal and grow without fear of bias or exclusion.

How do I get started and move in?

You can call us here (267) 498-9066 or fill out our quick online application found here. We'll schedule a short interview to understand your recovery background, and if it's a good fit, we’ll guide you through the intake and move-in process, often within a few days.

Is the house located in a safe part of the city?

Yes. Our sober living homes are all located in nicer neighborhoods vetted for walkability, peace and areas with traditionally lower crime rates. Another thing we focused on when vetting our homes is whether they are close to recovery meetings, public transit, and local entertainment options. Safety and access to recovery resources are two of our top priorities when choosing our location.

Can family members be involved in my recovery while I live here?

Yes, we encourage healthy family involvement. Loved ones can stay connected through calls, visits, or even family therapy (if set up externally). Our team can help guide families on how to support recovery while respecting house guidelines and boundaries.

Can I attend outpatient treatment while living at your sober home?

Yes, many residents attend outpatient programs (IOP or PHP) while staying with us, including but not limited to, our proprietary outpatient treatment program. Our sober living structure complements external treatment by offering stability and accountability when you're not at a clinical center. To summarize further, it is encouraged but not mandatory.

Do you provide help for dual diagnosis or mental health conditions?

Yes. We are proud to be one of several sober livings for dual diagnosis in Philadelphia, meaning support for those who are managing both substance use and a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. While we don’t offer clinical therapy on-site, we maintain close partnerships with local outpatient providers and therapists who specialize in co-occurring disorders.

Residents are encouraged to continue therapy, medication management (non-narcotic), and outpatient care alongside their time in our home.

What should I bring when moving into the house?

We recommend bringing clothing, toiletries, a few personal items, and any necessary medications (non-narcotic unless prescribed and pre-approved with our house manager). prescription meds are managed and administered by staff as prescribed by your PCP in written, certified format. Bedding and soaps are provided however toiletries such as deodorant and tooth pastes should be brought with the resident upon arrival.

We will also assist with a checklist after acceptance. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, or triggering materials are allowed.

What makes Philadelphia a good place to get sober?

Philly has a vibrant recovery community, hundreds of 12-step meetings weekly, public transit, affordable living, and growing job opportunities. The local sober network is strong, supportive, and deeply connected — ideal for anyone looking to build a new life in recovery.

F.A.Q