THE SUB-CULTURE OF SOBER LIVING

We, as a treatment community must keep a keen eye out for those who are just released from in-patient treatment. Some, are ready for the next step while others insurance and/or provider have left them in a vulnerable place. Regardless of the rigorous rules at a good sober living, trust me when I say this: They find ways to get around even the smallest rules! Sadly, we have no macro records of those who pass while in sober living... I've been to more funerals than I can count on people thinking they had "One last run".

Parents, Loved ones, and other naivety in staff has a clientele that is often savvy enough to use in the best of Sober Livings. I found the "social life" of sober living is a crucial factor, and this can be good and bad. The first taste of freedom, I was introduced to the Kratom and Kava bars that didn't show on drug tests. I watched as many would become addicted to these substances and often be back to their DOC in record time. People understand what shows on drug tests, and the ability to fake these tests has only become easier. Just like Pro-Sports, those who make the tests are paid far less than those making the ways to beat them! I recall catching people selling Gabapentin, Seroquel, Trazadone, and all the other cocktail that 9/10 people seem leave with an RX from in-patient rehabs.

I found that even those with a solid program get taken down by the PhD in drug usage was learned in the sober home communities. While it's been over a decade since I managed sober livings, and longer since I lived in many (both good and bad). I'm happy to see many sober homes have evolved to allowing MAT patients, and being open to alternative paths to sobriety.

One major problem not being addressed: Bad players in the Sober Home Industry. Personally, I lived in many drug fueled sober homes that simply wanted rent on time and could care less what else happened. We have countless programs that make money off certifying In-Patient places (Joint Commission, FARR, and many trying to make money off being the BBB of rehabs). We've all seen the rampant fraud busts of late and ask yourself... how many had ALL of these certifications! These places do nothing but make money off of a job that literally costs lives. In Florida, our DCF is overworked, underpaid, and I personally witnessed blatant corruption. We truly need a paradigm shift in the ways we continue to fail, and sober livings are a crucial part that must be done right!