Guide · Research
Is sober living worth it? What the research says
The research points to yes for many people. In a randomized study, people who moved into a recovery home after treatment used substances at about half the rate of people in usual aftercare two years later: 31% compared with 65%. In California sober living research, gains held 18 months after move-in, and longer stays were tied to bigger improvements.
Study 1: a randomized trial of recovery homes
Researchers at DePaul University randomly assigned 150 people finishing treatment in Illinois to either an Oxford House or usual aftercare, then followed them for two years.
| After 24 months | Recovery home | Usual aftercare |
|---|---|---|
| Used substances | 31% | 65% |
| Monthly income | $989 | $440 |
| Incarcerated | 3% | 9% |
Source: Jason, Olson, Ferrari & Lo Sasso, American Journal of Public Health, 2006.
Study 2: sober living houses in California
The Alcohol Research Group followed 300 people entering sober living houses in Northern California. Residents improved in alcohol and drug use, employment, psychiatric symptoms and arrests. The gains in alcohol and drug use held 18 months after they moved in, and the men and women who stayed longer saw the biggest improvements (Alcohol Research Group).
Why it works
- A home with no alcohol or drugs in it
- People around you working the same recovery
- Rules and testing that make the next right thing easier
- Time: enough months for new habits to take hold
What research can’t tell you
Homes vary a lot. Studies describe the average house, not the one you’re touring. Look for written rules and fees, regular testing, a clear relapse policy, naloxone in the house, and a home that’s honest about what it is. In Oklahoma, ask whether it’s certified by OKARR or working toward it.
The bigger picture
In 2023, 48.5 million people in the U.S. age 12 and older had a substance use disorder, and only about 1 in 4 who needed treatment received any (SAMHSA). For most people, recovery happens in daily life. A good sober home makes daily life a place where recovery can win.