Sober Living in Virginia
33 facilities offering this level of care
What is Sober Living?
Sober living homes, also called recovery residences, provide structured, substance-free housing for people in recovery from addiction. These homes offer a supportive environment that bridges the gap between treatment and fully independent living.
Residents typically share a home with others in recovery, follow house rules (including maintaining sobriety and contributing to household responsibilities), and may participate in house meetings. Many sober living homes encourage or require residents to work, attend school, or participate in programming while living there.
Virginia has various levels of sober living homes, ranging from peer-run residences to clinically managed recovery housing. The quality and structure of homes can vary significantly, so research is important.
Who is Sober Living For?
Sober living may be appropriate for individuals completing residential treatment who need continued structure and support, those whose home environment is not conducive to recovery, people who would benefit from living with peers in recovery, or those who need time to establish stable employment and housing.
Sober living can be particularly helpful for building a recovery support network and developing the life skills needed for long-term independent living.
Questions to Ask a Provider
- What are the house rules and expectations?
- Is there drug testing? How often?
- What happens if someone relapses?
- What is the cost and what does it include?
- How long can residents stay?
- Is there a house manager or staff presence?
- What support services are provided or required?
- Are there meetings or programming in the house?
How to Verify Quality
- Check if the home is certified or affiliated with organizations like NARR (National Alliance for Recovery Residences) or state recovery residence associations
- Ask about the home's policies on medication-assisted treatment
- Inquire about staff training and background checks
- Visit the home before committing if possible
- Ask current or former residents about their experience if you can
Browse Sober Living by Region
Northern Virginia
8 sober living facilities
Southwest Virginia
6 sober living facilities
Hampton Roads
7 sober living facilities
Richmond Metro
5 sober living facilities
Central Virginia
4 sober living facilities
Shenandoah Valley
1 sober living facilities
Southside Virginia
0 sober living facilities
Eastern Shore
0 sober living facilities
Top Cities for Sober Living
Richmond
2 facilities
Roanoke
1 facilities
Winchester
1 facilities
Charlottesville
2 facilities
Norfolk
1 facilities
Lynchburg
2 facilities
Newport News
1 facilities
Arlington
4 facilities
Alexandria
1 facilities
Hampton
2 facilities
Salem
1 facilities
Glen Allen
1 facilities
Williamsburg
2 facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sober living and a halfway house?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though "halfway house" may refer to transitional housing for people leaving incarceration. Sober living homes focus specifically on providing a recovery-supportive living environment.
How long can I stay in sober living?
Length of stay varies by home and individual need. Some people stay a few months, while others stay a year or more. There is no set timeline; the goal is to stay until you're ready for fully independent living.
Do I have to be in treatment to live in sober living?
Requirements vary by home. Some require active participation in treatment or recovery support activities; others are more flexible. Many residents attend outpatient treatment, therapy, or support groups while living in sober housing.
How much does sober living cost?
Costs vary widely based on location, amenities, and level of support. Monthly fees may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some homes accept insurance or offer scholarships.
Can I work while living in sober living?
Yes, and many sober living homes encourage or require residents to work or be in school. The structure is designed to support building a stable, independent life in recovery.
What if I relapse while in sober living?
Policies vary. Some homes have zero-tolerance policies, while others may work with residents to address relapses. Understanding the relapse policy before moving in is important.