Housing is often the difference between recovery that holds and a relapse that doesn't have to happen. But the options for someone in recovery from substance use are widely misunderstood — starting with the difference between two things that sound alike.
Sober living vs. a licensed group home
A sober living home (recovery residence) is peer-run housing for people in recovery — usually paid privately, often not licensed, built around a substance-free environment and peer accountability. A licensed group home is state-regulated, has staff support, and is more often funded by Medicaid or a VA program. If the primary need is a substance-free setting with peer support, sober living may fit; if there are disability, medical, or serious mental-health needs alongside recovery, a licensed home is usually the better setting.
Records get extra legal protection
Substance-use treatment records are protected more strongly than ordinary medical records under 42 CFR Part 2 (and, for veterans, 38 U.S.C. §7332). A general release does not cover them — consent has to name the recipient specifically. A provider who understands this is one who has done this before. Terms like this are decoded in our glossary.
What to look for
- A clear, written house agreement — and reasonable, not punitive, rules.
- A stance on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that supports it rather than banning it.
- Real connection to a recovery program, sponsor, or clinical care.
- Honesty about what happens after a setback — recovery is rarely a straight line.
Help today
For treatment and recovery-housing help right now, the SAMHSA helpline is 1-800-662-4357, free and 24 hours. More by state on our resources page, and general questions in our FAQ.
Where Mai Heaven fits
Recovery is a core population for Mai Heaven's permanent, staffed homes. We're pre-licence and not yet admitting residents; join the waiting list and we'll reach out as homes come online. See families & residents for how we work with families.