How to Tell If a Sober Living Home Is Legitimate

How Do You Know If a Sober Living Home Is Actually Legitimate?

Look for third-party certification from organizations like NCORR or state licensing where required. According to the National Coalition of Recovery Residences, legitimate homes follow comprehensive safety and programming standards and carry proper insurance coverage.

Most states don't regulate sober living at all. Only 5 states have licensing requirements, according to a national overview of recovery housing accreditation legislation, which means anyone can call a house "sober living" without meeting any standards.

That's scary when you're looking for safety.

Here's what gives me hope: legitimate homes get certified voluntarily. NCORR certification requires homes to comply with the NCORR Standard, which comprises extensive individual standards covering safety, cleanliness, and house programming effectiveness. The National Sober Living Alliance requires members to carry $500,000 in liability insurance and mandates training for house managers.

Some states are getting stricter. Arizona now requires all structured sober living homes to register and pay licensing fees. New York launched voluntary certification in September 2024 through its Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Florida has FARR certification with regular inspections.

Ask to see their certification documents. Real homes will show you immediately.

Sources

• National Coalition of Recovery Residences - NCORR
• National Overview of Recovery Housing Accreditation Legislation, MHACBO
• National Sober Living Alliance - NSLA
• New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports - OASAS
• Recovery First