Frequently asked questions
What is sober living?
A sober living home, or recovery residence, is an alcohol- and drug-free place to live where people in recovery support each other. It is housing, not treatment, and many residents go to outpatient treatment or mutual-help meetings while they live there.
What is the difference between inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment?
Inpatient (hospital) and residential programs mean you stay at the facility 24/7, from a few days of detox up to several months. Outpatient means you live at home and go to scheduled sessions. Intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) are the more structured outpatient options.
Where does this information come from?
Treatment facilities come from SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov, the federal locator. Sober living homes come from the Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR) certified member list. We don't make up or buy listings.
How much does sober living cost in Alabama?
It depends on the home. Ask each one directly about weekly or monthly rent, deposits and other fees.
Do these programs take Medicaid or insurance?
Treatment listings show the payment types they reported to SAMHSA. Call the provider to confirm.
Is there free help?
Yes. The SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, is free, confidential and open 24/7, with treatment referrals and information. In a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
How do I list or update my home?
Online forms are coming soon. Until then, AARR-certified homes appear automatically from the AARR list.