Welcome to Vertical House Sober Living. Our mission is to provide a structured and supportive environment that helps individuals in their recovery journey and transitions them toward independent living. Our program is organized into three phases—Levels 1-3—designed to facilitate increasing autonomy while providing essential support. This guide outlines our process, rules, and expectations, including our three-strike policy and additional requirements.
Phase System Overview
Level 1: Initial Phase
Objective: To assist residents in adjusting to sober living within a highly structured environment.
Rights and Responsibilities:
- Curfew:
- Weekdays: 10 PM
- Weekends: 10 PM
- Room Assignments: All rooms are shared. Residents must maintain cleanliness and order in both communal areas and personal spaces.
- Group Meetings: Residents are required to attend house meetings every Saturday morning and a minimum of three external recovery meetings per week (e.g., AA, SMART Recovery, NA). These meetings are crucial for ongoing recovery and personal development.
- Chores: A chore board assigns daily and weekly tasks. Missing chores may result in the loss of privileges if it becomes a recurring issue.
- Employment: Residents must secure employment within two weeks of moving in. If you are unable to find work, you must be actively applying until employment is secured.
- Sponsor/Therapist: Residents must establish a sponsor or therapist within one week of their start date.
Behavioral Expectations:
- Sobriety: A strict zero-tolerance policy for substance use is enforced. Random drug and alcohol tests are conducted regularly.
- Respect: All residents must show respect towards fellow residents and staff. Aggressive or disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
- Communication: Honest and open communication with house managers and peers is required.
Level 2: Intermediate Phase
Objective: To increase personal responsibility and autonomy while continuing to provide support.
Rights and Responsibilities:
- Curfew:
- Weekdays: 10 PM
- Weekends: 11 PM
- Room Assignments: Rooms remain shared. Residents must continue to maintain cleanliness and respect for communal living spaces.
- Group Meetings: Residents are required to attend house meetings every Saturday morning and a minimum of three external recovery meetings per week (e.g., AA, SMART Recovery, NA). Weekly group therapy sessions are not part of the program, but external meetings are essential.
- Chores: Increased responsibility for managing chores with flexibility in task assignments. A weekly chore list will be maintained, and missing chores may lead to the loss of privileges if it becomes a pattern.
- Employment: Continued employment is required. Residents should be engaged in part-time or full-time work, with support for career development provided.
- Sponsor/Therapist: Ongoing participation with a sponsor or therapist is required.
Behavioral Expectations:
- Sobriety: Continued adherence to a zero-tolerance policy for substance use. Regular drug and alcohol testing continues.
- Respect: High standards of respect and cooperation with house rules and peers.
- Communication: Effective communication and leadership in house meetings are encouraged.
Level 3: Advanced Phase
Objective: To provide residents with maximum autonomy while ensuring readiness for independent living.
Rights and Responsibilities:
- Curfew:
- Weekdays: 11 PM
- Weekends: 12:00 AM
- Flexible Curfew: Residents may request late-night passes for special circumstances, which require prior approval.
- Room Assignments: All rooms remain shared. Residents are responsible for maintaining their own cleanliness and order.
- Group Meetings: Residents are required to attend house meetings every Saturday morning and a minimum of three external recovery meetings per week (e.g., AA, SMART Recovery, NA). Bi-weekly group meetings are not included, but regular attendance at external meetings is essential.
- Chores: Residents manage their own chores and contribute to overall house maintenance. A weekly chore list is maintained, and consistent failure to complete chores may result in the loss of privileges.
- Employment: Full-time employment or advanced educational pursuits are expected. Support for career development and job placement is available.
- Sponsor/Therapist: Ongoing involvement with a sponsor or therapist is necessary.
Behavioral Expectations:
- Sobriety: Zero-tolerance for substance use remains enforced. Random testing may be less frequent but is still conducted.
- Respect: Continued adherence to house norms of respect and responsibility.
- Communication: Residents should model effective communication and conflict resolution skills and are encouraged to mentor newer residents.
House Rules
- Substance Use: The use or possession of alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited substances is strictly forbidden. Violations result in immediate dismissal from the program.
- Visitors:
- General Rule: Female visitors are not allowed, except for immediate family members (parents and siblings) with prior approval from house management.
- Approval Process: All visits must be scheduled and approved at least 48 hours in advance. Visitors must adhere to house rules during their visit.
- Curfew:
- Level 1:
- Weekdays: 10 PM
- Weekends: 10 PM
- Level 2:
- Weekdays: 10 PM
- Weekends: 11 PM
- Level 3:
- Weekdays: 11 PM
- Weekends: 12:00 AM
- Flexible Curfew: Late-night passes are available upon request and approval.
- Level 1:
- Mandatory House Meetings:
- Frequency: Every Saturday morning.
- Purpose: These meetings address level adjustments (upgrades or downgrades), house concerns, and individual progress. Attendance is mandatory for all residents.
- Chore Board and Weekly Chore List:
- Daily and Weekly Tasks: A chore board assigns daily and weekly tasks, including maintaining cleanliness in shared and personal spaces. A weekly chore list is also maintained.
- Accountability: Missing chores may lead to the loss of privileges if it becomes a recurring pattern.
- Room Maintenance:
- Bed Making: Residents are required to make their bed daily as part of their personal responsibility.
- Cleanliness: Shared and personal spaces must be kept clean and organized. Regular inspections will be conducted.
- Personal Hygiene:
- Shower Caddy: Personal hygiene products must be stored in a shower caddy, which will be provided to each resident. Personal hygiene products are not to be left in restrooms.
- Cleanliness: Residents must wipe down the counter and toilet after each use to maintain cleanliness in shared bathrooms.
- Personal Conduct:
- Respect: All residents must treat each other and staff with respect. Aggressive, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Conflict Resolution: Residents are encouraged to resolve conflicts constructively and seek mediation if necessary.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness:
- Personal Hygiene: Residents must maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
- Shared Spaces: Regular upkeep of shared spaces is required, with responsibilities assigned via the chore board and weekly list.
- Emergency Protocols:
- Familiarity: Residents must familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and adhere to all safety protocols.
- Reporting: Any safety concerns or emergencies must be reported immediately to house management.
- Finances:
- Responsibility: Residents are expected to manage their personal finances responsibly.
- Communication:
- Honesty: Open and honest communication with house staff and peers is crucial. Residents should promptly report any issues or concerns.
- Four-Strike Policy:
- First Strike: A verbal warning is issued for initial infractions.
- Second Strike: A written warning follows if the issue is not resolved.
- Third Strike: A level down is imposed for repeated infractions, potentially resulting in additional restrictions or responsibilities.
- Fourth Strike: Dismissal from the program occurs if there is a fourth infraction.
- Reset: The three-strike rule resets monthly, providing residents with a fresh start each month.
Conclusion
Vertical House Sober Living is committed to supporting each resident’s path to recovery and self-sufficiency. Our structured phased approach, combined with clear rules and expectations, helps residents build a strong foundation for independent living. Adhering to these detailed guidelines ensures a positive living environment and a successful transition to self-sufficiency.
For more information or to apply to our program, please contact us directly. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to recovery.