We believe that Sober Living Homes, also known as Recovery Residences, are a vital part of any community. Providing safe and supportive shelter for those desiring recovery from addiction allows each person to find their way back to being a productive member of society. This page provides key information about some legal aspects of sober living. 

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) has the sole authority to license any facility providing 24-hour residential nonmedical services to adults who are recovering from problems related to alcohol or other drug (AOD) misuse or abuse, and who need AOD treatment services. Licensure is required when at least one of the following services is provided: detoxification, group sessions, individual sessions, educational sessions, or alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment planning. Additionally, facilities may be subject to other types of permits, clearances, business taxes or local fees that may be required by the cities or counties in which the facilities are located.

There are some residential facilities that do not provide AOD services and do not require licensure by ADP. These include cooperative living arrangements with a commitment or requirement to be free from alcohol and other drugs, sometimes referred to as a sober living environment, a sober living home, transitional housing, or alcohol and drug free housing. It is important to note that while sober living environments or alcohol and drug free housing are not required to be licensed by ADP, they may be subject to other types of permits, clearances, business taxes or local fees which may be required by the cities or counties in which they are located.

In addition, residential facilities licensed by other State departments such as group homes (licensed by the Department of Social Services) or Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals (licensed by the Department of Public Health) do not require a residential AOD license by ADP.