All of these modalities include formal services such as recovery groups, individual counseling, and case management delivered by paid staff. Examples include therapeutic communities ( De Leon, 2010), Minnesota Model programs ( Anderson, McGovern, & DuPont, 1999), and Social Model programs ( Borkman, Kaskutas, Room, Bryan, & Barrows, 1999). Since the 1960’s a variety of residential options have emerged that vary in terms of length of stay, organization of the milieu, staffing, and philosophy of recovery. Recognizing that some persons with alcohol and drug problems lack a living environment supportive of recovery, treatment programs have offered services in residential forums where individuals can live while they receive treatment. Exposure to alcohol, drugs, relapse triggers, and friends and family who encourage substance use can derail recovery even for persons who are highly motivated. It has long been recognized that recovery from alcohol and drug addiction for some persons requires an alcohol- and drug-free living environment. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for the growth of recovery services and for community housing policy. Although initial research on outcomes of SLH residents has been very encouraging, there is a need for more research to guide improvement of structure and operations. The paper describes key events and policies that influenced SLHs. The purpose of this paper is to trace the evolution of sober living houses in California from the early influences of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930’s to the establishment of current SLH associations, such as the Sober Living Network in Southern California. Although they represent an important response to the increasing call for more services that help sustain abstinence from drugs and alcohol over time, they are an under recognized and underutilized recovery resource. They use a peer-oriented, social model approach that emphasizes mutual support, financial self-sufficiency, and resident involvement in decision making and management of the facility. Sober living houses (SLHs) are alcohol- and drug-free living environments that offer social support to persons attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs.
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