My Wildly Unexpected and Totally Awesome Experience in a Sober Living Home

Let me just start by saying I had no idea what to expect walking into a sober living house. I imagined bland food, awkward silences, and maybe some old couches you’d find on the curb. Spoiler alert: I was wildly wrong. This sober living home wasn’t just nice—it felt like walking into a luxury retreat disguised as recovery. Think therapy meets five-star Airbnb vibes. If you’ve ever thought, “What’s it actually like to live in one of those places?”—well, buckle up, because I’m about to dish out all the details of my day-to-day life here.

Mornings: Goodbye Hangovers, Hello Gourmet Breakfasts

I wake up early now. Who even am I? This house practically runs like a self-care bootcamp, in the best way possible. My mornings start at around 7:30 a.m., which, yes, took some adjusting, but there’s something oddly comforting about waking up to the smell of coffee brewing and the sunlight streaming through my oversized window.

The day begins with some self-care rituals. A shower that feels spa-level (thanks to the rain showerhead and adorable vintage tile work), a quick meditation in the reading lounge, and then breakfast. Let me tell you about breakfast: I’m not just talking bagels and boxed OJ. Oh no, this place serves made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit spreads that would make Whole Foods jealous, and oatmeal with so many topping options you could write a Buzzfeed quiz about them. Eating breakfast with everyone in the dining room is surprisingly nice—it feels warm and communal. We all share how we’re feeling during a quick check-in session. Think of it as emotional stretching for the day ahead.

Mid-Mornings: Turning Recovery into Personal Growth Power Hours

By 9:30, the productive vibes are in full swing. Most mornings are set aside for therapy sessions, and no, these aren’t boring or cookie-cutter. They’ve got everything here—group therapy, individual counseling, and even some artsy stuff like journaling workshops or guided mindfulness exercises. The sessions feel like TED Talks for your soul.

One day we had a group focused on managing triggers. Another day was all about financial planning post-recovery. The mix keeps things engaging, and the facilitators are fantastic—like the kind of people who could convince you to open up even about that one time you cried over losing your earbuds.

Afternoons: Pool Time and Productivity (No, Seriously)

Lunch is another solid win. They serve delicious, healthy meals that honestly rival what you’d get at a cute brunch spot in LA. Afterward, we usually break for independent time, which is perfect for journaling, napping, or (my personal favorite) floating around in the indoor pool. Yes, there’s a pool here. And let me tell you, there’s something both incredibly peaceful and hilarious about swimming in a place where you're also working on trauma recovery. 

If lounging isn’t your thing, they also have an indoor pool, nature trails nearby for the warmer months, and random activities to keep things interesting. The vibe in the afternoons is very much “you do you,” but productive. People are usually either working on step work, attending virtual therapy, or quietly FaceTiming family to prove we’re still alive (hi Mom!).

Evenings: Meetings, Mellow Vibes, and Hilariously Over-the-Top Snacks

Dinner is yet another highlight—usually something hearty like grilled salmon or pasta with fresh veggies. After eating, we pile into a big SUV and hit local AA or NA meetings. Last week, we went to a young person’s meeting in Camden, and it was honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever been to. Imagine a room full of people around your age who are there to lift each other up. They even stayed afterward to chat, which was a first for me. No judgment. No weird vibes. Just a bunch of people rooting for you.

Back at the house, we settle into chill mode. Sometimes that means Netflix marathons in the big living room or random conversations in the kitchen over tea. (Though I’ll admit to raiding my personal snack stash because, yeah, the house’s health-nut granola bars are not cutting it at 9 p.m.)

Weekends: Adult Summer Camp, But Make It Recovery

Here’s the thing about weekends in this sober house: They’re way better than you’d expect. They’ve got this whole “keep it light but structured” thing down to a science. Saturdays are often about exploring hobbies or even taking short day trips. One weekend, we went on a hike; the next, they had a life-skills cooking class. Sundays? Well, they involve a whole lot of meetings and recovery-focused activities, which sounds intense but feels like the perfect way to reset for the week.

The Takeaway: Recovery, Redefined

Living in this popular sober home has been nothing like I imagined and everything I needed. It's more than just a place to stay—it’s like this supportive, low-pressure launchpad to rebuild your life. Yes, the amenities (like that glorious pool) and chef-level meals make everything feel easier, but it’s really the structure, the community, and the focus on healing that make the experience so transformative.

I came into this program nervous and unsure of what life post-addiction could look like. I’m leaving with a clearer head, new coping tools, and, surprisingly, a ton of laughs shared with my housemates along the way. For anyone on the fence about sober living, especially one of these fancy places, let me just say: Do it. You’ll thank yourself every single day.

_{A review and article by Anne Holloway, an esteemed writer and former patient/alumni}

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