New reporting shows that the sober living home scandal resulted in 40 more deaths

And the way we went about doing this reporting was to look closely at records from the Office of the Medical Examiner in Maricopa County, which investigates deaths in a lot of cases that are believed to be accidental or homicide. In 2023, Mayes called the fraud a “stunning failure” of the government and said that their office would work to address it adequately. Stewart said she has counted nearly 2,000 deaths related to the fraud and she knows that number will only go up. “I don’t trust anybody,” she said, and she wanted to ensure that any litigation was in the best interests of the people impacted. So, when the BrewerWood law firm reached out to Stewart about her expertise on the online crisis, she hesitated to speak with the lawyers because she was unsure if it was the best move for the people.

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We’re here to provide guidance and support for anyone on their sober living journey. Contact Design for Recovery today and find a solution that works for you on your recovery journey. Some sober living homes may also require a security deposit or other fees when you move in.

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• Reimbursement claims had ranged from roughly $150 to $2,500 for the same service, according to interviews and internal records.
• But according to public records, there were signs of trouble within facilities and problems with providers’ licenses.
• The sober living home scandal that rocked Arizona when it came to light in 2023 was one of the biggest in state history.
• Many sober living homes offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees for individuals who cannot afford the full cost of rent.
• Some sober living homes have exercise equipment, fitness areas, recreational spaces, swimming pools, and cooking areas.

Of course, while sober homes are typically not covered by insurance, it’s still worth contacting your insurance provider to inquire about potential coverage options. Government agencies or local organizations may provide financial assistance or resources to individuals seeking recovery support. Certain sober living facilities may also have scholarship programs to support underprivileged residents. The cost of sober living homes can vary, but it averages between $500 to $5000 per month.

Additionally, accreditation agencies that ensure that affiliated sober living homes meet certain standards make it easier to find a quality residence. The benefits of sober living homes are substantial, far beyond simply giving someone a safe and sober place to sleep. Sober houses charge rent, anywhere from $100 per week to many hundreds of dollars or more, depending on the level of service offered in the sober living home and other factors and amenities. Depending on the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances, they may enter a sober living home before, during, or after completing addiction treatment.

They provide a stable, supportive, and substance-free environment for individuals to continue their journey to sobriety. “The state of Arizona owes our tribal nations an apology,” Mayes, the attorney general, said during the May 2023 press conference. In November 2024, her office announced a $6 million grant program for tribal nations affected by the sober living home fraud. A spokesperson said only tribes and nonprofits in Arizona can apply for the money. That same year, Ducey appointed Jami Snyder, a deputy director at AHCCCS and former head of Texas’ Medicaid agency, to serve as director of AHCCCS.

• It may be beneficial to ask a friend or family member to tour the facility and make sure it is worth the rent.
• Differences between the two can stem from funding, length of stay, and requirements to apply to live there.
• Hobbs said the state’s response to the sober living crisis is not done, and it’s essential to keep tribal communities involved and engaged so they can work together to address the issue.
• For example, poorly maintained and monitored homes charged $1,800 per person in 2002, which, even in Southern California, was far too much money and out of keeping with average rents in the area.
• Of course, while sober homes are typically not covered by insurance, it’s still worth contacting your insurance provider to inquire about potential coverage options.

Who Lives in Sober Living Homes?

While living in these peer-managed homes, residents rent rooms and balance personal responsibilities like work or school with their ongoing commitment to sobriety. The emphasis on accountability, structure, and community support fosters a stable environment that helps individuals build healthy habits and tools for navigating life outside of the sober living home. Verywell Mind highlights the importance of required sobriety, recovery group attendance, and household participation in promoting a successful transition to everyday life. The tools people learn in intensive rehabilitation programs can set them up for more sustainable success in a sober living home. Fees are calculated on a sliding scale and residents stay in the house for 3 to 6 months on average.

Understanding Sober Living Homes: A Closer Look at Supportive Spaces for Recovery

Some programs may allow full-time students to cover costs through a school loan and/or from family members. Sober living homes, or halfway houses, can be a great resource for those who need a place to stay after detox and while in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. They also provide a https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ transitional place to live for people just getting out of a rehab facility or jail who are not yet ready to live on their own.

Law reforms like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) require health plan companies to provide insurance coverage for rehab. Covered services include different levels of care for substance use disorder.3,4  However, sober living homes do not fall on this continuum of care, and as a result, are typically not covered. An individual should consider moving into a sober living home after completing a stay at an inpatient treatment facility if they have concerns about staying sober on their own. Sober living homes are also a good option for individuals who are transitioning from a highly structured environment (such as a treatment center) to independent living, as they provide a supportive environment with a focus on sobriety. A sober living home provides a structured, supportive environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders to maintain their sobriety and transition back into everyday life..

While some may include a focus on substance abuse recovery, they aren’t always specifically designed for that purpose. Our mission is to foster long-term sobriety by creating a supportive environment where house members participate in each other’s recovery. We encourage everyone to reinforce positive lifestyle changes through adventure, support, and peer feedback. These facilities give recovering addicts the time and space they need to apply the tools and practices learned in drug treatment inside a stable, recovery-focused environment.

We believe a healthy community depends on everyone having access to quality independent journalism, whether they can afford to pay or not. As a nonprofit organization, we’re committed to providing real reporting to everyone in Southern Arizona. “We knew that that would probably be the harder path, that it would be more complex, and that there would be more fallout,” Hobbs said. That included catching legitimate providers in the dragnet and Indigenous people being left without services. Stewart said she couldn’t comment on how she is helping with the lawsuit, but she has shared the information she has gathered over the years, including the stories of people directly impacted by the fraud. Jeffrey Hustito was upset about not getting to see the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals play that day, even though he believed his behavioral health provider planned to give him tickets.

• Certain sober living facilities may also have scholarship programs to support underprivileged residents.
• But with no limit on how much they could bill, some behavioral health providers claimed tens of thousands of dollars for a single counseling or treatment session.
• Some homes may also offer self-pay discounts or flexible payment plans for people who can pay their sober living costs upfront or in larger installments.
• In conclusion, delving into the financial aspects of recovery, particularly when it comes to the cost of a sober living house, offers a profound insight into the commitment required for a successful journey towards sobriety.

Gender-Specific Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes typically do not limit the length of stay and may not require previous attendance in a formal addiction treatment program. Halfway houses, on the other hand, typically have a time limit and require residents to either be attending a treatment program sober house or have recently completed one. Sober living homes offer invaluable support and structure for individuals in recovery. While the sober living cost can vary significantly, it’s essential to consider the value of a safe, substance-free environment and peer support. When choosing a sober living home, balance the cost with the quality of care and services provided to ensure a successful step towards lasting sobriety.

To have the best chance for effectively recovering from addiction or substance abuse and remaining sober long-term, individuals should look for drug-free, stable housing that will support their recovery. While completing a substance abuse rehab program before moving in may not be required, it can help individuals to stay sober. However, if residents are willing to remain sober, follow all house rules, and guarantee medical stability, they should feel free to apply. Sober living homes provide a supportive, substance-free environment for individuals transitioning from rehab to everyday life.