The road to recovery from drug and alcohol abuse can be long and winding, and for those who are bent on achieving the ultimate goal of stable sobriety, the sober house is usually their last stop.

A sober house is usually a place for people to begin the process of their reintegration into society, after having beaten the “evils” of substance abuse. People arrive at the sober house clean and sober – as the name suggests. Here, however, they are still subjected to monitoring, and receive support, in order to prevent the possible occurrence of a relapse, should they be reintegrated into society right away.

People who are staying in sober houses are provided with an environment that is drug and alcohol-free, and they may follow a minimal recovery program. They are, however, expected to pay their own rent.

There are now a lot of sober houses that will cater to various needs and budgets. Rent may range from $250 to more than $1,000 a month. Residents may share a room with one other person, or with nine others, depending on the setup of the house. They may also be expected to do chores.

For those who have the money, and would like utmost comfort and anonymity, there has been an emergence of what was described as “boutique” sober living houses, some of which may charge as much as $100,000 a month. Aside from confidentiality, anonymity, and a drug- and alcohol-free environment, these houses also offer the services of personal lifestyle coaches, fitness trainers and five-star chefs.

What the fancier and low-cost houses have in common, however, is zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol.