Finding sober roommates in Maryland may require a bit of legwork. While many resources are available online, others exist right in your own backyard. But your community and support are critical to your ongoing recovery success. However you go about finding a roommate who shares your lifestyle or sobriety goals, rest assured, it will be worth the effort.
Where to Find Sober Roommates in Maryland
If you’re looking for a sober roommate in Maryland, you may find one through word-of-mouth, online databases, or transitional housing options. Reflecting on your short-term and long-term goals, researching your options, and speaking to others in the recovery community may help you make the right decision regarding housing after rehab.
Many people in recovery find it beneficial to have a sober roommate after rehab or recovery treatment. Living with someone who has a similar mindset and lifestyle can make your recovery journey easier. Conversely, ending up with a roommate who has substance use issues could present temptation that might derail the progress you’ve made in treatment.
What Are My Housing Options?
Before looking for a sober roommate, it could be a good idea to consider all of your options for housing in Maryland. Some of these options may include transitional housing and sober living homes. These can be good choices for people just out of rehab or who are in early recovery.
Transitional Housing Options
Transitional housing refers to temporary housing that provides the structure a person needs to “transition” back to independent living after treatment. This type of housing may be suitable for individuals with various mental health conditions, including substance use disorder. Generally, there are two types of transitional housing to consider: halfway houses and sober living facilities.
Halfway Houses
Halfway houses tend to be government-funded or sponsored recovery facilities. Thus, they may be more affordable, or even free in some cases. You may be required to meet certain eligibility requirements to take advantage of this type of transitional housing, such as income guidelines and marital status. Moreover, the halfway house may have guidelines for how long a person can live there. Be sure to ask about these and other policies before moving in.
Sober Living Facilities
Sober living facilities, also called sober living homes or recovery residences, are similar to halfway houses, but they’re not typically government-funded. They can be more expensive, but they also offer certain advantages over halfway houses. For example, almost anyone can qualify for residency at a sober living home, and there’s not typically a maximum length of stay. Sober living houses may also offer additional amenities, such as private rooms and behavioral health services, for example.
Like halfway houses, sober living homes provide the structure that’s sometimes necessary to support long-term recovery. Curfews are common, for instance, and no drugs or alcohol are allowed inside the building or on the grounds. In addition to the peer support that’s built into a sober living home, many people find this environment to be beneficial to their recovery journey, especially when newly sober. [1]
When considering transitional housing options, try to visit each facility in person before making a decision. This will give you a better idea of the overall environment and allow you the opportunity to meet staff and other residents. You’ll likely come away with a better idea of which housing solutions are right for you.
Maryland Department of Health
Many people find it convenient to start their search for a sober roommate in their local area. The Maryland Department of Health could represent a good first step. Here, you’ll find a wide range of recovery resources, including a directory of housing options for those in transition from rehab to independent living. [2]
For the best results, contact the department directly to learn more about the current services available. The website might not always be up-to-date, so visiting in person or making a phone call could yield the best results. Take the time to explain your circumstances and immediate needs. Someone who knows your situation may be able to refer you to other local organizations that provide similar resources and services for people in recovery.
MySoberRoommate.com
MySoberRoomate.com is a website that connects people looking for sober roommates in the same geographic area, whether that’s Baltimore, Crownsville, Annapolis, or Ellicott City. To use the site, simply enter your location and personal preferences and indicate whether you’re looking for a place to stay or have a room to fill. Then, you’ll have access to the profiles of people just like you who are also looking for a sober roommate.
Tips for Meeting Up Safely
Whether you’re looking for a date or a roommate, meeting people online can be risky. It could be important to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Here are a few guidelines to follow when meeting up with strangers in real life:
- Consider requesting a video chat or asking for identification prior to meeting up in person. This can confirm the person is who they say they are prior to a real-life meet-up.
- Schedule a meeting during the daylight hours and opt for a public place like a coffee shop.
- Bring a friend or family member with you. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s best not to meet up with someone by yourself until you’re familiar with them.
- Trust your instincts. If the person makes you uncomfortable in any way, end the meeting politely and make your exit.
AA & NA Meetings
After detox or inpatient addiction treatment, it’s often recommended that individuals attend peer recovery meetings in Maryland, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. [3] These support groups not only support long-term sobriety, but they also give members a chance to meet like-minded people. To increase your chances of finding a suitable roommate, attend meetings regularly and try to get to know the people there. Introduce yourself and let others know that you’re actively seeking a roommate.
Word of Mouth
Traditional word-of-mouth continues to be a reliable way to find recovery housing or a sober roommate, whichever option is best for you at your current stage of recovery. Be sure to tap your social circle of family, friends, and trustworthy acquaintances and let them know that you’re on the lookout for a roommate. Specify that you require a roommate who doesn’t use drugs or alcohol or engage in substance abuse of any kind. You may find that you’re more comfortable living with someone who has mutual connections, even if you’ve never met them.
Finding the Right Sober Roommate and Living Space
After recovery treatment, you might feel desperate to find a housing solution that coincides with your new lifestyle. This is a valid response, but in the long run, it could be beneficial to do your due diligence in finding the best possible living situation, not just one that might work temporarily. Your sobriety is important, so go the extra mile if you can to find a roommate or housing solution that’s optimal for your long-term recovery.
