STIGMA SUCKS –
June 13, 2025 – Sober living homes are life-saving for individuals who are in recovery. For some, it’s the first stable and supportive place they may have ever lived. However, a recent change to how these sober homes are regulated here in New Jersey may put many of them out of business, and put the lives and recoveries of hundreds at risk. Unfortunately, effective Jan. 6, 2025, a major change occurred that substantially threatens cooperative sober living residences licensed by New Jersey.
This change was made by regulation, not voted on by the legislature, and without input from recovery advocates, cooperative sober living residence operators, or stakeholders. It will raise costs for owners and operators of these homes substantially and put many homes out of business. Because there is no insurance coverage or government funding for these homes, the additional costs will need to be covered by the resident or their family at a time inflation and utilities are already affecting prices.
Most residents at sober homes begin their recovery journey with major economic challenges. Rent at sober homes averages about $800 a month, and because family members, nonprofits, and friends often help with initial rent payments, many individuals without support already don’t have the means to live in these life-saving homes.
People in recovery will lose their places to live, and more people looking to continue their recovery journey will be priced out altogether. It is clear that the Murphy administration simply does not understand the basic premises and focus of these homes.
