Sober Living

Myths About Sober Living You Need To Stop Believing

Professionally managed recovery homes · A house manager on site · Structured, phased programs

Written by

Anna-Grace Washington

Medical Content Writer

Published January 10, 2023 · Updated March 5, 2026

There are many myths about sober living that can prevent people from seeking help for their addiction. These myths can be damaging and cause people to delay getting the treatment they need.

It’s important to understand the realities of sober living and dispel the myths that surround it. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths about this subject. By understanding the truth about sober living, you can make the decision to get help and start your journey to recovery.

Sober living is only for people who are in AA

This is a common misconception about sober living homes. Although most homes require attendance at support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, they are not exclusively for people in those organizations. Facilities may also accept participants in SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, or any other faith-based or secular addiction recovery program. In addition, homes are open to people of any gender, race, economic background, and age. They are not limited to adults or young adults and may accommodate young adults as young as 18. This lifestyle is a comprehensive program designed to help those in addiction recovery at all stages of the recovery journey. Whether you’re attending AA or not, you are welcome to participate in a residency program.

Sober Living is Court Ordered

Often people may confuse the lifestyle of sober living with court-ordered halfway housing. While there is some overlap between the two concepts, sober living is generally viewed as a voluntary lifestyle change. In a facility, there is no obligation to complete the program and many facilities allow residents to come and go as they please. However, in these instances, there is usually a curfew to be upheld or a resident risks being evicted from the program.

Inside Rustic Creek, our Austin flagship

Wide view of the apartment pool courtyard surrounded by trees, walkways, and residential buildings.
Exterior view of the apartment community with lawn, trees, sidewalk, and two-story buildings.
Cozy living area in Austin sober living home with sectional sofa, glass coffee table, and wall art.
Fenced swimming pool with patio table, chairs, umbrella, and surrounding landscaping.
Community room with round glass tables, colorful chairs, a wall-mounted TV, and a sliding glass door.
Glass-top dining table and chairs beside a modern kitchen with dark cabinets and stainless appliances.
Single bed with blue bedding in a furnished bedroom with white walls and framed wall art.
Shared apartment kitchen with dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel stove, microwave, and refrigerator.

You have to be wealthy to afford a program

In reality, sober living homes typically offer a more cost-effective alternative to addiction recovery. Generally speaking, staying in an inpatient rehab facility is the more costly option. Many homes offer subsidized housing for those who are unable to afford the full cost of living. Additionally, many facilities accept insurance for their residents, allowing them to reduce the cost of residency even further. These homes have different fees for different services, such as counseling, medication management, and relapse prevention programs. Some facilities may also require an application fee or an intake fee before a person is accepted. However, homes try to keep their services as affordable as possible. This way people can focus on their recovery rather than worrying about how they will afford it.

Eudaimonia Can Help Keep You on the Path to Recovery

Eudaimonia offers excellent recovery programs with tailored care. In these programs, individuals can develop positive coping skills with the tools necessary to maintain sobriety. Eudaimonia even provides tailored care based on gender and orientation. We also include supervised, short-term housing to provide support for newly sober individuals. But no matter where you are in your recovery, Eudaimonia Sober Living Homes can provide support every step of the way. We have facilities for sober living in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs ready to assist you in living your sober lifestyle. Call Eudaimonia Sober Living Homes at (713) 818-2361 for more information on the admissions process and current room availability.

What residents say

In their words, not ours

Real Google reviews about the rooms, the staff and the structure.

4.4 average across 4 rated Eudaimonia locations · 161 reviews · pulled from Google August 15, 2026

“Overall, it's a great place to build on your recovery. It's a different concept from traditional sober living homes because you're actually living in apartments. I have my own apartment so I have a…”
Chad2 months agoAustin
“I’d live here forever if I could. Clean, comfortable and great people live here. Exactly everything you’d expect from a sober living. Accountability for recovery; which includes 12 step mtgs, a…”
Nicholas Tolar4 months agoAustin
“I've been in several sober living facilities in the last three years. There were those that were only facades run by thieves and hypocrites. It takes not much to supply an excuse to a person newly in…”
Christopher Sandersa month agoAustin
“First of all really great experience at this house I mean everybody respects each other cook great food.. That guy Jamie though top notch chef in the kitchen every day slaving over a hot stove.. It…”
Jason Saizxsaiza year agoCollingdale
“Absolutely exceptional experience at this recovery home! Rich Pappas, the owner’s dedication shines through in every aspect – from the immaculate cleanliness of the facility to the genuine care and…”
Patrick Debinski2 years agoCollingdale
“I've been with Eudaimonia Recovery Homes for nearly 2 years now. From nice amenities to cozy beds. This as been the best part of my recovery journey yet! And I'm still going. Thank you guys in…”
Collin White8 months agoHouston
“Been living here since they opened. The house is beautiful and spacious. I wouldn't want to work my recovery anywhere else.”
clutch fork2 years agoColorado Springs
“Wonderful place to get grounded in recovery. Great place to learn the proper way to go through the 12 step program. The design and the staff teach at a healthy pace to get you through the steps in a…”
Danny Grimes2 months agoAustin
“If I could do four and a half I would but I can't so I'll err on the side of grace. The pictures on the website actually match the apartments. The maintenance is mostly on point except for smaller…”
Antonio Renaud2 months agoAustin
“Good location and the house is full of good guys. Everybody is respectful, clean and nothing is ever pushed onto you- only suggested. Your recovery is your choice and what you make it and this house…”
Steven6 months agoCollingdale
“This is a great place to start a recovery journey. They created a positive and safe environment to feel comfortable at. The house is updated, newer, and clean. Very easy living. The owner, Rich…”
Daniela year agoCollingdale
“Best sober living homes in Texas, especially in Houston! Rates are great and staff are great to work with! Houses are comfortable and the recovery is strong! Locations are great too!”
Michael Kerr8 months agoHouston
“They treat you fair and like an adult . You aren't treated like an addict but more so a human . Everyone is held to the same standards and things run smoothly.”
Trevin McCormick2 years agoColorado Springs

Learn More About What We Have To Offer

Tell us what you are looking for and admissions will walk you through the houses, the phases and what a room actually costs.

No pressure, no commitment. Just clarity.

Your Future Is Waiting, And It's Beautiful

For people leaving treatment who need somewhere real to practice what they learned, Eudaimonia is a network of professionally managed recovery homes built on the belief that sobriety is a byproduct of a life going well, not the other way around.