Insights: Connecticut House Votes for More Sober Living Regulation

New Legislation Introduced to Improve Standards

The Connecticut House of Representatives voted Monday night to implement new regulations for sober living homes, aiming to improve oversight and accountability in the recovery housing industry. The bipartisan bill sets new standards for sober homes that want to be recognized by the state, ensuring greater transparency for those seeking recovery support.

State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, highlighted the importance of distinguishing between high-quality sober homes and those that fail to provide an effective recovery environment.

"There are some very good sober homes and some not-so-good sober homes, and the difference between the two is life and death," Borer said. Her advocacy is personal, as both her father and brother have lived in sober homes at different points in their lives.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The legislation allows sober homes to be listed on the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) website if they meet specific requirements:

• Certification by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), a national accrediting organization for sober homes.
• Availability of at least two doses of an opioid overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone (Narcan), at each home.
• Training for all residents on how to administer naloxone in case of an emergency.

The bill also prohibits sober homes from falsely claiming they provide medical treatment or making misleading promises about recovery outcomes. This measure is intended to protect individuals seeking a structured, supportive environment.

Debate and Challenges

While the bill passed with overwhelming support, not all lawmakers were fully satisfied with its impact. Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, was the only legislator to vote against the measure, citing concerns over its lack of enforcement.

"The bill is really toothless, so I actually don’t have any particular feelings about this legislation," Lemar said. His opposition stemmed from frustration with broader resistance to regulating sober homes, particularly in communities that seek to prevent them from opening.

"I just generally don’t like the ongoing attack on assisted living facilities, sober homes, and affordable housing," he added.

Next Steps for the Bill

With a vote of 148–1 in favor, the bill now moves to the Connecticut Senate, where it will be debated before the legislative session concludes on Wednesday at midnight. If passed, it will set a new standard for how sober homes operate in the state.

UPDATE: This bill was passed in the Connecticut Senate and signed into law by the state's governor in 2018.

Finding the Right Sober Living Home

There were approximately 240 sober homes in Connecticut as of 2015, according to the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. With so many options, individuals in recovery must carefully evaluate their choices before committing to a residence.

This page, the Sober House Directory, is a useful resource for finding accredited recovery homes. While certification and a strong reputation are important, it is always a good idea to visit a home in person, ask detailed questions, and speak with current residents to ensure it is the right fit.

For those interested in opening a sober home, Vanderburgh Communities offers guidance and resources to help new operators establish well-structured recovery residences. As the first organization in the U.S. to offer sober living charters, Vanderburgh Communities supports individuals in creating environments that foster long-term recovery.

A Step Toward Stronger Recovery Housing

The Connecticut House’s vote reflects a growing recognition of the role sober homes play in the recovery process. As the bill moves forward, discussions around best practices and responsible oversight will continue to shape the future of recovery housing.

For more updates on sober living regulations, recovery resources, and addiction treatment, visit our website.