A young man sits on a bench under a clrear sky and looks out.

There are a lot of steps on the path to addiction recovery. From the very first time you admit to your addiction, to making your way to a recovery center. But the jump back into a “normal” life once sober can feel monumental, which is why transitional sober living houses are here to help bridge that gap.

Thinking about making the move into transitional sober living in Marin County? Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, overwhelmed, or a bit of all of the above, you’re not alone.

At Life-Rock, we’ve walked this road with many people before you. So let’s break it with some real talk about how to get yourself ready for what’s next.

What Is Transitional Sober Living?

Let’s keep it simple: transitional sober living is like the in-between space. You’re not in a treatment center anymore, but you’re also not totally on your own.

Transitional Sober Living Environments Offer

  • A structured environment where people in recovery live together.
  • A place with rules, routines, and support.
  • A stepping stone into the next phase of your sober life.

In Marin County, that often means living in a peaceful, scenic area with access to meetings, recovery communities, and nature. At Life-Rock, it also means living in a house that’s all about commitment, to yourself, and to your housemates in recovery.

How Do I Get Ready to Join a Transitional Recovery Space?

Here are some practical steps you can take to prepare yourself for this next step:

Get Real with Yourself Emotionally

Before you move in, check in with yourself:

  • Are you ready to live with others who are also in recovery?
  • Can you handle being held accountable?
  • Are you open to structure and daily routines?

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest and willing.

Know That Structure = Support

Some people hear “rules” and think “restrictions.”  But in sober living, structure actually helps. It gives your days rhythm and purpose.

Expect things like:

  • Morning routines
  • Chore lists
  • Curfews
  • Mandatory meetings (Life-Rock asks for 90 meetings in 90 days, then 5/week after that).

That may sound like a lot, but trust us—it works.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

You don’t need to bring your whole life with you. Keep it simple.

Here’s a solid packing list:

  • Comfy clothes for meetings and downtime
  • Basic toiletries (nothing with alcohol in it)
  • Any prescriptions, clearly labeled
  • Recovery tools: journal, books, contact list
  • A good attitude (seriously, it helps)

And what to leave behind?

  • Drama
  • Distractions (gaming consoles, partying clothes)
  • Anything that’s going to pull your focus off recovery

Get the Info You Need Before You Move In

Don’t just show up and wing it. Reach out to the house manager or contact person ahead of time and ask:

  • What does a typical day look like?
  • What are the house rules?
  • Is there a curfew?
  • What do they expect from you as a resident?

Set Real Expectations

This part is key. Don’t go into sober living thinking everything will magically get easier. It won’t. But it will get more manageable, especially with the right mindset.

Keep these truths in mind:

  • There will be tough days.
  • Not everyone you live with will be your best friend.
  • You’ll be asked to show up, even when you don’t feel like it.
  • Progress beats perfection. Always.

You’re Not Alone in This – Call Life-Rock Today

You might feel nervous about this next chapter. That’s totally normal.

At Life-Rock, we don’t expect perfection, just progress. If you’re looking at transitional sober living in Marin County, know this: you’ve already taken a major step. And we’re here for the rest of the journey.

Call today or contact us online to learn more or schedule a visit

 📞 Men’s Help: (707) 575-9100

📞 Women’s Help: (707) 575-9599