Sober Living Questions - Stairway to Freedom

Are there any exceptions to curfew?

Yes, work schedules. Stairway to Freedom wants their residents to have jobs. If your work schedule requires you to work past the curfew, request permission in writing to the house manager.

Are there meetings in the house?

There are no 12-Step meetings in the houses, but we are located blocks from an Alano club with several meetings a day. There are house member meetings twice a week to address individual check-ins and house events.

Are there restriction on communication with the outside world?

There are no restrictions on communication.

Can I have visitors spend the night?

Residents cannot have people spend the night.

Can we bring our Pets?

No pets.

Does Stairway to Freedom have job placement assistance?

We do not have job placements services, but continue to encourage our residents as they find work or means.

Does Stairway to Freedom provide meals?

No. Part of independent living requires residents to supply and prepare their own meals. Residents have access to a modern community kitchen, appliances, dishes/silverware, pots and pans, and storage for their food.

Does Stairway to Freedom provide transportation to and from intakes?

We generally do not provide transportation. We may accommodate clients in special circumstances.

How does it help in early recovery?

We focus on providing a safe environment for recovering addicts and alcoholics to recover. Our main goal is to support and continue to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict. It is a place where people can learn to put into use valuable tools to help recover from the disease of addiction and alcoholism– One Day At A Time. After building a solid foundation for their personal recovery, we help our clients to become more acceptable, responsible and productive members of society.

How long do people generally stay at Stairway to Freedom?

While there is no minimum length of stay, most people stay 6 to 8 months. However, a stay of 10 to 12 months is suggested.

How many house managers are there per house?

There are 2-3 house managers per location.

I am on house arrest. Can I move into Stairway to Freedom?

No, we do not accept people on house arrest.

I’m pregnant, can I stay at Stairway to Freedom?

Yes, you are welcome at Stairway to Freedom until delivery.

Is Stairway to Freedom Sober Living a rehab center?

No, Stairway to Freedom Sober Living is an extended care community bridging the gap between rehab and recovery. If you are looking for a rehab center in Chicago, check out New Hope Recovery Center.

What are the rules and curfew?

We have a 3-phase program proven to integrate our clients back into society, providing them with a support system and recovery program. There are requirements to move from one Phase to the next.

• Phase 1: 10:30pm weekday curfew – 12:00am weekend curfew – No Overnights
• Phase 2: 12:00am weekday curfew – 1:00am weekend curfew – 1 Overnight a week
• Phase 3 / Independent Living: 1:00am weekday curfew – 2:00am weekend curfew – 3 Overnights a week (not in succession)

What happens if I relapse?

You will be asked to leave the premises immediately and will be allowed to return upon completion of facilitated detox. This is subject to the discretion of the house members.

What is it like living in a Recovery House?

Stairway to Freedom is a place where people seeking recovery from the disease of addiction or alcoholism can rebuild their lives through peer-based support and the most valuable tool one can find in recovery – the therapeutic value of one addict helping another. We provide a safe place for people in the recovery community to live in and help them build a strong foundation for their personal recovery. We provide housing with strict rules of sobriety within the house and grounds, structure and support while our clients are getting on their feet and learning to be self supporting. Our clients are subject to random breathalyzers and drug screens.

What is the cost of living at Stairway to Freedom? Is there assistance available?

Cost varies from $150-175 depending on the house. We do not provide assistance; we expect and require our residence to have financial means to support their recovery.

What is the medication policy?

Mostly prescribed medications are allowed. The following are forbidden: all benzodiazepines, opiates, amphetamines. 

 

When does the intake process happen?

Intake is done on the day the person moves in.

Why is Stairway to Freedom different than other recovery houses?

Stairway to Freedom is different from other recovery houses because we are the premiere recovery community in Chicago, where every person is heavily entrenched in structured support and an individual tailored aftercare program. Our mission is to make a lasting impact in the lives of recovering people, empowering them to be responsible, productive, and happy. We are providing a safe, nurturing, positive environment for freedom from addiction and alcoholism.

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