Where to Find Sober Roommates in Massachusetts

If you’re sober or pursuing sobriety, you might be wondering how to go about finding sober roommates in Massachusetts. The last thing you want is to turn your home into a party house if you’re trying to stay away from substances of any kind. However, if you don’t know where to connect with other sober individuals, it can be challenging to find the right roommate.

Discover the resources available across areas like Fitchburg, Springfield, and other MA townships for sober individuals looking for roommates who can help support their sobriety.

The Benefits of a Sober Roommate

Finding sober roommates in Massachusetts offers a number of benefits:

• Cut your rent, mortgage, or utility payments
• Feel less isolated
• Share household responsibilities like chores
• Create new, meaningful relationships
• Support your sobriety
• Keep your home free of substances

Ideally, you shouldn’t demand a sober roommate if you’re not sober yourself. You could put that person at risk of a relapse or cause them anxiety by drinking or taking illicit substances near them.

Don’t think of a sober roommate as a live-in Uber or “sensible friend.” Instead, respect them as a whole, complex person who happens to be sober. If that describes you as well, then these resources for finding the right roommate will be useful for you.

While sober and non-sober people do live together, it can be distressing for the sober individual. Addiction specialists state that a major part of recovery is changing your life so it’s easier not to use substances [1]. Living in a situation where substances are readily available removes that core aspect of successful recovery.

What Resources Are Available to Help Find Sober Roommates in Massachusetts?

If you’re looking for sober roommates in Massachusetts, there are several avenues you can pursue:

• Referrals through any addiction treatment centers or specialists you’ve been working with
• Online groups and communities
• Sober living houses and communities

MASH stands for the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing and is a nonprofit officially affiliated with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). [2] You can use their website to discover multiple resources for anyone trying to stay sober in MA.

Sober Living Houses Explained

One of the most significant resources for connecting with other sober individuals is sober housing. Sober housing offers a supportive environment to people who need to be away from anyone who is drinking or taking substances.

Sober communities usually have house rules, such as keeping the living environment free of substances and alcohol, or not inviting people from outside the community.

In addition to helping reduce the risk of relapse, sober living can help boost a person’s mental health. Residents quickly come to realize that they’re not alone and that other people are on a similar journey. This reduces isolation and, potentially, feelings of despair.

Types of sober housing include: [3]

• Gender-specific housing
• Gender-inclusive and mixed sober housing
• Family-friendly housing that accepts couples, parents, and others
• Houses with a structured environment for those on parole or otherwise involved in the justice system
• Post-treatment housing for anyone transitioning from residential treatment, detox, or rehab treatment programs

The type of sober living homes you approach may determine how far along the recovery journey your potential roommate is.

Sober Housing in Massachusetts

There are numerous sober houses and sober living communities in and around the state of Massachusetts. If you want to become part of a community, check that it’s appropriate for you. Some are for men only, others for women only, and others may be aimed at people of specific ages. 

These links are for information only and not endorsements of particular services: [4]

• Boston Sober Homes, with options for both men and women [5]
• 12 Step Education Program of New England, co-ed [6]
• Prospect Men’s Home, Vanderburgh House, men only [7]
• Carol Greenberg Potasnik House, women only [8]

Discover more support services and supportive housing communities by browsing the directory on the MASH website. [9]

Sober Events

You can also look out for sober meetups and other events in your area. While many people love to go out drinking while they socialize, that’s potentially damaging for anyone on a recovery journey. With that in mind, organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous may arrange local events for sober people to meet, mingle, and know they’re not alone.

In Dorchester, for example, there is a range of meetups and events, including accessible get-togethers, open events, and ones focused around specific resources like the Big Book. [10]

Support Groups

Local support groups exist across multiple areas of MA, from Brockton to Quincy, for those trying to stay substance-free. Attending groups like these can help with your overall well-being, but they could also put you in touch with people who may be in need of a room or shared apartment.

The benefit of meeting people in groups is that you’ll probably get the chance to speak to them a few times before committing to living together. Someone who regularly attends a support group may already be used to independent living and ready to cohabitate with someone in a similar situation.

Word of Mouth Referrals

You may also find a sober roommate in Massachusetts through the simple power of personal referrals. When you make the effort to become a part of your local sober community, you’ll get to know people from all walks of life. They may know someone who is looking for a new place to live, and could recommend them to you.

Alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse can lead to serious dependence and even addiction. If you or a loved one needs support with any type of substance use disorder, contact Engage Wellness in Acton, MA. We offer compassionate, non-judgmental advice and outpatient care that can lead to long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions