CT Rep. Staneski Participates in Sober Homes Discussion

From the Connecticut General Assembly: As a member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, State Rep. Pam Staneski participated in a roundtable discussion on, ‘What Sober Homes in Connecticut should look like.’

Sober living homes are group homes for people who are recovering from addiction issues. People who live in sober homes have to follow certain rules and contribute to the home by doing chores. Most importantly, residents must stay sober throughout their stay in the home.

Rep. Staneski said, “I was deeply moved by the candid conversation from those who are in recovery who valued the work of the Sober Home in their healing. Most talked of the need to learn life skills, have stability, be held accountable, and feel valued. They all agreed that structured Homes provided the best outcomes.”

Rep. Staneski along with several of her House of Representative colleagues, the Commissioner of Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DHMAS), and members of the public who facilitate, run, or work at Sober Homes throughout Connecticut joined together to talk openly about the need importance and need for some oversight and guidance around Sober Homes.

This legislative session there have been several bills introduced that looks to regulate Sober Homes.

The roundtable was an opportunity to share best practices, discuss what defines a Sober Home, chat about how it works, address current or past conforming standards, and answer questions that will help the Public Health Committee with the legislation

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut General Assembly