Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House is a non-clinical, men’s “three-quarter house” for those in recovery from substance abuse. Founded in 2009, Graduate House was started by Solomon Abrams who, through his own journey in recovery working the 12-steps, realized that in providing this environment he could be of service to others. According to Graduate House’s program director Chris Ostrom, Abrams noticed that most group homes in Houston were either ramshackle, low-budget places or nice homes that were financially out-of-reach for most. Abrams started Graduate House to provide an upscale, comfortable environment for sobriety at an affordable price.
Accommodations and Amenities
Graduate House is just under 7,000 square feet and houses up to 13 residents. It features large, shared bedrooms, most housing two residents, but some larger rooms accommodate three. Everyone at Graduate House sleeps in a full size bed. Bathrooms are shared, but not by more than two bedrooms. Graduate House features two big screen TVs with premium cable, a full gym with cardio equipment and weights, laundry facilities onsite and an indoor swimming pool.
Meals are prepared individually, except when residents decide to make a group meal. Clients are responsible for providing their own food, although the house does have a common fund for some staples like coffee, lunch meat and eggs.
Rules and Regulations
There is no clinical treatment provided at Graduate House, although the fellowship among the residents can be a powerful force in staying sober. Residents at Graduate House are required to have been sober for at least 30 days in order to move in. They must work, go to school or volunteer while living at the house. They are expected to be in some kind of recovery program, too, whether that’s a formal outpatient program, a 12-step program or another peer-oriented support group. Per the house’s rules, those who relapse will be asked to leave. Residents are expected to submit to drug and alcohol tests when asked.
Those with co-occurring disorders are welcome but will have the responsibility to seek out treatment outside the house. While the house fosters independent living to enable residents to transition back to normal speed, periodically the house will come together to vote on decisions that affect the whole house. Resident elects four members to act as house officers to take care of the minutia of house management.
Extras
Graduate House maintains a petty cash account that residents use for a variety of group outings, including bowling, go-carts, barbecues and paintball games.
In Summary
Graduate House is for men who have already started recovery, so those looking for a structured environment or medical supervision should look elsewhere. A house like this is just the thing for those who are on the cusp of maintaining a fully independent lifestyle. For those who have recently graduated from an inpatient rehab, this house can offer real-life sobriety experience. The price is right, too (especially for a mansion with an indoor swimming pool). Basic rent is $662 a month plus an initial security deposit of $150.
Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House Location
Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House
7606 Antoine Dr
Houston, TX 77088
Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House Cost
$662 (30 days). Reach Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House by phone at (713) 701-7606 or by email. Find Houston Sober Living’s Graduate House on Facebook and Twitter
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