NorthStar Transitions Sober Living

The Basics

NorthStar Transitions is a substance abuse treatment program that offers outpatient treatment and sober living for young adults ages 18 to 35. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, NorthStar Transitions Sober Living offers several housing options, with apartments for men and a single-family home for women.

Accommodations and Amenities

NorthStar provides apartment-style housing for men near their main treatment facility in Boulder. A minimum commitment of three months stay is required for admittance to the housing program and because of a limited number of spaces available, clients must also display an attitude of willingness to continue their sobriety. NorthStar can accommodate a maximum of 16 male residents in the apartment complex; A total of four apartments are available, each unit with two dual-occupancy bedrooms and one shared bathroom.

Each apartment has its own common area with a fireplace and comfortable couches for socializing and watching TV with fellow house members. The kitchen is outfitted with appliances and utensils, and a weekly grocery allowance is given, but residents are expected to shop for and prepare their own food. All apartments have an office space connected to the living room with WiFi for conducting job searches. As part of the NorthStar transition plan, staff members assist residents in drafting resumes and job hunting techniques. If residents wish to enroll in school, staff members can help complete applications and assist in obtaining financial aid.

The women’s sober house is a single-family home that can accommodate up to eight clients at a time. With four dual-occupancy bedrooms and two bathrooms, residents have their own twin-sized bed and plenty of closet space. The communal space includes a large living room furnished with comfortable seating, a fireplace, vaulted ceilings with skylights and cable TV. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen where residents are provided with appliances, supplies and ample storage space for personal food items. All house members are free to cook at any time and are given a weekly grocery stipend—though like the men, they are expected to shop for their own groceries and prepare their own meals. A good-sized backyard with a view of the Flatiron Mountains offers an outdoor living space space to socialize and meditate during downtime.

Rules and Regulations

Prior to being accepted into the NorthStar sober homes, potential clients are required to have completed a residential treatment program, be currently enrolled in one of NorthStar’s outpatient programs—either Transitions Life Skills Counseling or the New Visions—and have more than 30 days clean and sober. All clients must also commit to one individual counseling session per week and nine hours of group therapy. Clients are expected to fully participate in all therapy sessions which include CBT, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and DBT. In addition, residents are introduced to the 12-step program of recovery—but are not required to attend meetings.  If a resident does choose to participate in AA it is suggested that they actively work the steps with a sponsor.

There is a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use while staying at NorthStar and staff members test residents with toxicology screenings and breathalyzers at random. If a resident relapses, they will be removed from the program and referred to more intensive treatment options. All house members are responsible for keeping their space clean at all times. House chores are given out at the beginning of the week and are expected to be completed daily. NorthStar does not enforce a curfew and residents are free to come and go as they please, though staff members do check in with residents during the week to ensure that living spaces are kept clean and that residents are safe.

Graduation from the NorthStar communal sober living homes means residents have shown consistency in goal achievement and are reliable. Clients are then given assistance in finding their own private housing and can continue to receive guidance in maintaining their sobriety including weekly therapy, life skills coaching and family therapy.

Extras

Staff provide transportation to a nearby gym with an indoor pool for clients interested in working on their physical recovery. Group yoga classes, hiking and snowboarding trips are regularly organized. Additionally, social activities—such as group outings to concerts at nearby Red Rock Amphitheater—are arranged to encourage fellowship and a sober community.

In Summary

For men and women who have completed an inpatient treatment program, NorthStar Transitions sober living program is an attractive next step. Although the treatment requirements may be too rigorous for some, clients are able to enjoy independent living and develop autonomy at a reasonable monthly cost. With comprehensive individualized recovery and evidence based life-skills programs, NorthStar residents benefit from continued care and a strong sober community.

NorthStar Transitions
2919 Valmont Rd Suite 109
Boulder, CO 80301

NorthStar Transitions cost: $2,000 (30 days). Reach NorthStar Transitions by phone at (888) 787-9377 or by email at admissions@nstprogram.com. Find NorthStar Transitions on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn

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