Second Chances Sober Living

The Basics

Located five minutes from historic downtown Austin, Texas, Second Chances Sober Living offers men and women a no-nonsense approach to recovery that emphasizes developing life skills and finding jobs for residents. Second Chances was founded by individuals who are in recovery and offers a serious and highly respected sober living program. There are three houses situated in upscale neighborhoods near the center of the city—two for men, one for women. Residents have easy access to nearby bus routes, shopping and several college campuses including University of Texas, Saint Edwards University and Austin Community College.

Accommodations and Amenities

The men’s houses have five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and accommodate 10 residents each in double-occupancy rooms. The women’s house has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms and accommodates 14. Furnishings are tasteful with a slightly western feel reflected in rough-hewn oak sideboards and hardwood floors.

The kitchens are full size, and residents are expected to buy and prepare their own meals and snacks. There’s a TV, of course, but viewing goes only until 10:30 pm, and use of the house computer is allowed for 30 minutes and only for business or job-hunting purposes. Other tech amenities include cable and high-speed Wi-Fi. There’s a washer-dryer in each house, and bed linens are provided. Smoking—even e-cigarettes—is permitted only in designated areas.

On-site 12-step meetings are held daily, but residents also leave the premises for meetings. Those who are progressing well are often invited by house managers to a one-on-one mentorship lunch at a good Austin restaurant or may get an extra perk of one month rent-free at Second Chances. Other amenities and in-house services include daily meditation, a guest speaker once or twice a week and Book study meetings.

Rules and Regulations

Residents are expected to leave the house by 9 am on weekdays to go to work, look for a job, attend school or outpatient treatment or perform some kind of volunteer service and not to return until at least 3:30 pm. This is designed to transition people out of the treatment phase of recovery and to help them integrate into normal life. Typically, the stay at Second Chances is at least a year. Though visitation by family members is permitted, it can only take place in common areas and never in a resident’s bedroom. Other than family members, residents are not allowed to have opposite-sex guests at the property.

On move-in, prescribed medications have to be given to the house manager, who will store them in a locked cabinet and administer as required. Residents are also tested for HIV and Hep C on admission and every six months thereafter. Dosages are meticulously recorded and residents are expected to keep their medication confidential. Curfew is 9 pm during the week for residents during the 30-day probationary period, after which it goes up to 10 and residents can even get an overnight pass (one a week or two a month with a request 24 hours in advance). If a resident is going to miss curfew he’s required to call the house manager right away. Lights out is at 10:30 pm Sundays through Thursdays.

Adherence to the 12 steps is rigorous. Residents are required to attend four weekly meetings and work closely with a sponsor. There’s random drug screening, and refusal is regarded as admission of relapse and may lead to immediate eviction. Room searches can also take place at any time and generally Second Chances maintains a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violence, destruction of another resident’s belongings or house property and stealing as well as sexual activity between residents—either on or off the premises.

Any arrest for alcohol or drug-related issues, including warrants, are cause for eviction and a resident’s property will be packed and stored and has to be picked up within seven days or it’s donated to charity. After 30 days of sobriety, a resident may request re-admission. Residents are considered ready to move back into their community once they have saved between $2,000 and $2,500 through work earnings, have been promoted in their job or have sponsored five or six incoming residents.

Extras

With its emphasis on finding employment and being productive, Second Chances offers residents resume-writing services and career workshops.

There are several opportunities to have fun within walking distance of the houses, including the YMCA, a nine-hole golf course and a public swimming pool.

In Summary

The rigid rules and emphasis on the 12-step lifestyle may not be for everyone, but Second Chances really works to help its residents develop accountability by providing a considerable amount of structure. Job hunting, work, education and volunteering are stressed as key to long-lasting sobriety. Plus, since it’s in downtown Austin, a terrific city with music, shopping and an occasional home football game on the UT campus, Second Chances offers residents plenty of the fun things to go along with a sober lifestyle.

Second Chances Sober Living
2206 E. 14th Street
Austin, TX 78702

Second Chances Sober Living Cost: $850 (30 days, with $500 refundable sobriety deposit) Reach Second Chances Sober Living by phone at (512) 265-5311. Find Second Chances Sober Living on Facebook and Twitter

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