Choosing a sober living home is a big decision. The right home can give you or your loved one a strong start in recovery. The wrong one can put that recovery, and even your safety, at risk.
In Arizona, this choice matters more than ever. This guide walks you through how to check a home's license, what questions to ask, and the warning signs that should make you walk away.
Why It Matters Which Home You Choose
A good sober living home is licensed, transparent about costs and rules, and focused on helping residents build independent lives. A bad one may cut corners on safety, ignore drug use in the house, or exist mainly to make money off residents.
Arizona learned this the hard way. In recent years, the state uncovered widespread fraud in which fake sober living operators billed AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, for services they never provided. Many victims were Native Americans recruited from tribal communities with promises of free housing. In April 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill expanding oversight of sober living homes and increasing penalties for violations (KJZZ).
Step 1: Confirm the Home Is Licensed
Arizona has required sober living homes to be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) since 2019. According to ADHS, anyone operating a facility that meets the state's definition of a sober living home must get a license to operate legally (ADHS Fact Sheet).
How to check:
- Ask the home directly for its ADHS license. A legitimate home will share it without hesitation.
- Search the ADHS provider directory. ADHS publishes the names and phone numbers of licensed sober living homes. For privacy, the state keeps home addresses confidential.
- Check city requirements. Some Arizona cities have their own registration rules as well.
Steps to Recovery Homes is licensed through ADHS and the city. We're happy to show you our license.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Use these questions when you call or tour a home. Write down the answers so you can compare.
About safety and sobriety
- How often do you drug test, and what happens after a positive test?
- Is there a house manager or staff member on site or on call?
- What are the rules about guests, curfew, and overnight stays?
About cost
- What are the fees, and what exactly do they cover?
- Are there deposits or move-in fees? Are they refundable?
- Can I see all of this in writing?
About support
- Do you offer case management, life coaching, or job help?
- Do you work with outpatient treatment providers?
- How do you help residents plan for moving out?
About the community
- Do you have a good neighbor policy?
- How do you handle concerns from neighbors?
Steps to Recovery Homes follows a written Good Neighbor Policy, and our residents attend clinical care through our partner, Konnect Wellness Center.
Step 3: Watch for Red Flags
Walk away, or at least slow down, if you see any of these:
- Free rent or free housing in exchange for signing up for a specific health plan or treatment program
- Recruiters who approach you in public, on social media, or in your community and offer free transportation to a home
- No license, or excuses about why they can't show it
- Pressure to decide right now, or to hand over your AHCCCS card or ID
- No written rules, fees, or resident agreement
- No drug testing, or a house where use is ignored
- Residents being moved between homes without explanation
If you think you or someone you love was affected by a fraudulent sober living home, AHCCCS runs a hotline at 1-844-534-HOPE (4673) (AHCCCS).
Step 4: Visit and Trust Your Gut
If you can, tour the home. Look for:
- Clean, furnished, well-kept spaces
- Residents who seem engaged and respectful
- Staff who answer questions openly
- Posted house rules and schedules
A good home will welcome your questions. If something feels off, it probably is.
What Sets Steps to Recovery Homes Apart
We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Anne and Damien Browning, who turned their own lives around in recovery. Our mission is to provide safe, clean, and structured homes that help people achieve long-term recovery and a purposeful life.
- Licensed through the city and the Arizona Department of Health Services
- Drug-tested, gender-specific homes with on-site House Leads and a House Supervisor
- A 3 to 6 month holistic program with life coaching, case management, and job development
- Evidence-based clinical care through Konnect Wellness, using approaches like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing
- Confidential intake, protected under federal confidentiality rules (42 CFR Part 2)
Learn more about who we are and what we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a sober living home is licensed in Arizona?
Ask the home for its Arizona Department of Health Services license, and search the ADHS licensed provider directory. ADHS lists the names and phone numbers of licensed sober living homes but keeps their addresses private.
Is it legal to run an unlicensed sober living home in Arizona?
No. Arizona requires any facility that meets the state's definition of a sober living home to be licensed by ADHS. Operating without a license can lead to penalties.
What are the warning signs of a fake sober living home?
Common red flags include offers of free housing in exchange for enrolling in a health plan, recruiters offering free rides to a home, no license, no written rules or fees, and pressure to hand over your insurance card or ID.
Who do I call if I was a victim of sober living fraud in Arizona?
Call the AHCCCS hotline at 1-844-534-HOPE (4673). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Can a family member help choose a sober living home?
Yes, and it often helps. Families can join calls, tour homes, and ask questions. With the resident's written permission, a home may also share updates with family.
We're Glad to Answer Your Questions
Choosing a home is easier when you can talk to real people who will give you straight answers. Call us anytime. We'll tell you exactly how our program works, what it costs, and whether it's the right fit.
Call 928-649-0077 or start your intake here.
Steps to Recovery Homes · 637 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 · info@stepstorecoveryhomes.org