Call Us!
Text Us!
Call Us!
Text Us!

Sober Living FAQ

How does Turning Point Recovery handle urgent admissions?

Our team prioritizes a quick, efficient admissions process to handle urgent cases. We’re available to provide immediate assistance and clear communication for a smooth, timely client transition.

What types of aftercare programs does Turning Point Recovery offer?

Turning Point Recovery offers comprehensive aftercare programs, including sober living and intensive outpatient programs. We also provide connections to community support groups like AA sponsors and meetings.

What kind of support can discharge planners expect from Turning Point Recovery?

Discharge planners can expect extensive support, including handling administrative tasks and regular updates, to make your job easier. We maintain transparency and trust by consistently providing accurate information, regular updates and responsive support.

How does Turning Point Recovery support clients’ transition from residential treatment?

We provide door-to-door transportation from residential treatment to our programs, supporting clients as they leave a more structured environment for a less intensive level of care. Discharge planners can initiate a referral by contacting us directly. We provide a streamlined process to get the necessary information and assess client needs.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is being completely engaged and present in the current moment without judgment. Mindfulness also involves paying attention to thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise without getting caught up in them or reacting impulsively.

What is the Mindful Life Program?

The Mindful Life Program is a comprehensive mindfulness program that integrates four key areas of mindfulness: attention, wisdom, values, and an open heart. MLP offers programs, courses and resources to provide accessible, practical and universal skills, empowering individuals to transform their lives intentionally.

How does mindfulness support recovery from addiction?

Mindfulness supports recovery by helping individuals cultivate attention and awareness to recognize and then healthily respond to cravings and triggers. It fosters emotional and mental balance, reduces anxiety and stress, and promotes well-being. Mindfulness improves focus, reduces distractions, helps you gain more insight into your thoughts, behaviors and emotions, and gives you the tools to make choices to support long-term recovery.

Who can benefit from the Mindfulness in Recovery program?

Everyone can benefit from the Mindfulness in Recovery program as it’s designed to be accessible and practical. It’s suitable for anyone who’s striving to improve their emotional and mental well-being to overcome addiction.

How can I get started with Mindfulness in Recovery?

At Turning Point, we provide the tools and support for lasting recovery. Our Mindfulness in Recovery Program offers a holistic approach to profound personal growth and more fulfillment. Learn more about our program and how we can support your journey.

What programs does Turning Point offer?

We provide a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with structured treatment five days a week. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a more flexible treatment option, while sober living provides a safe and supportive home environment. Our team will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate program based on your circumstances and treatment goals.

What makes the Turning Point approach to addiction treatment unique?

We integrate evidence-based therapies, mindfulness principles and holistic wellness approaches into treatment plans. We prioritize individualized treatment plans to meet you where you are currently so that you can reach your goals. We address the deep root causes of addiction and co-occurring mental health issues through individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy and experiential activities.

Why is mindfulness part of the recovery process at Turning Point?

Mindfulness is a cornerstone of our recovery process, and our Mindfulness in Recovery (MIR) program offers a unique approach to healing. We integrate meditation and mindfulness with the 12-step process to help you to overcome addiction. Mindfulness gives you an excellent bridge to your daily life that applies to all situations. It can facilitate using what you learn in treatment in your daily life. You’ll cultivate present-moment awareness, manage cravings and triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Does insurance cover addiction treatment?

We accept most major insurance plans, and our team can help you with coverage verification and determine any out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment.

How do you support clients after they complete treatment?

We offer aftercare services, including ongoing counseling, support groups, alumni events and referrals to community resources. You can also independently continue your Mindfulness in Recovery (MIR) treatment path after completing your time with us. We aim to ensure you have everything you need to get sober and maintain a fulfilling, long-term recovery.

Visitors: Are women or minors allowed to live in Turning Point?

Turning Point currently is a men’s only sober living home in Plano. No women or minors housing opportunities are currently available. As for visitors, your ability to have visitors come to the house depends on your progress towards sobriety. However, regardless of your progress, you will not be allowed to have overnight guests. Nor will you be allowed to have romantic partners anywhere except common areas.

Are past Turning Point residents able to visit after they move out?

Yes, but only if they have stayed active and in touch with the house and have remained sober. For those people, it is highly encouraged. We understand that camaraderie within the house is extremely important. We also believe that successful graduates of Turning Point provide a positive influence, and even role models for our current residents.

Tell Me a Little More About Your Substance Testing Policies.

Unfortunately, some DFW sober living homes do not test regularly (if they test at all). If they do some testing, they often only use 5 or 8 panel tests. Turning Point sober living not only tests everyone in the house at least once per week (including house managers), but our tests are 13 panel tests. We also perform random breathalyzers throughout the week. Furthermore, we are an “at will” testing house. That means that ANY member may test ANY other member, including testing house managers. If anyone refuses to test immediately, then they will be required to leave the property. We would recommend not choosing a Dallas sober living home that does not regularly test, as that jeopardizes all residents’ sobriety.

Can I Stay Away from the House Overnight?

Overnight passes are allowed based on house management approval. All residents will be tested upon return for drug or alcohol use. We strongly encourage our residents to stay near.

Are Telephones Allowed?

They are not only allowed but are actually required. Group accountability is an integral part of The Program. In turn, regular communication is a necessity. Also, Turning Point has a group texting app that is critical for information and communication. Additionally, photo-based texting will be required at times to maintain accountability. Therefore, you must have a phone with a sufficient data plan.

Are You an Animal and Pet Friendly Sober Living Home?

At Turning Point, we love animals and understand how important those relationships can be between an owner and their loved pet. Unfortunately, we have also found that pets in a sober living home can provide our residents a level of stress and responsibility that can challenge their primary focus of sobriety and reintegration for both the owners and the other residents. However, with management approval and demonstrated progress in the Program, we allow (and ENJOY) reasonable and supervised visits from our furry loved ones!

Do You Provide a Gym Membership?

Yes! Our residents enjoy membership at Cowboys Fit near our Plano sober living home.

Do You Provide TV / Computer / Internet?

Yes, yes, and yes! We provide high speed wi-fi, cable TV, and smart TVs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO, etc.

Do I Have to Go to a Treatment Center or Detox Before Being Accepted?

While many of our residents come directly from a treatment center or detox program, they are not required as a prerequisite for residency. However, we also do not act as a detox or treatment facility. So, if you’ve been using recently, you will likely not be accepted until you’re out of danger of going through withdrawals or until you go through detox.

Am I Free to Come and Go? Or Is It More Like a Treatment Center or Medical Facility?

While we are structured, we are not a treatment center or medical facility. You are free to come and go as you please within curfew limitations. Sober living is a family-like dwelling in which members live with other alcoholics and addicts who are absolutely committed to remaining sober and strengthening that sobriety. Provided you are fulfilling your duties and responsibilities, you are free to come and go as you please within the curfew limitations. We do expect regular communication with house management about how residents spend their time outside of the home.

We are a Dallas sober living home, so we encourage our residents’ activities to be focused in the Plano or DFW area.

What Are the Benefits of Entering a Sober Living Home?

Sober living homes improve the chances of remaining abstinent following inpatient treatment. They provide social support among individuals with similar goals. It is a safe and structured environment that nurtures and prepares the individual for reentry into the real world. Some of the most important benefits that residents receive in sober living homes include:

  • Regular guidance and support
  • Strong sober social support system
  • Opportunities to improve life skills
  • Smoother transition to independent living
  • Lowered risk of relapse
  • Safe, trigger-free space to pursue recovery
  • Help finding employment
  • Improved relationships with friends and family
  • Multiple included amenities
  • Reduced challenges through utilities, food, and supplies provided
  • Professional recovery services

Do Sober Living Homes Have House Managers?

Turning Point homes have live-in managers for the residents’ benefit. We understand that it is essential that recovery support be readily available should the need come up. This allows them to understand the unique circumstances and needs of all the house residents and to be involved in problem-solving should the need arise. House managers also coordinate the needs of the house in general. As such, a sober living home house manager functions as a mentor and supervisor for residents, a director for program services, and an excellent resource for parents and family members who have questions or concerns.

Do Sober Living Homes Require Residents to Attend 12-Step Meetings?

Turning Point recovery services are based on the principles of recovery as originally devised by 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The philosophy can be stated simply: individuals with addictions cannot recover using their own willpower, but they can manage their condition if they admit they have a problem and learn to rely on other people who suffer from the same problem.

It has been proven that participation in regular AA and NA meetings works synergistically with sober living homes to help recover from substance use disorders and rebuild their lives. We require that residents attend regular 12-step meetings and have an active and supportive sponsor relationship. We also regularly conduct on-site group and individual recovery services.

Attending daily meetings is a great way to develop new tools and coping skills in sobriety. This allows sober living home residents to learn from the experiences of people who have been sober for long periods of time. Moreover, it provides them with an opportunity to build their sober social support systems and expand the scope of their network. Regular meetings are an excellent preparation for life outside of a sober living home. In fact, most participants establish long-term friendships and relationships that benefit them personally and professionally for many years.

What Will Happen if I Relapse While Living in a Sober Living Home?

When a person relapses while living in a sober living home, it is generally handled on a case-by-case basis.

At Turning Point Recovery, we understand that for many people, relapsing one or more times does not mean that they can’t get sober. In fact, many people who successfully develop long-term sobriety have many relapse stories to tell. While relapsing is never a positive event, it can sometimes be a learning experience that allows a person to understand the nature of their addiction with more clarity.

Ultimately, however, it is important to understand that a sober living home is, by definition, a place for sober people. By moving into a sober living home, residents are agreeing to remain sober while living there. This agreement is important not only for that particular resident, but for the safety of the other residents who are hoping to live in a supportive and substance-free home. At Turning Point, we take our obligation to provide this safe space extremely seriously. When a resident relapses, they are not only demonstrating a lack of commitment to their own sobriety, but they are violating the trust of other residents who depend on them.

In some cases, when a person’s relapse is a threat to the sobriety of other members of the home or if they seem uninvested in their own sobriety, we will ask them to leave and help them find another source of support. However, if we determine that a person’s relapse is simply an unfortunate slip and they are still committed to getting sober, we will allow them to continue to live at Turning Point Recovery. However, they will likely have to start from scratch and demonstrate a renewed and strengthened commitment to their recovery process.

Will I Have a Roommate in My Sober Living Home?

Turning Point Recovery Network residents will likely have a roommate. Having a roommate has multiple benefits for people trying to remain sober. It helps people develop bonds with other residents, allowing them to build and reinforce their sober social support systems.

Having a roommate also encourages people to take responsibility for their own actions and behaviors. While living in a private room, it is often tempting to leave beds unmade, throw trash on the ground, and other careless behaviors. While getting sober, it is important to have structure and learn self-care practices, and sometimes the best foundation for these is first learning to care about other individuals.

Where Are You Located?

Our Edgewater home is a Plano sober living home (some think North Dallas). The closest major intersection is George Bush Turnpike and Custer. Many of our residents’ home AA group is the Legacy Group on Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. We are also just north of Richardson.

Are Visitors Allowed in Sober Living Homes?

Turning Point is designed to be a safe and trigger-free space for residents. However, it is important for residents to be able to maintain their relationships with loved ones since social support is an essential component to long term sobriety. At Turning Point Recovery, we regularly host events during which family members are invited to congregate with house members. At barbecues and holiday dinners, Turning Point Recovery can feel like one big family. Close family members are also free to visit outside of scheduled events, though it is recommended that they contact the house in advance to discuss their visit with the house manager. No visitors are allowed outside of curfew hours, except for extreme situations. No overnight visitors can be accommodated.

Is Sober Living Right for Me?

Sober living homes are designed to help people get sober, stay sober, and build new lives in sobriety. They can be effectively utilized by people who have finished a formal addiction treatment program, such as an inpatient program or intensive outpatient program (IOP). For these individuals, sober living homes provide both a transitional environment and a long-term source of support as they begin to rebuild their lives in the outside world.

Sober living homes are also often recommended as a first-line approach to addiction recovery for individuals who have never attended any formal recovery program. Sober living homes provide a safe and trigger-free environment where individuals can develop the skills and coping tools they need to stay sober over the long term. Sober living homes allow people to receive support and guidance for a longer period than traditional treatment programs. Research shows that individuals who remain involved in recovery programs for longer periods have statistically lower rates of relapse even years later. A meaningful part of this is due to the social support systems that residents build while living in a sober home.

These relationships generally remain intact long after graduation; helping people remain supported, as well as providing them with work connections, joy, and meaning.

But is Turning Point Sober Living Right for Me?

There are many DFW sober living homes to choose from. At Turning Point, we consider ourselves an upscale sober living residence, and our residents are typically more discerning. However, we work closely with multiple other recovery residences and halfway houses in the Dallas area, including:

  • Oxford House
  • Real Deal Sober Living
  • Lakewood Recovery
  • Patton House Sober Living
  • Archway Recovery Homes
  • Arbor Park
  • Elevated
  • Recovered Connections
  • Cardinal House

Are There Any Reasons I Won’t Be Accepted? (This does not cover financials as those are dealt with below)

Felonies: Sexual and arson-based felons are not permitted. Violent felonies require a house vote. However, there are certain violent felonies that will not be accepted period such as rape and murder.​

Medication: Medications with the potential for abuse are not permitted.

Interview / Attitude: Potential members will be interviewed in person prior to being accepted.

Do You Accept Insurance or Are You State Subsidized? Meaning, Is There a Way I Can Get in Without Paying Program Fees?

Insurance: Sober living is not a covered benefit with commercial insurance or Medicaid/Medicare (a few states outside of Texas do provide the benefit). However, the total cost of program fees is less than a private residence. All bills and basic supplies are included, as well as additional recovery services and amenities.

What is the Difference Between a Sober Living Home and a Halfway House?

Sober living homes and halfway houses are similar in that they are both residences for people who are recovering from drug and alcohol use disorders. At either type of residence, residents should be living in a safe and trigger-free environment. However, the primary difference is that sober living homes offer more structure and long-term support.

Turning Point sober living offers a specific structure geared toward helping people develop new tools and coping skills. Residents at sober living homes can also generally stay for however long they like if they are meeting program requirements. Halfway houses generally have fewer amenities and can sometimes have a more institutional feel, while sober living homes function in many ways like private residence.

How Long Until I Can Move In?

Are you committed to sober living in the DFW, Dallas, or Plano area? If so, it could be as quick as the same day. It totally depends upon each prospective resident’s circumstances, time of day, occupancy, and availability of Turning Point leadership to perform intakes, etc.

If I Pay for Someone Else to Get In, Am I Enabling?

It depends on each individual case’s details. In some cases, it may be enabling. In some cases, it won’t be. Our leadership are experts at providing information and potential solutions regarding recovery. We are here to help and will address any relevant question or concern for the addict and their loved ones.

Here are some guidelines we feel are helpful for anyone interested in assisting a resident with program fees:

Don’t force them into sober living. Simply make it crystal clear that you will only assist them if they are ready to commit to their sobriety. If not, that is fine also, but they’re responsible for their own needs. Then stick to it. Otherwise, they know they can relapse and then come back to you again and again because you will always be there to solve their problems.

Program fees are due monthly. We recommend not providing additional financial assistance. This requires your loved one to grow by starting to provide for their own needs. We work closely with parents, friends, or whoever it is that is providing financial assistance to the member by giving weekly reports by phone. If the person is not taking it seriously, then stop assisting. If they are making progress, then keep assisting as you see fit.

What If I’m On Disability and Can’t Work?

We expect all members to “work” a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Here is what we consider to be “work”:

  • Part or Full Time job(s)
  • School
  • Community service / volunteer work

Part of the strength in our house is due to our members being active. Everyone follows the same requirements. If we suddenly have everyone but one person being active while the one sits around the house all day, we’re asking for a relapse, and one that will likely take others down with him.

If a resident is physically unable to work, we will help them to identify other productive uses of their time.

What Happens If I Can’t Afford to Pay on Time?

Turning Point charges a late fee each day you are late. Depending on the circumstances and how chronically you are late, you could have your membership terminated.

What Do I Need to Bring With Me?

Members must provide their own clothing and toiletries. They will be given dedicated dry and refrigerated space for their food. For other personal items, members generally will have about enough space for 1-2 suitcases worth of possessions. We do expect all personal items to be put away when not in use. Keep in mind that we provide all the other basic necessities.

Is There Anything I Should Not Bring?

No alcohol, drugs, or weapons are ever allowed on property. We do not allow members to bring furnishings, other large items, appliances, etc.We never want anything that could get mixed up with the house’s property, or to otherwise be a cause of stress or potential relapse.

Are You a Treatment Center? Do You Provide Counseling?

We are not considered a treatment or medical center. We do support the resident’s working with a professional recovery coach, as well as a professional psychiatrist specializing in substance abuse and dual-diagnoses. We have relationships with these professionals and assist residents in pursuing this support.

How Long Do I Need to Live There? (The Three Commitments)

Members are committing to completing the following items before moving out:

Work all 12 steps of AA with a sponsor as directed in the Big Book of AA (the 12 Step instruction book).

Taking someone else through all 12 steps (in other words, being a sponsor).

Once your sponsor, a couple of other significant sober people in your life (such as parents, spouse, pastor, etc.), and the house manager ALL unanimously agree that you’re ready, only then is it time to begin considering leaving.

But How Long?

It is different for everyone as they complete these items at different speeds. But sober living is not a short-term solution. Thus, we recommend no less than one year. But that is inconsequential if you’re not completing the items listed above.

I Have a Court Case or Was Referred to a Sober Living Home by My Parole/Probation Office, is Turning Point Willing to Work With Them?

Absolutely! In fact, we prefer it. We also provide court reports, confirmation letters, etc. as needed.

Would I Be Considered a ‘Tenant’?

No. Under the TX Landlord and Tenant Act, you are a member of an organization, NOT a tenant. Therefore, do not have the same rights as a tenant. This means that we can require you to leave if your actions are deemed inappropriate.

menu