Frequently Asked Questions - ACTS Recovery Homes Austin TX
Whether you are considering our five Austin TX homes for yourself or researching on behalf of someone you care about, this page answers the questions we hear most often. If your question is not here, call us at (512) 900-5711 anytime, day or night. We answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About Sober Living
What is sober living?
Sober living is a structured, peer-accountable housing environment for people in recovery. Unlike treatment, it is voluntary and community-driven. Residents live together, hold each other accountable, and follow shared house rules that support sobriety. It is a bridge between early recovery and fully independent living.
What is the difference between sober living and a halfway house?
A halfway house is typically court-mandated, short-term, and connected to the criminal justice system. Sober living is voluntary, longer-term, and community-accountable. At ACTS, you choose to be here. That distinction matters. Voluntary commitment is one of the strongest predictors of successful recovery.
Is ACTS Recovery Homes a treatment center?
No. We are a sober living operator. We provide structured housing and peer accountability, not clinical treatment. If you or your loved one needs medical detox or clinical treatment, that should happen before moving into an ACTS home. Once the acute phase is over, sober living is often the right next step.
Requirements and Eligibility
What is the minimum sobriety requirement?
30 days of continuous sobriety before moving into any ACTS home.
Do I need to have completed a treatment program?
No. Treatment completion is not required. 30 days of sobriety is the requirement.
Is the 12-Step program mandatory?
Yes. The 12-Step program is the foundation of life at every ACTS home. Meeting attendance, getting a sponsor, and working the steps are requirements for all residents at all five Austin, TX, locations. This is not optional.
Do I need to be employed to move in?
Yes. All residents must be working or actively seeking employment. We see employment as central to recovery, not separate from it.
Are there age restrictions?
ACTS homes are for adults 18 and older.
The Program
What does the ACTS program include?
Six pillars: structured daily living, 12-Step foundation, peer accountability, employment support, life skills development, and transitional planning. Read the full breakdown on our what our program includes page.
What are the house rules?
Curfew. Regular house meetings. All residents are working or seeking work. 12-Step meeting attendance. Random drug screenings. Contributing to household upkeep. These are consistent across all five homes.
What happens at house meetings?
House meetings keep expectations transparent and give every resident a voice. They typically cover house logistics, any issues that need to be addressed, and general community check-ins. They are a core part of how ACTS homes stay accountable.
What happens if I relapse?
A relapse while living in an ACTS home is treated seriously and may result in the resident needing to leave. We are not punitive, but we are honest about what the community requires to function. The accountability structure exists to protect everyone in the house.
The Homes
How many homes does ACTS operate in Austin TX?
Five homes. Three across Austin, TX, and two in Austin, TX. All five run the same program with the same expectations.
Which home is right for me?
It depends on where you work, how you get around, and which community feels like the right fit. Call us and we will help you figure it out. Visit the individual pages for our Collinfield home, Pointer home, Aspen home, Meadows Sober Living Home, and Meadows Women’s Sober Living for details on each location.
Is there a dedicated home for women?
Yes. Our Meadows Women’s Sober Living home in Austin, TX, is a women ‘s-only community. Learn more on our women’s sober living page.
Does ACTS have homes specifically for men?
Four of our five homes accept men. Learn more on our men’s sober living page.
Costs and Logistics
What does it cost to live at ACTS?
Call (512) 900-5711 for current pricing and availability. We keep our homes as affordable as possible and work with residents on their specific situations.
How long can I stay?
There is no set maximum. Many residents stay six months to a year or more. You are welcome as long as you are maintaining your sobriety and meeting the house’s expectations.
What does a typical day look like?
Residents head out in the mornings to work or job searches, return in the evenings for shared meals and house time, and attend 12-Step meetings throughout the week. Weekends open up for step work, personal development, and deeper recovery work.
Can family members visit?
Yes. ACTS welcomes family communication throughout the recovery process. Call (512) 900-5711 to discuss visit arrangements for a specific home.
Still Have Questions?
Call (512) 900-5711 anytime – we answer 24/7. You can also read more about ACTS or learn more about the specifics of how we operate.