Des Moines, Iowa · Families & Residents

Questions families ask
before move-in.

Everything you need to know about program structure, costs, rules, and what to expect — answered directly.

Apply for a Bed Call 515-518-9417

Program Structure

How it works

What is sober living, and how is it different from inpatient rehab?
Sober living is peer-based, structured housing for adults in recovery — not a treatment facility. Inpatient rehab provides clinical detox and intensive therapy in a controlled setting. Sober living comes after: residents live together in a shared home, follow clear house rules around sobriety and accountability, and rebuild daily life at their own pace while staying connected to recovery support. It's the bridge between intensive treatment and truly independent living.
Who is AfterHouse right for?
AfterHouse is for adult men (18+) who are committed to sobriety and ready for structured independent living. We're the right fit for people stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment, people who need accountability and peer community to maintain sobriety, and people rebuilding employment or stability after active addiction. We are not a detox facility and cannot accept residents who are actively using or require medical supervision for withdrawal.
How long do residents typically stay?
Most residents stay 3–12 months. Early recovery is most fragile in the first 90 days, so we encourage a minimum 90-day commitment. Some residents stay longer while they build stable employment, housing, and recovery support. There's no fixed cap — the right length of stay is whatever it takes to leave ready.
What makes AfterHouse different from other sober living options?
AfterHouse is owned and operated by people in recovery themselves — not investors or property managers. That means we enforce rules consistently because we've seen what happens when they're not. We keep the house small (8 beds) so every resident is known, not just a number. Our pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees, and we're on a NARR Level II certification pathway, which means our standards are independently verifiable.

Costs & What's Included

Pricing and what you get

How much does it cost per month?
Shared rooms are $600/month. Private rooms are $700/month. Both are all-inclusive — no separate utility bills, Wi-Fi charges, or supply fees.
What exactly is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee covers a furnished room, all utilities (electric, gas, water), high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry access, shared common spaces (kitchen, living room), and weekly house meetings. There are no add-on charges for basic living.
Is there a security deposit? How does move-out work?
Yes, there is a security deposit — equal to one month's rent — collected at move-in. It is refunded at move-out provided the room is left in good condition and there are no outstanding balances. Planned move-outs require two weeks' notice. Residents who leave due to a rule violation or relapse forfeit the deposit.
Does AfterHouse accept insurance or financial assistance?
AfterHouse does not bill insurance directly. Some residents use funds from Iowa's vocational rehabilitation programs, family support, employment income, or community recovery resources to cover rent. We're happy to provide documentation to support any assistance applications. Contact us to discuss your situation — we try to work with families wherever we can.

House Rules & Accountability

Expectations and enforcement

What are the core house rules?
Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs (including marijuana and non-prescribed medications), random drug and alcohol testing, curfew (10 PM Sunday–Thursday, 11 PM Friday–Saturday), minimum 3 recovery meetings per week, active pursuit of employment or education within 30 days of move-in, assigned house chores completed weekly, and respectful treatment of all residents and staff. Full rules are covered during intake.
How does drug testing work?
Testing is random and unannounced. All residents are subject to urine drug screens and breathalyzer tests at any time. Refusing to test is treated the same as a positive result. Testing is one of the most important tools we have for early intervention — catching a slip before it becomes a relapse.
What are the meeting attendance requirements?
Residents are required to attend a minimum of 3 recovery meetings per week (AA, NA, or an equivalent structured recovery program). Attendance is logged and verified. Weekly house meetings are also mandatory. Meeting attendance is not optional — it is a condition of residency.
What happens if a resident relapses?
A relapse is handled seriously. A resident who tests positive or is found under the influence will be asked to leave the house immediately for the safety of all residents. We can assist with finding next-level care (detox, inpatient) and will support a return to AfterHouse once the resident has re-stabilized, subject to bed availability and staff approval. We are not punitive — we are protective of the house as a whole.

The Application Process

How to get started

How do we apply and what's the timeline?
The fastest way to apply is to call 515-518-9417 or submit the online application at afterhouserecov.com/site/apply.html. We typically respond within 24 hours. After a brief intake conversation to confirm fit, we'll discuss bed availability, move-in date, and deposit. The process from first contact to move-in can be as fast as 48–72 hours when a bed is available.
How quickly can a bed be available — can my loved one move in today?
It depends on current occupancy. When a bed is open and the intake conversation confirms fit, move-in can happen within 24–48 hours. Call 515-518-9417 for the most current availability — we don't keep a public waitlist, so a phone call is the fastest path.
What should my loved one bring on move-in day?
Residents should bring: personal clothing and toiletries, any required medications (in original prescription bottles), a government-issued photo ID, first month's rent plus security deposit (cash, check, or Venmo), and a recovery support contact (sponsor, counselor, or case manager) if they have one. Rooms are furnished — no need to bring furniture. A full what-to-bring checklist is available at what-to-bring.html.

Daily Life

What to expect day to day

What does a typical day look like?
Mornings are structured around work, job searching, or outpatient programming. Residents are expected out of the house during daytime hours (8 AM–5 PM) pursuing employment or education within 30 days. Evenings include recovery meetings, house chores, meals, and personal downtime. Weekly house meetings build accountability and community. Curfew is 10 PM Sunday–Thursday and 11 PM Friday–Saturday. The routine is intentional — structure is one of the most effective relapse-prevention tools in early recovery.
Are there employment or school requirements?
Yes. Residents are expected to be actively pursuing employment, education, or job training within 30 days of move-in. We don't require a job on day one — we understand that re-entering the workforce takes time — but passive inactivity is not acceptable. Staff will check in on progress and offer help connecting with local employment resources if needed.
Can residents have visitors?
Visitors are allowed in common areas during approved hours. Overnight guests are not permitted. Visitors who appear to be under the influence will be asked to leave. Family visits are encouraged — we want residents to maintain healthy relationships. All visitor policies are reviewed at move-in.

For Families

Supporting your loved one

How can I stay informed about my loved one's progress?
With your loved one's consent, we're happy to speak with family members directly. We recommend establishing that consent at intake. The most reliable way to stay informed is to maintain direct communication with your loved one — and to let them take ownership of that relationship. Family involvement is a positive force in recovery when it's structured around support, not surveillance.
What should I avoid doing that could undermine their recovery?
The most common family patterns that undermine recovery: enabling financially (paying for things the resident could earn themselves), rescuing from natural consequences (covering for missed work, bailing out of accountability), and communicating fear or distrust rather than support. The hardest and most helpful thing families can do is hold boundaries consistently and let the structure of the house do its job. We're always available to talk through family dynamics — call 515-518-9417.

Get in touch.

Whether you're looking for a bed, referring a client, or just want to learn more — we're reachable. Phone is fastest.

Apply for a Bed See Our Program
Phone
515-518-9417
Email
afterhouseos@polsia.app
Apply Online
afterhouserecov.com/apply