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1. Substance Use:  Use of any illegal drugs (including marijuana), alcohol or inhalants is prohibited (including misuse of prescription medications). Any “use” will result in an immediate meeting to discuss & address your needs and recovery options which include possible termination of program agreement and immediate expulsion from the property. In the case of “suspected” substance use, a drug and/or alcohol test will be administered. (See below) 

 

2. Drug Testing:  Emersion Life Centers (further described as “ELC”) reserves the right to require Program Participants (further described as PP) to submit to drug and alcohol testing at any time and for any or no reason. If PP fails any such test or refuses to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test upon request of ELC, without a legitimate and valid reason, as determined solely by ELC, then PP shall be immediately discharged from the Program Home. Tests shall occur at either a laboratory selected by ELC or an in-home test administered by ELC staff. PP acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be observed by laboratory personnel and/or ELC staff while submitting to the test. Any ELC staff member administering a test will be of the same gender as the PP being tested.  If ELC requests that PP submit to a drug and/or alcohol test, PP shall submit to testing within two (2) hours after such request; provided, however, if laboratory hours or PP work or school schedule prevents testing within such time frame, then PP shall submit to the requested testing within two (2) hours after PP work shift or school day ends or the laboratory opens, as applicable. In the event of a false positive, suspicion of tampering, or dispute regarding test results, PP may, at his or her own expense, submit to additional testing at a laboratory of ELC’s choosing for a more comprehensive screening. 

 

3. Controlled Medications: Any medications MUST be prescribed by a doctor and taken only as directed by that doctor. In the event of controlled medication being prescribed, documentation from the prescribing physician must be immediately provided to ELC sober housing staff.  Any medications prescribed to you by a doctor MUST BE taken (accept marijuana). If you have a problem with your medication, you must contact your doctor and get your medication adjusted. All medications are to be kept in the assigned medication room. Controlled medications and sharps must be kept in a locked box. New and used syringes must be kept in a locked box.  Approved sharps containers must be used for disposal of syringes.  All medications, syringes and lock boxes must be kept / stored out of view (within the assigned medication room). ELC must be kept informed of all medications and/or any changes to medications. If a PP has a need for any addictive/pain medicine due to accident or injury, this must be discussed with and approved by ELC prior, during, and after any such medical care.  Adverse reactions to medications must be reported to your physician immediately and/or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

 

4. Abuse: We have a “zero tolerance” of physical and/or sexual violence or threats of violence. Verbal abuse of other PP or ELC staff or anyone in the community is also prohibited. Violations may result in consequences up to and including termination of Housing Program agreement. 

 

5. Gambling: Gambling is prohibited, this includes playing cards for money, buying lottery tickets, gambling at casinos, online or making bets of any kind. 

 

6. Curfew: During the first 30 days PP must remain on property after 9pm. After 30 days, 11pm. Exceptions must be pre-arranged at least 24 hours in advance and approved by ELC staff. ELC staff will conduct random curfew checks.

 

7. Audio: Guests are required to be courteous and considerate when using any tv, radio, personal gaming, stereo, and other similar devices. When in common areas use headphones for listening to music unless all guests agree on music being played. 

 

8. Morning Meetings: Every morning at 8:00am all PP are required to participate in 1 hour of morning meditation or recovery related learning. 

 

9. Recovery Meetings: Participation in recovery meetings such as AA, NA or CR is mandatory. Meetings are available daily and PP are required to attend a minimum of (3)  meetings per week if employed and 6 meetings per week if unemployed. PP must be on time and are not allowed to leave early, unless pre-approved by ELC staff. Staff must also pre-approve any absence from required meetings. 

 

10. Support Meetings: Attendance is required for a minimum of (3) support meetings per week (church can count as one of the support meetings). Meetings with your sponsor count as a support meeting. Active support meetings participation must be verified to ELC staff. Other examples of a support meeting include meeting with a counselor, behavioral health, pastor, peer coach, etc. 

 

11. Sponsor: PP must obtain a sponsor / mentor within 2 weeks of admission to AFL. It is expected that PP actively work through their recovery goals/steps with their Sponsor. PP must meet with their sponsor at least one day a week AND text or call them once per day. In Person Meetings with your sponsor count as a support meeting. 

 

12. Personal Belongings: Personal belongings must be kept tidy and in order. Each PP is given a dresser and closet space. Excess clothing and personal items must go in a bag and placed in storage so the bedrooms stay clean and free from clutter. 

 

13. Community:  PP are important models of sobriety in this community. We value the positive influence you have with one another at ELC. It is expected that all PP continue to exhibit active participation, respect, honesty and support of peers and community members. Every PP is responsible to support other PP in the recovery process. ELC has adopted these rules and guidelines to create a safe, sober, and stable living environment. Knowledge that someone is putting their own recovery at risk or the recovery of others at-risk, must be reported to ELC staff immediately. Withholding information may jeopardize your own recovery. 

 

14. Passes:  PP is eligible for overnight passes after the initial 30 days of residence. Requests should be presented at the weekly Community Group Meeting and discussed in group. Prior to leaving on pass, the approved pass request is to be posted on community board for all PP housemates to see. PP must call the ELC Sober House Manager when they return from their pass, and leave a message stating the date and time of their return. A drug test may be requested upon return. This promotes accountability and safety for the community. 

 

15. Visitors & Dating: Visitor hours: Daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.  No person of the opposite sex is allowed in your apartment; this includes same sex partners.  No visitors are allowed in the house.  Meetings can be arranged with ELC staff for a visit in designated area on the property.  No dating is allowed between ELC PPs. No one under 18 years of age is allowed in your apartment without an approved pass.  All PP must comply with established ELC housing rules. ELC sober housing staff reserves the right to disallow any visitor at any time.

 

16. Employment: PP are required to obtain employment within 2 weeks of arrival to ELC sober housing. Exceptions must be discussed with ELC staff and will be taken on a case by case basis (i.e. disability, etc.) Work /school / volunteer on a full time basis is required. If attending school, volunteering and/or working part-time you are also required to provide verification of these activities. Work /school / volunteering singularly or in combination must total 32+ hours per week. Employment at a workplace that has a bar or serves unmetered alcohol is prohibited. It is important to discuss employment considerations that serve alcohol with the ELC Sober House Manager prior to accepting employment. 

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17. Counseling: An appointment with one of the local counseling services needs to be set within the first two weeks of arriving. Examples would be Tuscola Behavioral Health or LIST.

 

18. Property: Please respect ELC property as well as the personal property of all PP’s. You will be held financially responsible for any damage to your room, ELC property / Sober Housing property that occurs as a result of your negligence or inappropriate behavior. Intentional destruction of property is grounds for termination of program agreement and police will be contacted if appropriate. Emersion Life Centers does not assume responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage to your personal property. We suggest you purchase renter’s insurance to protect the value of your belongings. In the event that you move out of ELC sober housing and leave behind personal property, ELC will pack your belongings and store them for up to 30 days. You may claim your property by calling the sober House Manager and making an appointment during normal business hours. If your personal items are not collected within the 30 days, your property will be disposed of or donated. ELC provides all apartment furnishings. Due to space limits; personal furniture is not allowed. Guests are responsible for their own food, bedding, cleaning supplies / products and personal items. Keys are NOT to be duplicated or given to another party for any reason. Please see the Sober Housing Manager if a duplicate key is needed. Lost keys must be reported to ELC staff immediately. Guests must pay a lost key replacement cost of $20.

 

19. Smoking: Smoking in the house/apartment/building is prohibited. Smoking is allowed outdoors or in designated smoking areas only.

 

20. Cleanliness: It is expected that PP keep their room and general areas of the house neat, clean and orderly. If the living space is not kept clean and personal hygiene becomes a health and/or safety issue, ELC reserves the right to take disciplinary action. To support PP in maintaining a clean and healthy living environment, ELC sober housing staff will complete regular apartment inspections. A warning system will be used (i.e. if your room or common area is disorderly or not clean, you will be issued a warning). PP with ongoing cleanliness violations will be subject to contracts, scripts or a formal team meeting. Again, PP are responsible for their bedroom as well as common areas of the apartment, house, or building. 

 

21. Pets: No pets are allowed with the exception of fish (in small bowl). Please discuss this in advance with the Sober Housing Manager.

 

22. Romantic Relationships: ELC discourages any new romantic relationship within the first 90-days.  Any pre-existing relationship is the exception and can be discussed on a case by case basis, but ELC strongly recommends that PP focus on recovery and put romantic relationships on hold. All romantic relationship meetings, etc., should be conducted off premises. No romantic or sexual relationships between PP are permitted at any time.

 

23. Selling Sex:  No form of prostitution is tolerated including selling images and videos online of ones self or others.

 

24. Food and Meals: Each guest is responsible to supply his or her own food, meals, condiments etc. Label your food in order to minimize confusion. Do not eat other people's food. Eating food or using any items that are not yours or provided specifically by ELC is considered stealing and grounds for discharge. Meals should be eaten in kitchen/dining areas. Eating in bedrooms or other areas of the home is not allowed. Food shall be stored appropriately in the kitchen or dining rooms. Any food that can attract insects, mice, etc. cannot be stored in rooms, such as chips, crackers, sugar, cereal etc.

 

25. Personal Space and Loaning/Borrowing: Lack of respect for others’ personal space and/or personal boundaries will not be tolerated. Do not go into others' rooms without their permission. Do not borrow money or possessions from other PP. Do not loan money or possessions to other PP. Do not loan or borrow cars from other PP. 

 

26. Respect

ELC staff is here to serve you and help you get on your feet. Mutual respect is expected at all times. Yelling, swearing or a rebellious attitude toward staff will not be tolerated and grounds for dismissal from the program. 

 

27. Termination of Agreement: Noncompliance with ELC sober housing rules may result in termination of agreement. Decisions are made on an individual basis with consideration for the safety of the entire community, as well as the needs of each individual. If agreement is terminated the deposit will be used towards any debt and any outstanding balance will be billed to you. 

 

28. Weekly Program Fee: All rooms depend on current availability. Current rate and fees are as follows:

 

• $125/ week

• An additional $5 is charged if paying online

 

If PP leaves before their agreed forbearance debt obligation is paid off, ELC reserves the right to turn over the debt to collections and/or take legal action to collect the debt. 

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29. Method of Payment: Personal checks for program fees will not be accepted. All program fees and charges shall be paid by cash or online via Emersion Life Centers website. PP owes a balance when departing, the opportunity to set up a payment plan will be provided. If no further payment is received the account will be turned over to collections and/or legal action taken. PP may be responsible should any additional fees be incurred to collect on the account. Leaving without an advanced 4 weeks written notice or if the agreement is terminated, the deposit will be surrendered and any outstanding balance will be billed.

 

30: Late Fees: The weekly fee is due on the first day of the week (Monday). If your weekly fee is not paid by the beginning of the 2nd week, a late fee of $25 will be assessed. If the weekly fee is paid by a PP after the 2nd week for two consecutive months, that PP agreement may be terminated and the deposit will not be refunded. 

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31: Moving Out: Every PP must have a predetermined exit plan. To receive assistance to move out for completing the program, guests must provide four (4) weeks written notice prior to anticipated move out date. 

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32: Personal Vehicles: If you own or have access to a vehicle you cannot drive it until your mandatory thirty day probation period had been completed. Exceptions can be made but require express permission by staff and must be for a specific reason and must be local. After the 30 day probation you are free to use your own vehicle. Your trip information must still be recorded on the sign in/out sheet.