A consumer discharged from treatment is living in a sober living home and reports roommates using drugs. What action should the Peer Support Specialist take to assist?

• A. Notify the landlord of the living environment about the roommates' ongoing substance use.
• B. Explore various living arrangement options with the consumer to ensure their safety and sobriety.
• C. Encourage the consumer to have conversations with each roommate to address the issue.
• D. Develop a safety plan with roommates.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining sobriety after discharge depends on having a safe, supportive living environment. When a consumer in a sober living setting reports roommates using drugs, the most helpful approach is to work with the consumer to explore different housing options that protect their safety and recovery. This empowers the person to make a plan that reduces exposure to triggers and supports sustained abstinence, rather than putting the burden on them to manage others’ behavior. The process involves talking through preferences, potential barriers, and practical steps like identifying alternative housing, contacting appropriate supports, and setting a realistic timeline. Connecting with discharge planning resources, housing programs, or peer support to secure a safer option helps maintain stability and autonomy.

Other actions tend to misalign with recovery goals or place responsibility on others. For example, telling the consumer to confront roommates or reporting their behavior to the landlord can create conflict, jeopardize safety, or infringe on confidentiality. Developing a safety plan with roommates assumes their cooperation and control that may not be available, and addressing the environment directly through housing changes is the most reliable way to protect the consumer’s sobriety.