Frequently asked questions

New Leaf Madison is a sober living home in Madison, Wisconsin. We provide structured, peer-centered housing for adults who are in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction and are committed to staying sober. We are a private residence, not a licensed treatment facility, medical provider, or government program.

No. We are not a treatment center, rehabilitation facility, detox program, or medical provider of any kind. We do not offer clinical services, psychiatric care, medication management, or any form of health treatment. Residents are adults who have made their own decision to pursue sobriety and are responsible for managing their own recovery, including any outside treatment or support they choose to engage in.

Halfway houses are typically transitional housing connected to the criminal justice system or a formal treatment program, often court-ordered or program-required. Sober living homes like New Leaf Madison are voluntary, privately operated residences. Residents choose to live here as part of their personal recovery, not because they are required to by a court or treatment provider. The expectations and community culture are also generally different, with sober living placing a greater emphasis on peer support and personal responsibility.

New Leaf Madison was founded by people with direct personal experience in recovery. The house was built on the belief that quality housing and genuine community make a meaningful difference in long-term recovery outcomes.

We accept adults 18 years of age and older who are committed to sobriety, engaged in or recently completed a recovery program, and willing to follow house guidelines and participate in community life. Applicants must be able to pay weekly rent. A background review is part of our process and is conducted individually and with care. We reserve the right to make admission decisions based on the needs of the current house community.

Not necessarily. We look for people who are actively engaged in their recovery in some form, whether that is an outpatient program, a twelve-step or alternative recovery program, or another structured approach. What matters most is genuine commitment to sobriety and readiness to participate in a community living environment. If you are unsure whether you qualify, reach out and we will talk it through.

We consider applications from people on medication-assisted treatment on a case-by-case basis. MAT, including buprenorphine and methadone, is a legitimate and evidence-supported approach to recovery for many people. We make no blanket exclusions based on MAT status, though the fit with our current house community is always a factor in our decisions. We are not able to provide any medical oversight or support related to MAT or any other medication.

We start with a brief phone conversation to understand your situation and answer your questions. If there seems to be a potential fit, we arrange a visit to the house so you can see the space and meet current residents. From there, if both sides feel it is a good match, we move toward a move-in date. There is no lengthy paperwork process. Our goal is to make this as straightforward as possible.

Yes. We regularly hear from family members, case managers, outpatient counselors, and other referral partners. We are happy to provide information and answer questions. Ultimately, any admission decision involves a direct conversation with the person seeking housing, as they are the one who will be making the commitment to live here.

Rent is charged on a weekly basis. Rates vary depending on room type and current availability. Please contact us directly for current pricing information. If cost is a concern, we can help connect you with local resources that may be able to assist. We make no guarantees regarding the availability of financial assistance, as those programs are administered by outside organizations.

Contact us directly for current details on what utilities and amenities are included. Room furnishings, common area access, and house manager support are part of the living arrangement. Specifics may vary and are subject to change.

Residents are expected to maintain complete sobriety, attend regular house meetings, keep their living spaces clean, treat other residents with respect, and remain actively engaged in their recovery. Guests are subject to house guidelines. Violations of sobriety expectations are taken seriously and may result in termination of the housing arrangement. Full house guidelines are provided and reviewed with residents prior to move-in.

Yes. Random drug and alcohol testing is part of our house guidelines. Testing is a standard component of accountable sober living and is in place to protect the safety and integrity of the community for all residents.

We consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis and are the first sober living home in Madison to offer this option. Factors we consider include the animal's size and temperament, current room arrangements, and the needs and comfort of existing residents. Residents with pets are solely responsible for all aspects of their animal's care, including feeding, veterinary costs, cleaning, and ensuring the animal does not disrupt the comfort or safety of others. We make no guarantees that pet requests will be approved.

There is no fixed maximum stay. Sober living is meant to be a transitional environment, and most residents stay for several months while they stabilize, find employment, and build toward independent living. We work with residents individually as they plan their next steps. Residents may also be asked to leave if they are not meeting house expectations or if their continued presence is not in the interest of the broader community.

Active participation in a recovery program is a general expectation of living at New Leaf Madison. The specific program is not mandated. Twelve-step programs like AA and NA are common choices, but SMART Recovery, faith-based programs, and other structured approaches are also compatible with our expectations. We connect residents with local resources but do not affiliate with any specific recovery organization.

A relapse is a serious matter in a sober living environment because it affects the entire community. Our response depends on the circumstances, the resident's honesty, and their demonstrated commitment to getting back on track. We handle these situations individually. In many cases, a relapse results in the resident needing to leave the house, at least temporarily. We are not equipped to manage active substance use in the house, and the safety of all residents is our primary concern. We encourage anyone who relapses to seek appropriate support immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, please contact the Wisconsin Crisis Line at (608) 280-2600, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text "HELLO" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. The national SAMHSA helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357. New Leaf Madison is not a crisis facility and is not equipped to provide emergency care.