How to Get Into a U.S. Sober Living Home from the UK (Step-by-Step)
Your complete guide to visas, costs, travel planning, and how Gambit Recovery helps international residents start strong.
Why People From the UK Choose Sober Living in the U.S.
For many in early recovery, distance is more than geography — it’s breathing room.
Starting over in a new country allows people to step away from old triggers, environments, and habits that fueled addiction. It’s a way to separate the past from the future, both physically and emotionally.
That’s why an increasing number of men and women from the United Kingdom are choosing to continue their recovery journey in structured sober living homes in the United States.
Programs like Gambit Recovery offer what many overseas programs can’t:
A peer-based community built around structure and accountability.
Homes located in safe, residential neighborhoods near employment and support meetings.
A focus on daily progress, personal responsibility, and long-term stability — not just abstinence.
For international clients, especially those coming from the UK, the combination of American structure, community, and sunlight (in Arizona or California) can be life-changing. The environment matters — and sometimes a fresh one is the reset needed to stay sober for good.
Step One: Understand What Sober Living Really Is
Before booking a flight, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.
Sober living homes in the U.S. are not treatment centers or rehabs — they’re transitional, community-based residences designed to support individuals in maintaining sobriety after detox, rehab, or personal decision to stop using. Residents live together under clear rules, accountability systems, and daily structure that reinforces personal growth.
At Gambit Recovery, every home follows the same proven framework:
Daily accountability: drug/alcohol testing, curfews, and progress tracking.
Leadership: each property has a trained House Manager living on site.
Community meetings: residents discuss goals, challenges, and achievements.
Employment assistance: staff help residents find local jobs or remote work.
House culture: emphasis on respect, cleanliness, and mutual support.
This structure mirrors the core values of recovery itself — honesty, humility, and consistency — making Gambit homes a stable environment for both American and international residents.
Step Two: Choosing the Right Visa for U.S. Sober Living
UK residents can legally travel to the United States for sober living under visitor visa categories.
You’ll need to decide between:
Option A: ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Allows UK citizens to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
Apply online before your trip: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Ideal for short stays or initial transitions after treatment.
Option B: B-2 Visitor Visa
Allows for longer stays (up to 6 months) and may be extended.
Recommended for those planning a full sober-living term or seeking work authorization later.
Apply through the U.S. Embassy in London: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/.
When applying, be transparent about your purpose: you’re joining a recovery housing program focused on structure and peer accountability — not receiving medical or mental health treatment.
Gambit Recovery provides official documentation confirming your acceptance into our housing program. This can be helpful to include in your visa or border interview as proof of purpose and housing stability.
Step Three: Planning Your Travel and Arrival
A successful transition starts with strong logistics. Once your visa or ESTA is approved, it’s time to plan the trip.
Arrival Airports
Arizona: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Washington: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Missouri: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
California: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Gambit Recovery staff can help coordinate airport pickup or provide a list of trusted transport partners to ensure you arrive safely at your new home.
Packing Essentials
Two weeks of clothing suitable for warm weather (light layers for AZ and CA).
Valid passport, printed visa/ESTA approval, and proof of residence (your intake email).
Prescription medications with a doctor’s letter.
UK debit/credit card or prepaid card for expenses.
Basic toiletries, recovery materials (journal, books, etc.), and a positive attitude.
Staying Connected
Buy a U.S. SIM card upon arrival (T-Mobile, AT&T, or Google Fi) to communicate with staff and family. Most residents use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime to stay in touch internationally.
The transition may feel overwhelming — but our staff and community will help you acclimate, find your footing, and feel at home.
Step Four: Understanding the Cost of Sober Living
Transparency matters, especially for international clients budgeting in different currency.
At Gambit Recovery, all costs are clearly outlined with no hidden fees.
We believe that recovery should be affordable and accessible — not reserved for the wealthy.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| One-time Admin Fee | $140 | £115 |
| Weekly Rent | $125 | £103 |
| Monthly Supply Fee | $25 | £21 |
(Conversion as of 2025 — subject to exchange rate.)
The weekly rent covers everything: housing, utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning supplies, furnishings, and access to staff support.
You can estimate your total cost using our Sober Living Calculator to convert rates into your local currency and plan accordingly.
Many international residents find U.S. sober living more structured — and often more affordable — than private UK options when factoring in housing, food, and community benefits.
Step Five: Health, Insurance & Medication
Because sober living homes are non-clinical, medical insurance isn’t required to enter Gambit Recovery.
However, having travel or health insurance is highly recommended to cover emergencies, doctor visits, or lost prescriptions.
What to bring:
Your current prescription list (with generic names, not brand names).
A doctor’s letter confirming your medication plan.
Copies of prescriptions stored digitally or in your email.
Travel insurance companies like Allianz, AXA, or InsureandGo offer affordable plans that include emergency medical coverage and trip interruption.
For minor needs, local urgent care clinics and pharmacies are easy to access — and our staff can guide you to nearby providers if necessary.
Step Six: Your First Days at Gambit Recovery
Arriving from another country to start fresh is a bold move — and one that deserves structure and care.
Here’s what your first few days look like:
Orientation: You’ll meet your house manager, review the rules, and learn expectations.
Community integration: Attend your first house meeting and get to know other residents.
Employment guidance: We’ll help you apply for local jobs or remote work opportunities.
Accountability setup: You’ll receive your testing schedule, curfew hours, and house assignments.
Connection: Begin forming friendships with peers on similar journeys.
Residents quickly discover that routine is freedom — the more structure you embrace, the more control you gain over your life.
Step Seven: Extending or Transitioning Your Stay
Many international residents arrive planning to stay three months, but end up extending once they experience stability and growth.
If you entered the U.S. under the ESTA, your stay is limited to 90 days. To extend:
Apply for a B-2 visa or extension before your ESTA expires.
Provide proof of continued participation at Gambit Recovery (we’ll supply an official letter).
Demonstrate financial stability and reason for stay (ongoing recovery).
Those entering on a B-2 visa may extend up to six months and occasionally beyond with valid justification.
Our staff can connect you to trusted immigration advisors familiar with recovery-based travel — so you stay compliant and stress-free.
Step Eight: Staying Connected With Home While Building a New One
Recovery doesn’t mean isolation — it means redefining connection.
For our UK residents, staying in touch with loved ones is vital. We encourage:
Weekly video calls to maintain family support.
Daily journaling to process emotions and track progress.
Regular updates to sponsors or mentors back home.
Participation in local recovery meetings (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) to expand your network.
Many of our international residents find that they grow closer to their families while away — distance often provides clarity, communication, and healing.
How Gambit Recovery Supports International Clients
Since opening in 2022, Gambit Recovery has served over 1200 residents from across the U.S., the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. We understand the extra steps international residents face and help simplify every stage.
We provide:
Pre-arrival documentation for visa or travel proof.
Direct coordination for travel and airport transfers.
Structured, peer-led housing across Arizona, Washington, California, and Missouri.
Employment assistance and community integration.
Affordable pricing and transparent communication before arrival.
Alumni and mentorship connections to keep you plugged in long after moving on.
Our homes are designed to give anyone — regardless of background, passport, or past — the chance to build a new life on solid ground.
Taking the First Step From the UK to the U.S.
It’s easy to overthink the process, but international recovery starts with a single action — reaching out.
If you’re in the UK and considering sober living in America, Gambit Recovery can guide you through every step:
Reviewing visa options
Providing letters of acceptance
Planning travel and airport arrival
Preparing for your stay and setting realistic goals
We’ve seen hundreds of people rebuild their lives from the ground up. You could be next.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to explore international sober living in the United States, contact Gambit Recovery directly.
We’ll walk you through intake, documentation, and housing availability.
www.gambitrecovery.com/contact
Serving residents across the U.S., UK, and beyond.
