Deborah Becker

Someone could go to sober housing, but they would have to pay for it.

The average cost to live in a sober house in the US is about $1,500 to $2,000 a month.

That's typically not covered by insurance.

And these houses can help.

They often have a curfew and a manager who makes sure that people stay sober in the residence.

but the main source of the treatment is 12-step meetings.

Right, which is essentially peer-led recovery.

RFK Jr.

has said that AA meetings helped him kick a 14-year-long heroin addiction, and he still goes to daily meetings.

Now, these meetings, AA, it's the most well-known and well-used programming in the U.S.

Some of the main ideas behind the 12 steps ask the person to surrender control,

to go through intense self-reflection, and to seek spiritual growth.

Here's a bit of the serenity prayer, which is said at every meeting.

Basically, these meetings are about relating with the group and with a peer leader or a sponsor and openly talking about your challenges.

One AA adherent, Jim Dorita, told me that it's the connections that are the key.

Well, if only people could agree on how to define what works.

Is it substance-free forever?

If not, how long?

Is it functioning in the world but still using sometimes?

Is medication okay?