Living with Others
What is a housemate agreement (or roommate contract)?
This is a formal, written agreement that outlines the rules, responsibilities, and expectations between housemates, which can prevent future conflicts.
What is a lease agreement?
This document formally outlines the terms and conditions between a tenant and a landlord, including rent amount, duration, and rules.
What is a budget?
This is a written plan that tracks your income and expenses to help you manage your money effectively and avoid debt.
TRUE OR FALSE
If a job application asks about your criminal history, the best approach is to be honest and prepared to briefly explain what you learned from the experience and how you have changed.
TRUE
What is AA and NA?
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. It's a 12-step support group where people share their experiences with addiction and recovery.
TRUE OR FALSE
If your roommate destroys the rental property you both live in, the money for repairs will come out of their portion of the security deposit, not yours.
FALSE
What is a security deposit?
This initial amount of money is usually required before moving in, held by the landlord to cover any potential damages to the property.
What is a checking account?
This type of account is typically used for daily spending and bill payments, offering easy access to your money.
What is punctuality and why is it important?
Showing up on time every day and being ready to work. This demonstrates you take your job seriously, you are reliable and show respect for yourself and others.
What are triggers?
In recovery, these are the people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or alcohol.
After years of highly structured prison life, this is one of the biggest challenges for a returning citizen when moving into a shared home.
What is adjusting to less structure/fewer rules (or freedom of choice)?
TRUE OR FALSE
A landlord is generally not allowed to enter your apartment without your permission or advance warning, respecting this right of the tenant.
TRUE
What is an emergency fund?
Setting aside a small amount of money from each paycheck for unexpected events like a car repair or medical bill creates this safety net.
What are some non-verbal cues during an interview that shows interest and confidence?
Maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, sitting up straight, smiling occasionally, shaking hands.
What is a relapse? What percentage of people will relapse in the first 6 months of sobriety?
This term describes a return to substance use after a period of sobriety, which is often a setback, not a failure. An estimated 40% to 60% of individuals in treatment for substance use disorders will relapse.
What kind of boundaries might you want to set with your roommates?
Clarifying expectations in a shared living space is critical. Discuss visitors, quiet hours, shared spaces vs. personal space, division of chores, sharing of food, who parks where.
What is the maximum percentage of your income that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends you spend on housing costs (rent and utilities). Hint, it is a percentage %
30 % of your income
What is a secured credit card?
This type of credit card requires you to make a deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and is a safe way to start building a positive credit history.
What does the local unemployment office (or workforce center) help with?
This state agency provides free resources like job search assistance, resume writing help, and access to training programs.
What is a recovery plan?
Creating a structured daily plan that includes positive activities, support meetings, and healthy hobbies is part of developing this important aspect of a sober life.
How might "I" Statements help when living with others?
When facing conflict.
Saying "I feel frustrated when the dishes are left in the sink" instead of "You never do your fair share" is an example of using this communication technique.
If you have trouble finding housing due to your criminal record, you can contact this local government agency for information on fair housing laws and available resources.
local housing authority (or HUD office)
Name 5 free activities you can do in the community that support your mental health and sobriety.
Exercising, volunteering, go to the library, go to the park, stargazing, learn a new skill, walk with a friend, game night, window shopping, hiking.
What are transferable skills?
These are skills you developed in prison that are valuable to employers, such as reliability, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
What is H.A.L.T.?
This acronym is used to help people in recovery recognize physical triggers for relapse, standing for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired.