Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a sober living home after rehab is a big decision—for you and your family. Here’s what you need to know about New Soil, a structured 90-day transitional residence, BJJ, and our simple intake process.
WHY JIU JITSU?
No striking. No punches. No kicks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives residents the challenge, camaraderie, and fighting spirit of martial arts without blows to the head.
We are mindful of the importance of protecting the brain. People entering recovery have already put their bodies through a lot, so we take a cautious approach to training and avoid impacts to the head.
BJJ also provides a practical self-defense skill set, teaching practitioners how to control a resisting opponent through grappling—an important advantage in many self-defense situations. Learning how to escape bad positions and defend yourself without relying on punches or kicks makes BJJ a practical and effective martial art for real-world situations
Just as importantly, BJJ reinforces many of the principles we practice in recovery. It challenges residents to manage pressure, follow instructions, be humble, and keep showing up when things get difficult. It is also a lot of fun—because building a life you actually enjoy is an important part of staying sober.
WHAT MAKES NEW SOIL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SOBER HOUSES?
New Soil is the only sober living residence in the United States that integrates daily Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training into its program of recovery. At New Soil, BJJ isn't just something we offer, it's in the DNA of the house.
Our home features a dedicated on-site dojo with 400 square feet of professional-quality grappling mats, giving residents a clean, safe and dedicated space to train.
Founded by a sober Marine Corps Veteran, our Level 3 supervised residence combines 12-step recovery principles with martial arts training to help residents build mental toughness, emotional composure, and a life worth defending.
WHO IS THE IDEAL RESIDENT FOR NEW SOIL?
New Soil is designed specifically for young men ages 18–35 who have completed inpatient substance-use treatment or detox and are ready to take the next step in their recovery.
Our residents are looking for more than just a place to live. They want structure, routine, physical activity, recovery support, and a positive environment as they transition to independent living.
We accept residents from anywhere in the country who are committed to staying sober while living at New Soil, participating in BJJ training and 12 Step meetings, and taking the steps necessary rebuild their lives.
WHAT IS THE ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT PROCESS?
We keep the admissions process simple and straightforward.
With one call or text, our admissions coordinator will walk you and your family through the intake process, answer your questions, and determine whether New Soil is the right fit.
Once a resident is accepted, we can coordinate direct transportation from their inpatient treatment facility to New Soil in East Stroudsburg, PA. Our goal is to make the transition from rehab to sober living as safe and easy as possible—for both the resident and their family.
DO RESIDENTS NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN MARTIAL ARTS OR BJJ?
We understand our residents are coming directly out of rehab after years of drug and alcohol abuse. You're not expected to show up in great shape or already know how to train. We'll meet you where you're at and start from the ground up.
No prior martial arts or BJJ experience is required. Our on-site dojo is designed for everybody, from someone who has never stepped on a mat to an experienced athlete.
Training is introduced progressively and adjusted to each resident's fitness level and experience. Along the way, residents develop discipline, confidence, stress management, humility, physical fitness, and a practical self-defense skill set.
New Soil is not attempting to create Jiu-Jitsu champions. We're using Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to help residents become stronger, healthier, more confident, more disciplined, and ultimately better versions of themselves.
WHAT IS THE SUGGESTED LENGTH OF STAY AND PROGRAM COST?
We strongly recommend a 90-day (3-month) stay. We believe three months gives residents the time and structure they need to settle into recovery, establish healthy routines, and begin building a solid foundation for independent living.
The program fee includes structured sober living, 24/7 on-site support, daily BJJ training, access to our on-site gym and dojo, wholesome meals, recovery meetings, and regular outdoor and recreational activities.
For current program pricing and admissions information, please call or text us directly.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE SAFETY, STRUCTURE, AND SOBRIETY IN THE HOUSE?
New Soil maintains a 100% drug and alcohol free living environment. Residents are expected to remain sober while living in the home and to follow the house rules and daily schedule.
This includes 24/7 on-site supervision, regular random drug and alcohol screening, house curfews and daily chores.
We take sobriety seriously. If a resident uses drugs or alcohol while living at New Soil, they will be discharged immediately. This protects the safety, sobriety, and recovery environment of the entire house, its staff and residents.
WHERE IS NEW SOIL LOCATED AND WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
New Soil is located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. It's a peaceful, quiet setting that gives residents a chance to step away from the distractions of city life while still being within easy reach of major metropolitan areas, including New York City and Philadelphia.
The Poconos give residents the opportunity to get outside and stay active throughout the year. Weekly adventure therapy trips include hiking, kayaking and rafting in the warmer months, along with skiing and snowboarding in the winter.