Qualifications to live in a halfway house vary based on the facility. They are generally open to people who have completed an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program. A halfway house is a living facility where people go as a part of their drug rehab aftercare. The time you stay in sober living will depend on the treatment facility’s policies or program affiliated with the sober living house. Some treatment centers may allow you to stay in sober living indefinitely, so long as you comply with rules and pay rent.
The Many Pros and Not-so-Many-Cons of Sober Living
This environment can be very beneficial in allowing people to move forward while surrounded by a community focused on support as each member transitions from one way of life to another. Halfway houses often require enrollment Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House in or completion of some type of treatment program, and these houses also tend to limit a resident’s stay. One key difference between a halfway house vs sober living is that only halfway houses are usually government-funded.
- It can be hard for some to find new friends or social circles that respect their new lifestyle.
- After residential treatment, it can be challenging to transition to the outside world while continuing to commit to a substance-free life.
- Halfway houses are a bridge between incarceration and community living.
- Sober living houses are frequently, but not always, owned and operated by treatment centers, or they are closely affiliated with them and located nearby.
Rehab Programs
You have to get through those first few gruesome months of wanting more of the stuff. Why sweat this time all by yourself in your house or apartment when you can do it in a sober house? Sober living is available to people who want to get clean from drugs and alcohol. All that matters https://thefremontdigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ is that now you want to stay clean and you want to live with other people who do too. They are environments free of substance abuse where individuals can receive support from peers who are also in recovery. There is no time limit on how long someone can live in a sober living house.
What Is a Sober Living House?
Halfway houses always have staff and services on-site, whereas sober living homes may be more informal and not even employ paid staff. Level 1 recovery residences offer supportive housing in a community-based peer environment. These recovery residences are commonly known as sober homes and are most often found in single-family residences. Oversight of residents is peer-based within the home; residents are self-monitoring and accountable to each other.
Sober living houses allow residents to gradually adjust to independent living while still benefiting from a supportive community. This flexibility helps individuals regain control of their lives at their own pace, allowing them to get re-acclimated to living out in the real world in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The two most common types of transitional housing for those in recovery are sober living facilities and halfway houses.
Cons of a Sober Living Home
Like halfway houses, sober living homes strictly prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol. At first glance, sober living homes and halfway houses might appear similar, but they have distinct differences. In this post, we’ll explore their similarities and differences and help you decide which program is right for you. In some instances, rehab facilities may refer a patient to a halfway house following treatment. Similarly, court-mandated treatment centers and/or the court may recommend or mandate that someone stay in a halfway house.12 Other times, residents seek out halfway houses of their own accord.
No more bouncing out of the house on a whim to go on a three-day binge. For in those early days of recovery, this safety net can be a real comfort. No matter what your situation is, if you’re reading this article, you may be considering sober living. This difference can be vital for those who are contemplating their long-term options and feel that they would be helped by access to community support and personal accountability for a longer period. At sober living facilities, residents often hold each other accountable for not just maintaining their sobriety but also following all house rules. This type of peer support encourages personal growth, and a sense of community, and is another way to help prepare everyone for independent living.
- Monitored recovery residence In monitored recovery residences, individuals live in a community-based environment supervised by a house manager, either a senior resident or staff member.
- This rule forms the bedrock for addiction treatment programs that help residents maintain sobriety.
- Other halfway houses serve as the halfway point for convicted criminals to reintegrate into society but also have strict monitoring services.
- Additionally, explore ratings and reviews from residents who have lived in the home.
- While many of these rules seem like they are normal rules of life, they are sometimes things that we must relearn in our recovery process.
How Much Does a Halfway House Cost
Both sober living houses and halfway houses offer invaluable support for individuals in recovery. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you or a loved one make an informed decision about the road ahead. Random drug testing plays a pivotal role in both sober living homes and halfway houses. These tests, which are typically 1–2 times a week, ensure that the environment remains substance-free. This level of accountability greatly enhances the benefits of sober living. The choice between sober living homes and halfway houses often hinges on the level of privacy offered.