Getting back to normal life after being in recovery from addiction for a long time is not always easy. Some people do not feel ready to go back home right after treatment. This is what a halfway house is for.
Understanding What a Halfway House Is
Recovery homes, also known as sober living houses or halfway houses, are examples of transitional living environments. While in the early stages of recovery or transitioning from one stage of recovery to another, these facilities provide residents with a stable living environment, support, education, and access to treatment.
Individuals who use these facilities are frequently transitioning from an inpatient or residential program to a more independent level of living. They are not yet ready to live in an entirely unsupervised environment. Therefore a halfway house provides the necessary structure and support to achieve full recovery. Outside sources, such as the government, business groups, or philanthropic organizations usually fund recovery homes partially.
Also, halfway houses serve as a residence for those who just came out of prison. In this case, we usually refer to halfway houses as “community correctional centers” or “residential rehabilitation centers”. Local, state, and federal agencies administer them, as well as private subcontractors that receive government financing and NGOs that rely on donations. Thousands of convicted prisoners reside in halfway homes as part of an alternative sentence or to transition from jail or prison to life on the outside.
In general, a halfway house’s purpose is to help an individual gradually transition from the highly structured and monitored early phases of recovery to a setting that provides independence as well as structure and support.
Furthermore, some people may not have the financial resources to rapidly transition into a totally independent life after leaving an inpatient unit or medical detox program. They may need support as their case managers and health care experts help them get back to normal life.
How Long Does Someone Stay In a Sober Living House?
People who live in halfway homes fall into three basic categories:
- Those seeking counseling for drug or alcohol addiction,
- People receiving assistance for a mental health problem,
- And those trying to re-enter society after some time in jail.
The time a person spends in a halfway house can vary and fluctuate based on the person or scenario. Someone with a strong social support system, for example, may only remain for a month. While someone with little or no family or social support may spend months or even years in a halfway house.
Whether a person stays in a halfway house or moves out on their own is usually determined by 2 things:
- Their ability to engage in independent life.
- The approval of their treatment providers.
According to most sources, a 90-day stay in a sober living house is the average duration of stay for people accepted to these facilities. However, the length of stay might vary greatly depending on the individual’s situation.
Also, some people may leave a halfway house to live on their own and discover that they are not yet ready for a higher level of independence. As a result, individuals in these facilities may be moved out on a trial basis. They stay under observation for a while, and then they get a re-evaluation. If the person and their treatment providers believe that living on their own is not working, they may be able to return to a halfway house.
How Helpful is a Halfway House?
Many people who are recovering from an alcohol or drug addiction benefit greatly from living in a halfway house. However, the environment is not entirely stress-free. Some people have difficulty adjusting to living with others and maintaining certain responsibilities. Still, a halfway house is a great solution for so many people. Here are some advantages of staying in a sober living home:
Teaches Residents to be Responsible
Accountability is a crucial skill for people in recovery to learn. Most halfway houses have regulations that residents must observe in order to set boundaries. Many people benefit from this in adjusting to the pressures of the outside world. It also teaches them responsibility and that authority is not always bad.
Provides a Sober Environment
Everyone in a halfway house must stay away from alcohol and drugs. This removes temptation and allows those in recovery to recognize that they can enjoy life without these narcotics. Everybody in a halfway house is sober. In these environments, sobriety is an active part of everyone’s lives and is valued. Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step groups is also obligatory in many halfway houses.
Sharing the Same Situation
It might be challenging for those in recovery to have the necessary social engagement. Many friends will continue to drink and live their lives as they did before the person started recovery. Making new friends is difficult during this tough change. Halfway houses provide opportunities for social engagement with people who understand the hardships of sober living.
Increasing Your Employability
Many halfway houses provide assistance and help in finding work. Some even ask you to hunt for work while living there. Residents may get assistance in building a resume, filling out online applications, or learning how to interview. This assistance is crucial if you are having trouble finding steady work.
Gives You the Time You Need
Some treatment experts recommend that those dealing with long-term substance abuse spend at least a year in a halfway house. This allows people to adjust, learn to appreciate sobriety, develop new life skills, and recognize their ability to be self-sufficient. Transitional housing also improves patients’ mental health before they return to society.
Who Can Stay in a Halfway House?
The requirements for living in a halfway house differ depending on the facility. People who have completed an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program are eligible. You can reside at the facility as long as you are sober, but each institution has its own set of house rules. People who have detoxed and been sober for some time are more likely to succeed in this type of environment.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay in a Halfway House?
In general, the monthly cost of living at a halfway house runs between $100 to $2,000. Most facilities with basic amenities range in price from $400 to $800 per month, depending on location. The cost of living at a halfway house varies considerably depending on the facilities and services provided.
But do not be alarmed! Insurance coverage and other forms of financial assistance are occasionally available to assist with these expenses. Insurance, scholarships, grants, and bank loans can all provide financial assistance to cover living in a halfway house. Some sober living homes accept credit cards or provide in-house financing. This means that you can split payments over several weeks or months.
Is There a Difference Between a Halfway House and a Sober Living Home?
Both halfway houses and sober living facilities share lots of characteristics. Yet, there are a few differences between them, depending on the facility. A sober living facility is almost always associated with an addiction treatment clinic. You do not, however, need to be in treatment; you simply need to be sober. People who have finished a treatment program at a certain facility can use them as a stepping stone.
Government or commercial agencies, on the other hand, frequently run halfway houses. They work well for those who have recently been released from prison or who are homeless. Most halfway houses are less expensive than sober living homes. However, insurance may cover some or all of the costs.
Furthermore, some halfway houses are more crowded and have fewer amenities than sober living homes. Generally, sober living facilities provide more privacy and comfort than halfway houses. But in the end, they both serve the same purpose.
Guidelines And Rules of Halfway Houses
Residents at halfway houses have more independence than those in inpatient treatment programs. They do, however, provide more structure and a bigger support system than independent living. Although rules differ from one place to another, residents at halfway houses are expected to:
- Maintain your sobriety.
- Take drug and/or alcohol testing at any time.
- Participate in house meetings and contribute to the house
- Respect other tenants’ and staff members’ property and personal space.
- Avoid getting into fights with your neighbors.
- Observe a curfew
- Attend a 12-step program or something similar.
- Some halfway houses also require residents to work or look for work while they are there.
Conclusion
In brief, a halfway house is an excellent option for you if you have completed your treatment program but are not sure if you are ready to live independently. Halfway houses give you the chance to develop the skills you will need to live in the outside world safely, healthy, and sober.
References:
- What is a Halfway House Like? (Rules, Benefits & Costs)
- What Is a Halfway House, and How Does It Work? | Serenity Summit
- What is the Purpose of a Halfway House? | Branded Voices | Advertise
