The delineation of a recovery residence continuum model offers an unprecedented degree of professionalism to a portion of the field of addiction recovery that has heretofore been laden with stigma. Those that refer to themselves as recovery residences, rather than halfway houses, are more likely to aspire to professionally accepted protocol of operation, and ideally adhere to certified standards. The rules and regulations https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that come with living at a halfway house promote accountability and responsibility, helping residents develop essential life skills that are necessary for independent living. Additionally, halfway houses assist individuals in transitioning back into society by helping them find employment, develop life skills, and establish a support network. Trying to navigate life as a newly sober person can be scary and overwhelming.
Continued counseling, support groups, peer counseling, job searches, and practice implementing relapse prevention tools are part of a sober home system. Life skill training may include anger management, relapse prevention, communication skills, financial planning, computer skills, and job search skills. The residence itself can be quite varied, from an individual dwelling to apartments or townhomes, and even large dorm-like structures. Length of stay varies and is open-ended, generally from 90 days to several years. NARR has emerged as the unifying entity long needed in a field that lacked professionalization and standards for residential programs.
Pros of a Halfway House
In a halfway house, the living arrangements vary widely depending on the house type. In this setup, you share a single living space with multiple individuals, with bunk-bedding or multiple beds set up in a single room. Alternately, some halfway houses have smaller rooms that you share with roommates.
- You can also interact with people nearby and even go out for a stroll in the city or neighborhood.
- Part of living in recovery is “showing up for life,” meaning doing things for yourself that make you a successful, contributing member of society.
- These are generally intended for people who have completed a rehabilitation program and are transitioning to an autonomous lifestyle.
- Some treatment centers may allow you to stay in sober living indefinitely, so long as you comply with rules and pay rent.
These are generally intended for people who have completed a rehabilitation program and are transitioning to an autonomous lifestyle. 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. The primary criterion for this living environment is a willingness to be abstinent from mood-altering substances.
Halfway House Rules
Many newcomers are so accustomed to the lifestyle they adopted during active addiction, that following even menial rules can present a challenge. But, it is often during their stay at the halfway house that these addicts and alcoholics will find the most growth in their recovery and will flourish in sobriety if they trust the process. 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. Others may allow you to stay in sober living for a set time or until you complete the facility’s rehab program.
At Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, we provide a continuum of care and aftercare options for people still wanting assistance after they complete treatment to prevent relapse. After treatment has been completed, not everyone has a safe and supportive environment to return to as they continue their sober house vs halfway house sobriety journey. Some people may have lost their homes either as a result of their addiction or while they were in treatment. For others, their homes may not be a safe place to be for one reason or another. However, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they might cover this cost.
The Need for Supportive Housing
Sobriety is an active part of everyone’s lives and is celebrated in these environments. Many halfway houses also make attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step meetings mandatory. They offer a middle step for people who are committed to sober living but aren’t ready to live independently.