Many people in sober living homes attend intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) or receive other outpatient addiction services. Sober living homes are generally less expensive than inpatient treatment centers. At first glance, sober living homes and halfway houses might appear similar, but they have distinct differences.
What to Know About the Sober Living House
Additionally, insurance coverage and other financial support are sometimes available to help with the cost. Leaving the structure of the treatment program can be very disruptive to your sobriety, so treatment programs have strict schedules filled with counseling, group therapy, and participatory activities. A reputable SLH or halfway house should be well-maintained and have enough space for all of its residents. Don’t go solely by website pictures when choosing a facility, which can be misleading.
Tips for Telling People You’re in Recovery
- Furthermore, all occupants must make payments for rent either every week or every month.
- In addiction recovery, sober living homes are an essential aftercare facility on the road to independent living.
- You can work and/or attend school while living in a sober living home, but you’re still required to put effort into your recovery by attending 12-step meetings (or other recovery meetings).
- Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
- The right sober living environment can have a powerful capacity to support your recovery.
It would be fair to assume that the expense would be comparable to that of renting a modest apartment. Additionally, a sober living home may require you to be employed, actively seeking employment, or attending educational advancement. However, these curfews are generally individual-specific, dependent on where you are in recovery.2 You are required to be civil with housemates and supply your food and toiletries.
What is the Difference Between Sober Living and Halfway Houses?
Given these struggles, men-only homes usually focus on early treatment, mental health support, relapse prevention, and aftercare programs. Sober living homes are for people who have completed a treatment program but need additional support to sustain long-term recovery. Your stage in recovery can greatly influence your length of stay at a sober living home. Those who recently completed residential treatment might need longer periods than those transitioning from outpatient programs.
- There are also specific types of sober living homes that cater to your gender, age, and in some cases, profession.
- Although halfway houses share a lot in common with sober-living homes, there are a few key differences that set them apart.
- Prices vary depending on location, living arrangements, and program offerings.
All SLHs and halfway houses should have standard admissions protocols in place to ensure that residents come into the home having proper expectations and similar recovery goals. Residents should also be able to perform daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating without assistance. And any co-occurring mental illnesses they may have should be actively managed by a psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
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. Generally speaking, because sober living homes are tailored to those in drug and alcohol recovery, you will probably prefer to enroll in these programs. They also include substance-specific education as well as resources either on site or nearby. If you wish to live in a halfway house for alcohol misuse or AUD recovery, the first step is to speak with a professional. You have to meet certain criteria to be eligible; generally, you must have a clinical diagnosis of substance use disorder, be over the age of 18, and agree to regular drug testing. Mental illness doesn’t disqualify you, but you must be mentally healthy enough to engage with the program.
You can ask the owner or manager about the bed situation prior to moving in. You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. Continue reading to learn more about these recovery programs, how they’re similar and how they’re different, and where you can find help for you or a loved one.
Both sober living homes and halfway houses support people recovering from substance use disorders. Both of them also offer access to resources that can help you with early recovery. Sober living homes, also known as sober houses, are transitional living spaces for people who want to maintain sobriety. It provides a safe environment for people to focus on their recovery after substance abuse treatment. On the other hand, sober living homes might be more suitable for individuals who have already undergone initial rehabilitation and are looking for a supportive community as they rebuild their lives. The emphasis on personal responsibility and community support in sober living environments can be particularly beneficial for long-term recovery.
- Many halfway houses also make attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step meetings mandatory.
- Studies have shown that communal living can be beneficial to those struggling with addiction, as it can help reduce substance abuse, incarceration, and increase employment.
- Sometimes they are designed specifically for formerly incarcerated folks.
- Ultimately, the best choice aligns with your circumstances and recovery goals.
- However, they are generally open to people who have completed an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program.
Differences Between Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses
In this post, we’ll explore their similarities and differences and help you decide which program is right for you. Different types of sober living houses offer different levels of support. Choosing the right one depends on each person’s stage of Halfway House vs Sober Living recovery and specific needs. Sober living houses started in the 1830s when temperance movements promoted “dry hotels” or sober places to live.