Is There a Difference Between Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses?

Sober living homes and halfway houses are similar in many ways. Both offer a safe place to stay for people recovering from a substance use disorder. These supportive communities are ideal for individuals who have completed an inpatient program but are not yet ready or able to go home. These environments can also provide a therapeutic living environment for people currently undergoing intensive outpatient treatment.

What Is a Halfway House?

A halfway house eases the transition between inpatient treatment and the return home. The goal is to provide a therapeutic environment away from situations that might trigger a relapse. Staying at a halfway house has been shown to positively affect treatment outcomes.

It’s important to note, however, that these communities usually limit the length of time patients can live there. For some people, it means having to leave before they’re ready. Additionally, many of these facilities require residents to have recently completed a treatment program or to be in one when they enroll in a halfway house.

Halfway houses do not usually accept residents who have relapsed or are looking for an alternative to treatment. Another consideration is that many halfway houses receive outside funding. If the funding gets cut, it could affect a person’s stay.

What Are Sober Living Homes?

In sober homes, residents can stay as long as they want. The only requirements are that individuals stay clean and sober, follow the house rules and pay rent. Many facilities require or strongly encourage attendance at 12-step meetings and working with a sponsor.

Since residents pay rent, there are no funding cuts to worry about. Some sober living homes will let patients stay there even if they have not been through a treatment program.

Why Look Into Halfway Houses Near Me?

It’s not easy to stay clean and sober by yourself. Living with other recovering people can help. Residents support each other. The environment is less structured than residential care, but it still provides a protective and recovery-based living situation for those who need it.

Going from highly structured inpatient residential care to being on your own is a huge shift that can be overwhelming. Returning to an unhealthy situation at home or getting a place by yourself can increase your risk for relapse.

The short answer to the question, “What is a halfway house,” is this: it’s a place that provides a level of support that’s less intense than treatment but easier than going it alone.

At sober homes and halfway houses alike, residents can practice recovery in a safe environment while participating in the larger community. Residents learn to be accountable for their actions while gaining some degree of distance from environmental triggers.

Transitional living communities like a sober house or a halfway house do not usually offer substance use disorder treatment. Many of these facilities, however, do monitor the safety and health of their residents while following the standard recovery protocols.

Regardless of the option you choose, you must abstain from alcohol and drugs while living there. If you violate this rule, you could be asked to leave immediately.

You may also be required to attend house meetings, perform daily chores, cook meals and get regular drug and alcohol screenings. You may be required to spend a minimum number of nights at the house and be accountable for where you are when not at home.

Learn More About Our Sober Living Facility Today!

It’s not uncommon to have questions when it comes to treatment and recovery. Learning what you should do during and after rehab can be challenging, especially since your needs are unique and personal. But, we’re here to help you at Little Creek Recovery!

Our men’s only sober living facility, Shane’s House, is here to assist you as you transition from treatment to life outside of rehab. We understand the challenges that often arise during this period of recovery. So, we strive to offer our clients the best of care and the most helpful resources available.

To learn more about sober living homes or halfway houses in Scranton, call Little Creek Recovery  in Lake Ariel now. Let us walk with you on your road to recovery!