A halfway house, also commonly referred to as a sober living home, is a place of residence for recovering addicts. Individuals who live in halfway homes typically transition into these homes after having successfully completed drug or alcohol rehab. Halfway houses were designed with the intentions of providing recovering addicts with a place of shelter, as well as a drug and alcohol free environment. Halfway houses are considered to be a great resource for recovering addicts due to their ability to help individuals easily transition from rehab to living independently. Unlike in rehab where individuals are restricted and have to stay on the premises, halfway houses allow people to learn to live independently. People who live in halfway houses are typically expected to be responsible for themselves. In addition, they are also encouraged to develop healthy daily routines independently. However, people who live in halfway houses have to be drug free and must submit to random drug testing, as well as adhere to all the rules of the halfway house. Rules typically will differ from place to place, however the common goal of halfway house living is to provide a drug-free environment where recovering addicts can learn to live independently. Most halfway houses do not provide individuals with treatment, but some will offer amenities such as an on-call therapist, regular 12 step meetings, team building activities, assistance with finding a job and more.
When it comes to the topic of halfway houses, some will ask "can anyone go to a halfway house'? While anyone can apply to live in a halfway house, halfway houses were designed for recovering drug addicts who have successfully completed rehab treatment. The goal of halfway houses is to encourage residents to stay sober. Therefore, halfway house living is best for those who have already underwent some type of treatment and have been equipped with the tools to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. Nonetheless, living in a halfway house is not a requirement for recovering addicts, however it is highly recommended. Living in a halfway house can be very beneficial to those who are still in need of assistance with maintaining their sobriety upon completing treatment. If you or your loved one are considering entering into a halfway house, there are a host of additional benefits to be reaped. It is strongly encouraged to enroll in a halfway house program or at least six months as a means to ensure to get all of the benefits that hallway house living provides.
If you or your loved one have just finished treatment at a drug or alcohol rehab, you may be wondering what's next? Or you may even be fearful that you are not ready to go back into the real world due to fear of a relapse. Living in a halfway house can be very beneficial for those who are committed to their recovery and abstaining from substance use. One of the top benefits of halfway house living is the opportunity to be provided with a supportive place to transition and develop a new, healthy lifestyle. Individuals who move into a halfway house after completing treatment are more likely to maintain their sobriety long term. Another benefit of halfway house living is that it helps to prevent isolation and boredom, which are two major contributors to relapse. Halfway houses also provide its residents with ongoing support during their recovery, and support is very vital throughout one's entire recovery. In addition, living in a halfway house helps increase discipline due to it's strict rules which have been set in place to encourage sobriety. Halfway house living can be very helpful, by moving into one you will be surrounding yourself with a safe, drug and alcohol free environment and supportive peers until you feel comfortable enough to transition back out to the real world by yourself.