People often confuse sober living houses and halfway houses. A sober living facility is a place where an addict or alcoholic goes to get clean. A halfway house is a transitional living facility where an addict or alcoholic lives while he or she gets back on his or her feet.
There are two types of sober living homes. Sober living facilities provide short-term housing and support services for people who are leaving an addiction treatment program. Halfway houses are more “dorm-like” and offer few amenities and less structure.
Read our Sober Living vs Halfway House guide to learn about the differences of each. Here’s what you need to know.
Sober Living vs Halfway Houses: The Similarities
Halfway houses and sober living homes share many similarities. Both provide housing and support for those working toward sobriety. Both can also be valuable resources for people who have completed residential treatment, attended outpatient programs, or left incarceration.
Sober Living vs Halfway House: The Differences
There are many different types of sober living homes. Some are associated with drug rehab centers, but some are run by people who specialize in helping addicts stay clean. You need to choose the right type of sober living home for you.
Some halfway houses, on the contrary, are run by government agencies. These homes provide less privacy and comfort than do most sober living homes. The cost is also lower than that of sober living residences. Insurance can cover sober living at certain facilities for those attending an outpatient drug rehab center, making it an affordable option for those who might need help.
Halfway houses are often used by people who have recently been released after serving time in prison. These places are generally not intended for those who have already completed a drug rehab program while in jail.
Residents of sober living homes can benefit from longer-term stays, having more responsibility, and community support. They also gain peace of mind knowing where they’re going to be living after their time is up. This helps them focus on their recovery instead of worrying about where they’ll be living afterward.
What is a Sober Living?
A sober living house is a place where people who need help recovering from addiction go to stay. People who want to get clean go voluntarily. There are different types of sober living houses, including faith-based, 12 step, and more.
A sober living residence has strict rules and a zero-tolerance policy for substance possession and use. People who want to get into this type of facility must be clean and drug-free. They also need to attend weekly meetings and follow the rules of the house. Most often, those residing at a sober living house come straight from detox or a residential treatment center.
How Does Sober Living Work?
There are many options for sober living homes that work in a number of ways, so finding the right fit based on your individual requirements is very important. Sober living can occur at the same time as outpatient drug rehab programs or they can occur after completion of an addiction treatment program.
The National Assocation for Recovery Residences defines four different categories of sober living environments, including:
- “Residential” – This option provides 24/7 supervision and support by staff who live in the house.
- “Transitional Living” – This option allows residents to live independently while receiving support services.
- “Outpatient Treatment” – This option provides intensive outpatient care without requiring residency.
- “Independent Living” – This option offers independent living opportunities but does not provide any residential services.
Important: Supervised housing facilities vary, but they usually include counseling and other support services. They are licensed and regulated by state or local authorities. There may be an organizational hierarchy, administrative oversight, and policies and procedures. In some cases, staff is trained and certified. Drug screens are required.
How Sober Living Benefits Recovery
People who grew up in an abusive household may be more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol later in life. Living in a sober living house helps them learn new ways to deal with stress. Returning home after treatment could lead to relapse if they’re still surrounded by toxic environments.
Who Can Live In A Halfway House?
Most halfway homes require residents to be clean or sober. Many people who go through rehab have been clean before. Those who are newly sober may still be struggling with addiction. Some halfway houses allow residents to stay even after they’ve been sober for a long time. Halfway houses also offer support groups and other activities to help residents stay sober, though not to the degree that sober living homes do.
Halfway homes are usually less structured than inpatient programs. You can still work and attend school while living there. However, you must continue working on your recovery by attending AA or NA meetings.
Halfway House Activities
At a halfway house residents may stay there for extended periods while they work on their sobriety or transition back into mainstream society after having been incarcerated. These homes usually help residents find work and task them with chores as part of the requirement for being allowed to stay there.
Halfway houses are more “dorm like” and crowded and quite a bit more independent than a sober living home so there are typically fewer amenities and less staff.
Sober Living in Atlanta
If you’re looking for a sober living home in Atlanta, Georgia, check out Creekside Recovery Residences. At Creekside we offer luxury sober living, accepting individuals who have recently completed or are still enrolled in a treatment recovery program. If you’re serious and ready to continue your journey of recovery contact Creekside Recovery Residences or call: 1-470-460-7995
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