What makes sober living homes different from a halfway house? This may be a question you are asking yourself while trying to figure out what your treatment options are. Many people use the terms sober home and halfway house interchangeably, however, they are actually very different.
Aftercare in addiction treatment is just as important as the initial inpatient program. Rehab and other impatient programs offer you the tools to live sober, however, aftercare is essential in learning how to implement these tools into your daily life. Outpatient care helps you further commit to your sobriety and helps you develop coping mechanisms and skills that make remaining sober easier. Therefore, when deciding what kind of aftercare treatment is right for you, it is important to understand what each treatment option offers. This blog will outline the key differences between sober houses in my area and halfway houses to help you decide which aftercare option suits you best.
What is a halfway house?
Halfway houses are usually designated for those who are coming out of incarceration and who have been through an addiction treatment program while in prison. Unlike sober living homes, halfway houses are sponsored by the state and are meant to help those released from prison readjust to regular life. That being said, not all halfway homes are for felons. Some halfway houses are for anyone who needs support during or after rehab. Halfway homes also have a time limit placed on your stay. Furthermore, halfway houses require you to be enrolled in a treatment program or for you to have already completed a program.
What is a sober living home?
Sober living homes are designed to help you stay on track with your sobriety after leaving inpatient treatment. Sober homes offer their residents a supportive environment without drugs or alcohol to ease back into your regular life. Unlike halfway house treatment programs, you do not need to be currently enrolled in a treatment program, however, sober living houses typically require that you have completed some form of detox or rehab treatment prior to moving into the home. Sober living houses are also not run by the state and are usually affiliated with a treatment center or some kind of addiction support program. Sober living homes also have live-in staff that holds residents accountable for their sobriety and treatment program.
Moreover, sober homes do not have a time limit on how long you can live there. Sober homes are meant for people who are committed to their sobriety but still need some extra support and structure to stay on track. Sober living options are great for people who are new to recovery.
The benefits of sober living
If you are new to recovery, you may need more time to solidify your sobriety and develop a routine to make day-to-day activities less triggering. Sober living homes can assist you with creating this structure and provide you with the support necessary for long-term sobriety. While living in a sober home, there will be rules that must be followed to ensure your sobriety as well as the sobriety of other residents. Some general rules imposed by most sober homes are:
- Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use without a prescription
- Must submit to random drug testing
- Must be committed to your sobriety and the sobriety of other residents
- Attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
- Take part in house activities and meetings
- No inappropriate fraternization with other residents
- Must complete daily chores within the home
If you follow these rules and remain dedicated to your recovery, sober living homes are a great option to assist you in your transition back into mainstream society.
If you decide a halfway house is not for you and are interested in moving into a sober home in San Diego, Design for Recovery – Sober Living West can offer you a safe, supportive environment to ease back into regular life. Design for Recovery helps their residents stay sober through one-on-one mentoring, weekly house gatherings, employment support, money management, family outreach, and foundation based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Design for Recovery – Sober Living West can help you develop a base of skills and tools to thrive in society while also providing you with opportunities for leisure activities, community support, and employment. At Design for Recovery – Sober Living West, you can focus on your sobriety and equipped yourself with skills and tools to stay sober long-term on your own.