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There are plenty of misconceptions about recovery housing programs. Many individuals use “sober house” to mean “halfway house” and vice versa, thinking they are the same thing. This actually isn’t true.
Below is information on what a sober house and a halfway house are, outlining the differences.
What Is Sober Living?
Sober living is just like its name, a place to stay where you’ll get a supportive community and can begin your new life free from drugs and alcohol. Residents in sober-living homes dedicate themselves to refraining from substance use while completing inpatient drug rehab or participating in outpatient programming.
Living in a sober setting helps you foster new routines and habits, taking what you were taught during drug or alcohol abuse treatment and using it in your everyday living. This is the place where the journey begins on the road to addiction recovery.
Consider a sober living house as your support home as you gain new understanding, practice new skills, and form your new life in recovery with other individuals who are most likely going through the same trials. A sober living home offers an effective support network and community to help you securely navigate the difficult times and triggers you might face.
Sober living homes are often run by a vast range of community organizations, and they differ from halfway houses in several ways. Some sober homes are funded by the state, while others get private funding. A sober living house aims to work with those addicted to drugs and alcohol to assist them with transitioning back into an independent life, free of the clutches of addiction.
Sober living homes usually get addicts coming of their own will and not via other means like a court order. Due to the voluntary nature of a sober living house, it typically has less rules and regulations than a halfway house. However, they make sure that residents stay on track with their recovery by providing recovery strategies and programs (12-step, RR, mediation, etc.) in which many sober homes expect their residents to participate. Other rules and requirements of sober home residents include:
- Obeying a curfew
- Regular drug testing
- Chores
- Show their dedication to sobriety
Additionally, several sober living homes also offer a personal trainer, mediation coach, on-staff nutritionist, and spiritual development coaches so residents can get the care they need on-site. Also, residents of sober living homes can stay as long as they need to, as long as they adhere to the rules, like attendance at a certain number of house meetings.
Residents of sober living homes tend to participate voluntarily and continue with outpatient treatment. Sober living homes are usually operated privately or as a part of a continuum of care from an addiction treatment provider. A sober living home lets an individual apply skills learned in treatment to real life in a less triggering atmosphere. Sober living homes provide more professional support and privacy than halfway houses.
Sober living homes normally depend on the social support of living with like-minded peers as motivation and comradery during recovery. In fact, some sober living houses provide peer-led meetings while some sober living homes have house managers who lead meetings.
What is a Halfway House?
A halfway house is a community home usually designed for individuals who are mandated to spend time in a transitional facility. These men and women are usually returning to society after time spent serving a sentence for an alcohol or drug-related crime. For many people who are reintegrating into society after time in jail or prison, the first days, weeks, and months in mainstream society may be filled with triggers.
Halfway houses provide a chance for people leaving correctional facilities to have an easier transition into their new lives. These homes offer a sober and safe setting and access to many support systems such as:
- Educational assistance
- Mental health services
- Job training
- Financial planning
- And more
Halfway houses typically have less privacy and structure than sober living homes.
Those who live in a halfway house are probably linked with a social worker, corrections officer, and additional support to create a life so their odds of relapsing decrease. Halfway houses give a transitional period in a structured environment to enhance the probability of life success. Halfway houses are like sober living homes, therefore, it’s no wonder that people frequently confuse them.
Halfway houses function as the midway point between an institution and an independent society. Like sober living houses, halfway houses are meant to smoothly reintroduce residents back into society, free from the pressures and triggers of a possible risky home environment.
Additionally, like sober living house settings, halfway houses usually have systems in place to keep residents sober, and drug tests are typically given to check for any substance use. Halfway houses also typically offer additional recovery, mental health, educational, and medical services that help individuals get acclimated to their new lives.
Halfway Houses and Court Mandates
Residency at a halfway house is typically court-ordered after being sentenced for alcohol or drug-related offenses. This is unlike sober living homes, where most residents seek help for their addiction on their own accord.
A court mandate can be perceived both as an opportunity and an impediment. It usually includes participation in comprehensive addiction treatment programs together with regular check-ins with parole officers and other requirements.
Sober Living Homes vs. Halfway Homes
The proprietorship makeups vary considerably between these two types of houses. While numerous halfway houses are state-owned properties, offering affordable or free accommodation to eligible residents. Many sober living homes are privately owned.
Usually, halfway houses have more inclusive wrap-around services such as case management. A sober living house centers mainly on encouraging peer-support networks.
Level of Privacy
The decision between a sober living home or a halfway house frequently centers on the level of privacy provided. This is mainly true for people who desire personal space as a critical part of their recovery journey.
Generally, it’s reasonable to say that a sober living home offers more privacy than a halfway house. The cost of staying at a sober living home varies, contingent on where you live.
A halfway home is cheaper than a sober living home because it gets its funding from taxpayers’ money. However, the low cost comes with less amenities. A sober living home costs more, but insurance companies can assist with the bill. The bigger price means more facilities and services.
Common Rules Enforced in Both Types of Residences
In both resident types, abstinence from alcohol or drugs is non-negotiable. This rule creates the basis for addiction treatment programs that help residents sustain sobriety. Regular drug testing guarantees compliance with this cardinal rule, offering an additional layer of answerability within these shared living quarters.
Besides substance-related rules, community participation is stressed as well. Attendance at house meetings where difficulties pertaining to daily life are discussed helps promote camaraderie among residents who have the same struggles.
Distinct Aspects
Sober living homes provide a distinct set of regulations geared purposely at fostering personal growth during the recovery journey. Unlike customary outpatient programs, this includes chores assigned to residents, fostering teamwork and responsibility.
Furthermore, active involvement in some type of therapy session or a 12-step support group isn’t just fostered but required in numerous cases. This brings an extra component to the social support network available to residents on their recovery journey.
A halfway house is constructed like a college dorm room while a sober living home is built like a private residence. As a result, a sober living home provides additional comfort and privacy.
Length of Stay
The length of staying at a sober living home isn’t set in stone. It’s a process that differs from person to person, formed by their progress during recovery and personal circumstances.
In contrast with a halfway home, where court mandates or program guidelines can determine stays, sober living homes give flexibility. The key focus is to give a supportive atmosphere until residents have constructed strong and solid foundations for continuing sobriety.
In Summary
A sober living home usually offers better discretion and independence, making them ideal for people willingly seeking continuing support post-rehab from alcohol or drug dependencies. In contrast, a halfway house serves as a required bridge for those transitioning from therapy centers or the penal system, providing critical services like mental health assistance and relapse prevention.
At Elevate, our priority is to lead residents in our Colorado sober living home toward a life of continuous recovery. Our team recognizes that not every person doesn’t have the same path to sobriety.
This is why we offer several treatment options that address everyone’s individual needs and goals. If you or a loved one are presently struggling with addiction, we are here to help. Call for more information or apply directly on our website.
