The recovery process from substance abuse and/or addiction consists of a variety of phases. The treatment process begins with an individual undergoing detox, which is the process of ridding one’s body of all foreign substances. Some type of formalized substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program (e.g. inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment) often follows detox. After attending a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, especially those that elect to attend inpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment) an individual is faced with the choice to return to his or her home or to reside in a transitional residential facility prior to returning home. While sober living homes and halfway houses are similar in that they are both considered transitional residential facilities, they have many differences. In order to understand the main differences, it is helpful to glean a clearer understanding of each type of facility and its purpose, respectively.
Halfway Houses
Individuals that reside in halfway houses are often people that have been recently released from incarceration, and/or have been court-ordered to stay there for a predetermined period of time. As such, some halfway houses are sponsored by the state. Halfway houses can become overly crowded, as they are the most cost effective, transitional home option for individuals. Halfway houses often involve minimal financial responsibility, and in some cases is zero cost, to the resident. Many halfway houses require its residents to enroll in a treatment program or to have completed a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program in order to reside at the facility. Halfway homes also often have a duration limit, restricting the length of time an individual is able to stay at a halfway house.
Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes provide individuals that have completed a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program a structured residential environment that is free of drugs and alcohol. Sober living facilities are not government-sponsored programs. While some health insurance plans offer partial coverage for residing in certain sober living homes, sober living homes require its residents to be financially responsible for their stay (with or without assistance from insurance). This enables sober living homes to offer a greater variety of amenities, increased privacy and additional support. Unlike halfway home, most sober living facilities do not have time restrictions regarding how long a resident is able to stay.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
