Sober livings are group homes for individuals recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction. They are transitional residencies for individuals exiting a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program to move into prior to returning home. Sober livings offer substance-free environments, which are slightly less structured environments than an inpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program, as residents are often able to come and go as they please, provided they abide by the facility’s rules. Each sober living facility has its own set of house rules, expectations of its residents, amenities, fees, and requirements. A benefit to residing in a sober living facility is that its residents are expected to care for and be fully responsible for themselves (e.g. doing their own laundry, cleaning up after themselves, purchasing and preparing food, etc.), which can be advantageous to the recovery process. Most sober living facilities, unlike halfway homes, are privately owned, and residents typically have to pay their own rent. Sober living facilities can range in price, depending on the location of the facility, amenities offered, and a variety of additional contributing factors. Most sober living facilities do not impose a time limit for its residents, enabling them to stay for as long as they need. When individuals refer to state funded sober livings, they are likely referring to halfway homes. Although some use the terms interchangeably, there are many differences between the two options.
State Funded Sober Living Options
State funded sober living facilities are typically known as halfway homes. Akin to sober living facilities, halfway homes offer a strictly substance-free environment. Halfway homes are used not only for individuals recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction, but also as transitional homes for individuals exiting (and in rare cases in place of) incarceration. Most halfway homes impose a time limit for resident’s stay, and many do not allow individuals to reside in the home longer than ninety days (unless a longer duration is mandated by the courts). Further, halfway homes can be required as a portion of an individual’s sentence in the judicial system. As such, halfway homes are often more populated, offer fewer amenities, and are less expensive than sober living facilities. Though some halfway homes will be state subsidized, not all residents will necessarily qualify for full coverage, and will still be required to financially contribute to their stay. An inability to cover the required financial contribution should not necessarily dissuade an individual from moving into a transitional home, as there are grants, scholarships and often sliding pay scales for those in need for both private sober living facilities and state funded halfway homes,
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.
