Transitional living is essentially intended to be a residential stepping-stone for individuals to prepare them to effectively reintegrate into society. Treatment from substance abuse and addiction can be a long-term process. Although completing a formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs can be highly advantageous, it is not uncommon for individuals to require additional support upon the completion of a program. An individual in recovery must prioritize his or her sobriety above all else, and in some cases that requires moving into a transitional living facility prior to returning home. The two most widely known types of transitional living are halfway houses and sober living homes. Though they both serve as transitional living residents, they have many differences, including the populations they serve, respectively.
Halfway House
Halfway homes are primarily used as a residence for individuals that are transitioning out of incarceration, prior to returning home. Residing in a halfway house can also be a court ordered mandate to serve as a portion of an individual’s sentence. According to Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) a halfway house “is a residence located in the community where people are placed to either (1) serve all or part of a sentence, or (2) serve a period of time after being released from federal prison, in order to prepare for reentering the community.” Halfway houses are typically state sponsored programs that require little, if any out-of-pocket cost to the resident. They can become somewhat overcrowded, and rarely offer private rooms. Halfway houses usually have a time limit regarding the length of one’s stay.
Sober Living Home
Sober living homes are privately run organizations that serve as transitional residencies to members of the general population that have recently completed a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. Sober living homes are not funded by the state and require its residents cover the costs associated with residing in the home. While intended as non-permanent housing, sober living homes rarely limit the duration of ones stay, and enable residents to live there as long as they wish, provided they are able to honor the financial responsibilities as well as the house rules and regulations. Sober living homes are able to offer a wider range of amenities, are often housed in more pleasant facilities, and most can accommodate individual’s privacy preferences.
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.
