Sober Living Homes vs Halfway Houses: What’s The Difference?

Halfway houses are also usually funded by treatment centers or the government, which means if the government decides to cut their funding, people may end up having nowhere to go. The complexity of treatment programs, knowing which level of care you need and how to choose the program best suited to you can sadly become a hesitation for those who desperately need care. If you’ve struggled to understand the different types of treatment, you’re not alone. These environments provide ongoing support crucial to maintaining sobriety while adjusting to daily life post-treatment. Residents know that any substance abuse will be detected, which is a deterrent. Furthermore, these tests provide a clear indication of a resident’s commitment to their recovery journey.

Halfway houses were first established in 18th century England to shelter youngsters who had committed crimes. In the United States, similar houses were established to house prisoners who had recently been released from prison. Permanent Supportive Housing is an alternative for people who have been homeless for a long time (PSH).

Personal Growth

Moreover, active involvement in some form of therapy sessions or a 12-step support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous) isn’t just encouraged but required in many cases. This adds an extra dimension to the social support network available to individuals on their recovery journey. Also note that in some states (e.g., Texas), halfway houses only serve parolees.13 So it may be helpful to note how your state defines the term before you consider a halfway house as a recovery option. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ As a result, those who have previously achieved some level of sobriety are more likely to succeed in a halfway home than those who are just starting out in recovery. You can live at a halfway home if you’re freshly sober, have gone through detox, are willing to stay sober, and can commit to following the house rules. Furthermore, the word “halfway home” has a negative connotation, as there has been much in the news about shady operations and overdoses at halfway houses.

Sober living homes typically offer more freedom than halfway houses, allowing residents to go about life in a relatively normal way. The key differences between a rehabilitation program and sober living are the intensity of treatment and the level of independence granted to residents. While rehabilitation programs are more structured, sober living homes offer more flexibility, allowing residents to integrate back into society gradually. In contrast with halfway houses, where court mandates or program guidelines may dictate stays, sober living homes offer flexibility.

What Is a Halfway House?

If you are just sobering up, have gone through detox, are prepared to stay abstinent, and are capable of adhering to the house regulations, you can live in a halfway house. Sobriety sober living vs halfway house is an active part of everyone’s lives and is celebrated in these environments. Many halfway houses also make attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step meetings mandatory.