If you are trying to decide whether you should go to a sober living home or a halfway house, we’ve outlined those distinctions to help you better choose. The same way there are misconceptions about addiction, there are a lot of misconceptions about recovery housing programs. Many people use the term sober house and halfway house interchangeably, but the two are actually not the same thing. Sober living homes vary depending on how they’re run and the services they provide.

Once you’re finished a clinical treatment program, it can be hard for many people to move right back into life, with all its responsibilities and potential triggers. You’re free to work or go to school while also being held accountable for your recovery. To keep residents safe, all successful sober homes have rules and regulations that you’re required to follow. While rules may vary, we’re going to discuss the general guidelines most homes require.

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A sober living home allows a person to apply skills learned in treatment to real life in a less triggering environment. Sober living homes offer more privacy and professional support than halfway houses. Many individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs do not have access to appropriate housing that supports sustained recovery. Our study found positive longitudinal outcomes for 300 individuals living in two different types of SLHs, which suggests they might be an effective option for those in need of alcohol- and drug-free housing.

After completing a rehabilitation program, maintaining sobriety in the outside world can be a challenge. Sober living homes, also referred to as three-fourths houses, are designed to accommodate those dealing with this challenge. They provide a supportive, safe space where people can live free of addiction with others who share the same goal. A halfway house serves a variety of different people in need of a drug and alcohol-free living environment.

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However, most residents stay 6-9 months before leaving for full independence. Safety, shared goals and vision, unity and camaraderie were all found to appeal to the residents as advantages of sober living. Stigma and shame became less powerful, and the group looked out for each other.

Living in a recovery house is generally far more affordable than living in a rehab facility. In addition, most homes try to keep costs down and rates affordable so residents working part-time or working at minimum wage can afford to live in the home without assistance. Residents in a sober living house should understand and agree to all house rules when they move in. Depending on the violation, residents may be put on “probation,” have to pay a fine or make amends to another resident or write an essay about what they did. In cases of serious or repeat violations, residents may be asked to leave the home. Usually, halfway houses accept insurance and have much more strict requirements on behavior.

Top Reasons to Choose a Sober Living Home

Both halfway houses and three-fourth houses provide a recovery-supportive environment. A sober living home is a stable living space for someone in recovery from drugs or alcohol. This is especially beneficial for anyone whose previous home environment was dysfunctional, as that has been shown to hinder efforts to stay sober.

Residents of sober living facilities typically stay between 6 to 12 months. However, there is no limit to how long an individual can remain in sober living, provided they continue to follow all the rules. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that the sober living community is safe and well-run.

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A significant difference between Oxford Houses and Sober Living Houses is that an Oxford house does not include paid staff or supervisors. These individuals are usually elected by the house members and have a six-month term. Freestanding SLH’s offer a limited amount of structure and no formal treatment services. Thus, they are optimal for residents who are capable of handling a fair amount https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html of autonomy and who can take personal responsibility for their recovery. Expansion of freestanding SLHs in communities might therefore ease the burden on overwhelmed treatment systems. In communities that are unable to fund a sufficient number of treatment programs for individuals with substance use disorders, freestanding SLHs might be a clinically and economically effective alternative.