Sober Living vs Halfway Houses: Understanding the Differences

In California, halfway houses are part of the transitional housing program the Department of Corrections runs. Sober living is a temporary arrangement for people who are attending outpatient rehab but don’t have a safe place to do so at home. Some residents move into sober living homes after completing inpatient programs, while others move in when they start intensive outpatient treatment. Level one sober living homes tend to be single-family homes, whereas level two homes may be single-family homes or apartment buildings.

Determining Factors for Length of Stay

They often have stringent schedules and rules that residents must follow, including fixed meal times, curfews, and mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs. The higher level of restriction is designed to provide a controlled environment that supports individuals in the early stages of recovery or those transitioning from incarceration. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between sober living homes and halfway houses, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of both options. We will explore the key characteristics and primary goals https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of each type of housing, as well as their similarities. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge needed to make a well-informed decision about which post-rehab housing option best suits your individual recovery journey.

Sober Living Homes

If a treatment center owns a sober living home, the treatment center may hire staff in the home, but this is rarely a clinical staff member. Instead, this staff monitors compliance with rules and may transport residents to treatment, work, or the grocery store. In a halfway house, the living arrangements vary widely depending on the house type.

Rules and Requirements of Tenancy

Level three homes can include several different residential settings, whereas level four homes may be more institutional in nature. Peer support emerges as a cornerstone of the journey to sustained sobriety in both sober living homes and halfway houses. This support system is not merely about sharing space with others who are on a similar path but about building a mutual network where each member uplifts and holds the other accountable. In environments such as the RECO Institute, which emphasizes communal living, the presence of a strong peer network offers continuous encouragement and understanding.

All types of residences and occupancy numbers can be found at this level, depending on the program. Average stays vary from several weeks to several months, depending on the acuity of the individual. Emphasis is placed on equipping the individual for the next phase of recovery, be that another residential level, or independent living. Some sober-living homes have a base rate with additional costs for added services. When you’re looking for a sober recovery home, be sober house vs halfway house sure to ask what’s included in the monthly rate and what is extra.

• They also provide the same types of services most sober homes do, such as helping you to make it to 12-step meetings and teaching you life skills.
• In this post, we’ll explore their similarities and differences and help you decide which program is right for you.
• One of the ways it has done so is to create what it calls a recovery residence — a single term that represents transitional living.