What is a Halfway House: A Comprehensive Guide
Taking decisive steps on the way to sobriety requires finding a secure location. People who do not have a close circle of friends and relatives who remain by their side on every stage of their journey to full health can benefit from staying at a facility hosting clients with similar needs. The transition process is far from being simple. Many obstacles prevent individuals from changing their behavior patterns. Removing triggers is necessary to achieve sustainable results and avoid relapses. In this guide, we will explore the key upsides of staying at a halfway house and analyze the importance of such options for those who want to find a reliable establishment. Read on if you are committed to transforming your perspectives and staying free from addiction.
What Is a Halfway House?
The term refers to a facility that allows people in the recovery stage to live in a substance-free space and fully dedicate themselves to staying sober and healthy. Residents are expected to actively engage in community-based rehabilitation courses. Many of them prefer to attend therapy appointments, participate in counseling groups, and acquire new skills.
The significant difference between a halfway house and other similar establishments is that it does not offer a detox procedure. To be able to live there, individuals should focus on transitional living programs only after undergoing drug and alcohol treatment at dedicated facilities.
Another distinct trait of a halfway house is that people who lodge here do not have to follow a strict regiment. They enjoy freedom while advancing through their journey. Many of them continue to work and study. At the same time, they are required to take part in 12-step meetings or other similar events. When staying at a halfway house, a patient does not have to follow the strict rules. However, it’s essential to adhere to some guidelines to achieve better outcomes.
A licensed halfway house has in-staff personnel, including counselors and therapists. Tenants go to group therapy or individual sessions, attend support groups, and participate in various programs. They are expected to participate in alcohol screenings to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to sobriety.
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Why Stay at a Transition Home?
Addiction treatment is a lifelong process with many obstacles inevitably hindering progress. People predisposed to substance misuse should live in a drug-free environment to recover. Similarly, those who cannot control how much alcohol they consume may benefit from spending some time in transitional living spaces. Those who find themselves on the streets and want to transform their habits also need to discover a safe location to get well. After leaving prison, it is also pivotal to spend time at a facility helping individuals adapt to their daily routines. In some situations, courts make it mandatory for individuals to spend time at such establishments.
People prefer halfway houses because they are interested in the following:
- Adaptation to society after an addiction;
- Validating circle of people;
- Predictable schedule;
- Programs aimed at improving accountability;
- The acquisition of skills necessary to be sober.
After completing inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, individuals minimize the possibility of relapse by discovering a safe place to stay.
Services Provided at Sober Living Facilities
Every provider deploys specific strategies to assist clients with reintegrating into society. They help clients leverage local peer-support programs and healthcare institutions to achieve consistent progress. Finding a sponsor and attending emotional support sessions are also essential to remain healthy. Residents participate in volunteer projects and have daily jobs. It makes it easier to adapt to society’s rules.
Many halfway houses provide services for those who are currently homeless or live in unsafe places. As the state funds such organizations, the duration of living in them is limited. The main goal is the integration of every client into the community. The facilities with licensed in-staff professionals may offer such services as grief counseling, behavioral correction, and others. Some residences have two-three-person bedrooms, while others require more residents to live in the same room.
Who Can Live in a Halfway House?
Many halfway houses do not have specific restrictions regulating who is permitted to live there. However, tenants typically go through a dedicated treatment session before finding additional options. A person should be able to embrace the principles of sober living and abstain from drugs. Residents should know how to react to the things that set them off to advance toward full recovery.
Some clients of halfway houses first go to detox programs and then decide to find a safer place to live. If they are serious about adhering to the regulations, they could be accepted. It’s essential to discuss everything in detail before enrolling in a program. Typical requirements include the following:
- A completed course aimed at controlling an addiction;
- A negative drug test;
- An ability to refrain from substance abuse.
Many facilities are quite affordable and have a convenient daily regimen, making it easier to stick to good habits.
Halfway House Rules
Every facility has specific guidelines for those who want to take full control over their future. A person entering such residences should be prepared to pay fines or leave after breaking the rules. Tenants should:
- Abstain from drugs and alcohol;
- Consent to tests;
- Avoid resorting to violence when communicating with other people;
- Refrain from stealing and damaging property;
- Follow the curfew rule;
- Participate in 12-step meetings or other programs.
Besides, it’s recommended to take steps toward finding a job if a person does not currently have one. Even though these rules may seem strict, they enable individuals to adapt to reality and become independent adults. Finding an Alcoholics Anonymous group could be quite helpful for those who suffer from isolation and feel they could benefit from learning more about different ways of countering triggers.
Many facilities prohibit inviting overnight guests and have specific hygiene rules to make everyone comfortable. Residents are encouraged to find a job or continue with their studies. When living at the residence, they work on their soft skills to learn how to communicate with others in a constructive way.
Some halfway houses use pre-approved guest lists to regulate visitations and ensure everyone will feel safe. Minors are typically allowed to visit their adult family members when being accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. People who were previously incarcerated typically stay at federal facilities for a required duration. Violating the rules may impact their sentence.
How Long Do Clients Stay at Halfway Houses?
Residents spend 3–12 months at such facilities, with one year being the maximum duration. However, former federal prisoners stay longer than average tenants, as it allows them to adapt to society better. If a person feels they could benefit from living in a surrounding that shares the same goals, they may also find a suitable sober living house afterward.
According to researchers, time spent at a halfway house facilitates achieving such goals:
- Finding stable employment;
- Minimizing mental health symptoms;
- Reducing the possibility of a repeat arrest.
Staying at such facilities enables individuals to learn how to deal with triggers and abstain from consuming alcohol and taking drugs. Peer support enables clients to embrace responsibility and remain healthy.
How to Choose a Halfway House
When trying to find a reliable facility offering its clients a safe place to recuperate after undergoing therapy, a person should consider the goal they want to achieve, the desired duration of a stay, and the number of available services. Sober living homes require tenants to follow specific rules. It’s recommended to consult with a medical professional, therapist, or family member before booking a room at such a facility.
If a person attends 12-step recovery groups, they could ask other members for recommendations. Those who work or study should choose a facility near the places they visit often. By analyzing reviews and other feedback left by clients who stayed at a facility, an individual can make an informed choice.
Recovering is a long and challenging process, but you don’t have to be alone. We are here to guide you and offer a safe and substance-free environment to regain control of your life and create a new path for your future.
On the Way to a Healthy Life
Every person can fully transform their habits to achieve improved outcomes. Staying at a halfway house is a result-yielding strategy embraced by those who want to achieve personal growth goals.
Eco Sober, a MASH-certified sober living facility, understands the importance of becoming part of a protective space during the adaptation period. We believe that becoming part of the community is a crucial step toward addiction recovery. Contact our managers now to discover how to remain free from drug and alcohol consumption and become a well-functioning society member.
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