What is the Difference Between a Sober Living House and a Halfway House?
Sober living houses and halfway houses offer a safe, drug-free, and structured environment for people coming out of treatment that isn’t quite ready to return home yet. These houses provide the added support that individuals in early recovery need to help them successfully transition back to living life in the real world. Treatment programs teach you about the disease of addiction and help you to get sober. Sober living homes and halfway houses teach you how to stay sober.
Difference Between a Sober Living House And Halfway House
Sober living house, halfway house, transitional house, or a recovery home, often these words are used interchangeably. These homes do have a lot in common, particularly their purpose; however, there is a difference.
“SLH’s are alcohol and drug-free living environments for individuals attempting to maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs (Wittman, 1993). They offer no formal treatment but either mandate or strongly encourage attendance at 12-step groups. SLH’s have been important resources for individuals completing residential treatment, attending outpatient programs, leaving incarceration, or seeking alternatives to formal treatment (Polcin, 2006b).
Although there are similarities between SLH’s and other residential facilities for substance abusers, such as “halfway houses” there are important differences. Unlike many halfway houses, SLH’s are financially sustained through resident fees and individuals can typically stay as long as they wish. Because they do not offer formal treatment services, they are not monitored by state licensing agencies. However, many sober living homes are members of SLH coalitions or associations that monitor health, safety, quality, and adherence to a social model philosophy of recovery that emphasizes 12-step group involvement and peer support.” (NIH)
Once you have completed a treatment program, whether inpatient or outpatient and are ready to take the next step toward finding a recovery home, knowing the difference and researching the option that will be best for you is very important.
Sober Living Houses
Sober living homes have been around since the 1830s. They are usually privately owned homes the sober living experts runts. Some sober living homes are affiliated with addiction treatment centers, but the residents maintain them. Sober living homes do not specify a certain time limit for residency.
Halfway Houses
Halfway houses went way back to the 18th century in England when they were used to house children who committed crimes. Today, most halfway houses are state-funded and used to house people who have recently been released from prison or jail and have drug and alcohol problems. They are also sometimes used to house people that are homeless or for people that have been court-ordered. Most individuals that go to a halfway house are there for a predetermined amount of time. Halfway houses do cost less than sober living homes because they typically have fewer amenities.
Reach Sober Living House for Addiction And Alcoholism
Sober living homes are invaluable places for those newly in recovery. They help hold you accountable, reduce triggers, and provide additional support to help you sustain long-term sobriety.
New You Sober Living offers safe and comfortable men’s and co-ed sober living homes. We are a top-rated transitional living residence in South Florida. New You Sober Living treats all of our residents with dignity and respect. Recovery is a beautiful gift, but you have to be ready, willing, and determined! Don’t let a substance hold you down any longer. Start a treatment program and then move into a sober living facility like New You Sober Living so you can get your life back today!
