Since sober living typically follows addiction treatment, getting a referral from the treatment provider is recommended. Other referral sources may include the criminal justice system, a mental health professional, Twelve Step meeting participants, or friends and family. Whatever the source of the referral, take a tour of the facility and talk to the people living there to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Sober houses for guided independent living is provided through sober living programs. However, because high-quality https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sober houses are still somewhat supervised, you must adhere to the sober house’s basic regulations.

Real Recovery’s Sober Living Houses

Some halfway houses acceptinsurance, but it’s up to your insurance company to determine how much is covered and if you’ll need to pay a co-pay. If you’re thinking about entering a sober living home and want to know if insurance covers it, it’s best to contact your insurance company directly. The duties and responsibilities of residents at sober living houses and halfway houses are very similar in nature. All house guests must do their part to keep the house clean and neat, including picking up after themselves.

• It’s easy to understand why people confuse the difference between sober living and half-way houses.
• The terminology employed to describe the home environment is deceptive, ambiguous, and has negative connotations.
• They are also available in diverse styles, for example, faith-based accommodations, 12-step accommodation, holistic residences, and more.
• Halfway houses are often operated by a government or private agency.

However, there are some important differences between the two terms. This article is written with the purpose to allow readers to understand the major differences between sober living and halfway houses. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Living in a sober home is less expensive than being admitted into a rehab facility.

Accessibility Options

It’s important to note that not all facilities are the same, and they all have different levels of accountability, structure, responsibility, and services. Regular interviews occur at 6, 12, and 18 months for tracked progress, including reported measures of substance abuse and any mental health disturbances are tracked. Records of work, school, sober house vs halfway house and job applications are often needed, and some residents may have to be mindful of group-specific rules for their safety. Fortunately, family members are encouraged to spend time with their loved ones, and many fun activities are encouraged. A halfway house is a living facility where people go as a part of their drug rehab aftercare.

But when considering some of the services offered, make sure they’re services that help support your sobriety. Part of living in recovery is “showing up for life,” meaning doing things for yourself that make you a successful, contributing member of society. When in active addiction, we tend to ignore the things that make us successful. So when getting back on our feet and in recovery, cooking and cleaning for ourselves is part of a healthy recovery plan. Sober living is just like it sounds, a place to stay where you’ll have a supportive community and can start your new life free from alcohol or other drugs. Residents in sober-living homes commit to abstaining from substance use while participating in outpatient programming or after completing inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment includes various levels of care, including detox, activities, support groups, and counseling; however, patients may need support once they complete treatment.

The Main Differences

Halfway house residents must also comply with random drug testing, as well as maintaining a job, and doing chores at the shared home. In most cases, you can only stay in a sober living home for a certain amount of time. This is usually because sober living homes are more expensive to run than halfway houses. After you’ve completed the program at a sober living home, you usually transition to independent living on your own.

All residents are required to attend 12-step meetings regularly each week. A halfway house is a good option if you no longer need medical supervision, but a return to normal life is too overwhelming.

Learn more about RECO’s dual diagnosis program here.

Sober living homes and halfway houses share several similarities, such as their purpose. Both sober living houses and halfway houses provide housing and support for people working on their sobriety who no longer need inpatient treatment. A halfway house is a transitional living facility for those in recovery from addiction.

In Pennsylvania, for example, a halfway house is a structured residential treatment center, whereas, in Florida, it could be a transitory residence following treatment. You get to choose the period or the days to leave, but usually, the length of stay is between 3 to 12 months, which offers ample time to regain your security in terms of employment and sobriety. There are random drug tests in sober living Homes to ensure you the Residence is free of drugs. You can leave the sober living home after the agreed period, or you can leave freely if the court has not ordered you to be at the residence. A sober living house is a residence owned by a private organization or individual for profit.