Halfway Houses

Drug and alcohol addiction do more than just destroy the body. Addiction has a profoundly negative effect on personal relationships and professional relationships as well. Many people who struggle with addiction also experience serious changes to their personalities that can make living at home difficult. Everyone deserves a clean start while they on working towards sobriety. For many, living in a halfway house gives them the break they need to continue along their path to recovery.

What are Halfway Houses?

Once you have completed medical detox or an inpatient treatment program, the next step on the road to recovery is a stable living arrangement. Many people are excited to return home following their treatment, while others may feel overwhelmed if they are returning to a triggering environment. Unless there is a strong support system waiting at home, living in a triggering environment is not the best option for those who struggle with sobriety.

Addicts in recovery who are committed to living a sober lifestyle, but are not quite ready to return home can benefit by staying in a halfway house for a short time period. Halfway houses are residential facilities dedicated to offering support. The support is for those who are committed to living without addiction and are still fresh out of addiction treatment.

What is the Purpose of a Halfway House?

Halfway homes are transitional living facilities for people who are in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Many people who complete inpatient long-term addiction treatment will transition to a halfway house as they continue with their recovery. Other people may choose to move into a halfway home instead of staying in their own house in order to take advantage of a clean and sober living environment. Not all visitors in halfway houses are voluntary. In some cases, those who are battling addiction who have run into legal problems are ordered by the court to live in a halfway home.

The point of a halfway house it to allow those who are in recovery to begin transitioning back to regular life. There are strict rules regarding what residents are able to do while living in the home. Unlike inpatient treatment facilities, halfway houses allow the residents to come and go as they please during certain hours. Most residents seek or maintain gainful employment while continuing on their path to sobriety. Most houses will administer random drug tests or breathalyzer tests. The point of the home is to provide a sober environment, those found breaking the rules will be expelled from the home.

Who Can Live in A Halfway House?

There are no restrictions on who can enroll and live in a halfway house. The only firm rule is that the resident agrees to the rules regarding sobriety. Most people who are in a halfway house have already completed an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program. Many continue to receive follow up care such as attending counseling and participating in 12-step programs. People who have maintained sobriety during treatment will have the most success in a halfway house.

Having completed a treatment program is most common, but not a requirement. Anyone who has completed their detox and is committed to living a sober lifestyle is welcome in a halfway home. It is important to note that though there is no firm amount of time that a person will live at a halfway house, they are not intended to be permanent living situations. Most residents will stay between three months and one year. This usually is enough time to secure and hold steady employment and transition back into the world without giving in to the triggers of your past addiction.

Rules and Guidelines in a Halfway House

There are rules in every halfway home. They vary depending on the facility and the terms of a person’s stay, but some rules are standard. When you sign the residency agreement, you are committing to living by the rules of the house. Breaking the rules may lead to fines or even eviction. Some rules include:

• Each person much complete their assigned chores.
• Residents much remain sober.
• No fighting or violence is tolerated.
• You must maintain curfew.
• Residents must submit to random testing.
• No destroying another resident’s property.
• 12-step or other recovery meeting attendance is mandatory.
• Interviews or gainful employment is required.

How Much Does a Halfway House Cost?

Halfway houses have a strict set of rules to help everyone maintain a sober lifestyle. Although there are rules to follow, residents are still expected to pay for their stay. Halfway homes are more affordable than addiction treatment centers and independent apartment units, but there are still expenses to consider.

Many halfway homes will charge a resident according to their ability to pay. For example, a resident with a full-time job may pay $500 a month, while a person who was just released from a long-term program without a job may only have to pay $150 per month. On average, the cost of living in a halfway house will range from $400 to $800 depending on the state in which you live.

There are several ways to manage the cost of living in a halfway home. There are many scholarships and grants for those committed to living a life of sobriety. Some insurance plans also help cover the cost of care. Personal loans and bank loans are also an option for some residents. Selective halfway homes offer payment plans for residents who are able to demonstrate their commitment to clean living.

How Can I Find Halfway Houses Near Me?

Getting back on your feet after battling addiction is never easy, but there are resources available to help. We are available to lend you the support at the time you need it the most. If you are looking for a halfway house while you are in transition, we can help. We will match you with available halfway homes in your area that have space available, and that fall within your budget.