Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a process; some would say it is a never-ending road of self-discovery and finding new meaning in life after substance abuse. If you’ve gone through a medical detox and a 30-day recovery program, you may be wondering what comes next to support you on your journey to health and happiness once more?
For some patients, the thought of going home and entering life as it was before inpatient treatment may seem completely overwhelming. Unresolved emotions, behavioral triggers, and other reminders of the addiction may creep up and threaten your newly found sobriety and resolve for a better life; in these cases, it is appropriate to consider a halfway house as the next step in the recovery process.
What is a halfway house?
A halfway house, or sober living house, is a transitional facility used for ongoing recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Halfway houses are used on both ends of treatment; some use them as a bridge between intensive treatment back home, while others begin their recovery journey in a halfway house as a means of committing to something more comprehensive. The amount of time spent at a halfway house varies; for most people, anywhere from three to twelve months is adequate to get back on your feet, to secure a steady job, and to feel stronger in their attempts to maintain sobriety.
Who lives in a halfway house?
The majority of people who are living in halfway houses have already undergone medical detox and at least a thirty-day inpatient program. With guidelines helping all residents maintain sobriety, one of the main requirements for residency is continued sobriety; people that have been successful in treatment are ideal candidates for halfway houses.
What to expect at a halfway house
While these residences are less restrictive than treatment programs—residents can attend school, go to work, and enjoy social functions while living there—they do require participation in 12 step meetings, ongoing counseling, and a contribution to making the home environment clean and inviting for everyone.
Halfway house rules and regulations
Every halfway house environment is slightly different, but the philosophy involving ongoing treatment remains the same throughout. Some of these applicable rules for sober living include:
- Ongoing sobriety; residents will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing
- Making contributions to the upkeep of the residence
- No fighting or violence toward house members
- No stealing or destruction of property
- Strict adherence to curfew guidelines
- Attending all house meetings and being accountable for ongoing work
- Working toward independence by securing a job and living arrangements outside the halfway house environment
What does sober living cost?
Living in a halfway house environment can range in price from $100 a month to over $2000 a month, depending on the services and support that are available to you. You can expect to spend the same amount of money in this environment that you would in a modest apartment. You can fund the sober living experience through insurance, scholarships or grants, personal savings, or setting up a payment plan with the institution providing the services and support. Regardless of how you choose to fund your experience, you should do what you can to set this up in advance of your stay, as dealing with financial matters at this time can contribute to your stress and threaten sobriety.
Choosing your halfway house environment
Sober living environments are not suitable for everyone, but if you think you would benefit from this type of care, talk to your doctor or therapist and ask them to help you secure residence while you are still in treatment. Asking other patients in treatment or meetings to provide you with recommendations would be a good place to start as well. Do some research and pre-planning, and find out what these facilities provide and what your responsibilities would be when living in that environment. If you don’t feel comfortable with what a facility is offering, keep searching until you find one that you feel fits you and your needs. This is an important step on your road to recovery and reclaiming your life; do not take this transitional period lightly.
Staying committed to your sobriety
You are on a road of self-discovery–and it is an exciting one! You’ll discover new meaning in life, deepen your connection to loved ones, and learn to live life to the fullest once more. This new path does not come without its challenges, however; finding your right environment and gathering others around you to support you in your journey will be critical to your long term success. If you are ready to start on this new journey toward your new life, we can help you. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to take the next step toward your ultimate health and wellness.