July 11, 2022
Many people are confused about the differences between a halfway house and a sober living home. This article provides a quick comparison so you can better understand how they work.
You’ve probably heard of halfway and sober living homes. If not, don’t worry, this article is for you. In general, both houses cater to people with substance use or mental problems who have gotten better. Let’s further discuss these two in the succeeding sections.
A halfway house is a place for individuals with criminal backgrounds or drug abuse problems. These houses date back as early as the 18th century in England for children who committed crimes.
In the US, most halfway houses are for persons recently released from prison or those with chronic mental health problems. Judges and prosecutors often require some ex-criminal offenders to stay in a halfway house instead of prison time to help them reintegrate into society.
Halfway houses are not just living quarters for their residents. They offer guidance to residents but also give them a little freedom and independence. A halfway house can offer social, medical, and psychiatric services while letting residents live independently. That’s why it’s called a “halfway house” because residents aren’t given full attention, similar to an in-patient treatment.
Sober living homes share similar characteristics as halfway houses, but they focus more on drug or alcohol addiction recovery. They are also called “sober living environments” because the community inside these homes help patients live and function normally without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Patients who recently came out of drug or alcohol rehab can enter sober living homes to continue treatment.
Patients receive psychological, psychiatric, and social support in sober living homes. However, they’re not given 24/7 medical supervision. As a patient, you will live independently in the sober living home, participate in activities and sessions, and socialize with others. Some sober living homes also offer outpatient programs, so you’ll meet individuals from different walks of life.
A halfway house serves as a bridge for ex-convicts to return to society. They’re not yet fully independent in a halfway house, but residents already have a small degree of independence.
Why do people go to the halfway house? Here are some of its benefits:
Halfway houses are not prisons or mental health wards. These are actual houses where you can live among the rest of the population. You can also interact with people nearby and even go out for a stroll in the city or neighborhood. However, there are still limitations to a halfway house.
Part of going back to full independence is preparing for future careers. While living in halfway houses, residents can enroll in vocational or certificate courses to acquire new skills and competencies. Studying while residing in halfway houses can also help the adjustment process and slowly reintroduce responsibilities to the resident. More so, it also teaches them accountability.
In halfway houses, you start becoming independent. You assume more responsibilities in caring for yourself and being mindful of the people around you. Prisons and mental health facilities often impose strict ground rules on what inmates or patients can do. But in a halfway house, you get more freedom in your movement and time. Learning to live independently once again is one of the key roles of halfway houses.
All of the benefits of halfway houses also apply to sober living homes. But, there are also specific benefits that residents can enjoy in sober living homes.
Living without alcohol and drugs is easier if you do it with people who also suffer from substance abuse addiction. Sharing common ground gives you the understanding you need in times of loneliness, depression, and cravings since everyone in the sober living home also experiences the same challenges. You build a common bond with other residents, who are ready to be your support system anytime.
Aside from sober living, you also learn life skills inside a sober living home. These life skills are interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that can reintroduce the concept of society to you. Since most residents come from in-patient treatment, staying in a sober living home for a while can soften the impact of change and culture shock. But with essential life skills, residents will be ready to face the world again.
Sober living homes promote recovery and healing through relapse prevention. As the patient reaches sobriety, the risk of relapse increases if the patient doesn’t have a firm resolve. Hence, you’ll learn coping techniques in a sober living home to help control urges and cravings healthily.
The main similarity in the sober living vs. halfway houses debate is that they both serve as adjustment places for people that recently came out from public isolation. Whether the residents come from a mental rehab facility or prison, these special programs can help them return to everyday life.
Sober living homes and halfway houses also promote living independently, socializing with others, and building connections.
Ex-convicts who just came out of prison may live in a halfway house to ease up the adjustment process and to test if they are truly reformed.
At most, prisoners often stay 12 months in a halfway house. If they execute good behavior, it can be shorter. The longest stay in a sober living home can be 90 days or three months. Since sober living homes are treatment-based, the duration of stay is fixed, and it can’t be reduced even if the patient exhibits outstanding improvement.
The common cost for these two would be monthly rent. Most rooms have two to four beds, so you’ll only pay a quarter of the rent. However, sober living homes may charge more for accommodation and other services. Halfway houses can be sponsored or paid. You can pay for your stay there if you have money or a job while in a halfway house.
Sober living homes and halfway houses help people adjust to social life. But if you’re recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, sober living homes can offer outpatient treatment like a partial hospitalization program to guide you in recovery.
Another Chance Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center provides PHP and other intensive outpatient programs to patients dedicated to transitioning to sober living. It’s never too late to get better. Call (971) 272-8968 now or fill out the contact form to get started.
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