Halfway House Versus Sober Living

The transition from rehab to independent living is a high-risk factor in the recovery process. Without a doubt, leaving rehab to move forward with a sober lifestyle is challenging, so opting for some form of sober housing is the answer for many.

Deciding what avenue to explore, halfway house versus sober living facilities is much easier when there is a clear understanding of what each entity involves. Fortunately, the differences are easy to comprehend and connect to each need.

Defining Halfway Houses

The main difference between halfway houses and sober living homes begins with the location and situation in which an individual is leaving. Halfway houses institute drug tests, strict mental and physical house guidelines for continuing treatment, and ongoing educational and occupational requirements.

They generally accept people from correctional or inpatient treatment facilities, may allow a shorter residency, and can be paid for with governmental grant money. Finally, it is essential to understand that the goals of the halfway house are similar to those of sober living: to provide a safe and supportive space to promote a successful transition to independent sober living. 

What Are The Goals of A Sober Living Home?

The goal of a sober living home is to provide a safe and supportive transitional environment for individuals freshly out of treatment, and it can be gender-specific. The rules of the halfway house versus sober living homes encourage the development of positive and healthy lifestyle skills.

However, sober living provides a softer, homelike environment to foster more opportunities to experience opportunities closer to independent living. The ultimate goal of a sober living home is to provide support and encouragement to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. 

Halfway Houses Versus Sober Living Homes

Halfway houses are more structured than sober living homes due to the requirements of grant funding agents. A significant difference revolves around visitors because the halfway house wants to protect the residents and maintain the residence’s integrity, so limits on visitors are essential.

The rules of conduct and curfew may be slightly stricter with the halfway house. Random drug tests are often protocol in the halfway house. While the residents of both living establishments have a drug or alcohol history, the halfway house usually deals with people who have been incarcerated and need closer supervision than the residents of a sober living home. 

Who is a Halfway House Best For?

Individuals transitioning from incarceration or those with an extensive history of addiction may need the strict guidelines of the halfway house for more than one reason. Financially, halfway house versus sober living housing provides more opportunities for grants or financing for those who have no funds for transitional living options.

Secondly, the halfway house staff works closely with individuals who need a high level of guidance to maintain accountability. The halfway house may offer additional resources from the community that those with low incomes may benefit from. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Halfway House?

Checking certifications and regulations surrounding federally funded halfway houses is essential. Finding a reputable center can prevent the recovering individual from experiencing any stumbling blocks that could lead to relapse.

Researching the available resources the halfway house offers through connections with the community, area educational facilities, and occupational opportunities can also lead to positive connections. Reviews from individuals who have maintained sobriety and moved on from the halfway house to be successful participants in their personal growth are always helpful. 

What To Look for When Considering Sober Living Homes

Halfway houses versus sober living homes indicate that SBL offers more flexibility and different levels of environments. Matching the level of need for each individual with the level of care is the most critical consideration.

In the study, What Did We Learn from Our Study on Sober Living Houses and Where Do We Go from Here? The National Library of Medicine suggests that sober living homes offer a more extended range of residency options, including gender-specific living arrangements. This provides a higher level of success in maintaining sobriety.

There are 4 levels of sober living available:

• Peer-run options typically have a senior resident for accountability.
• Monitored options include single-family homes or apartments run by a senior resident. 
• Supervised, typically licensed, and an organized hierarchy of supervision.
• Integrated consists of a more institutional environment with clinical services in-house and staff-certified and licensed.

Exploring The Financial Components of Each Facility

The individual resident typically pays for sober living homes; some are gender-specific. Halfway houses can receive funding through the federal government, state governments, and other entities. They have specific requirements set by federal or governmental funding agencies, and stays are often limited to 3 to 6 months, depending upon the grant.

How Much Do Both Cost?

Halfway houses require residents to pay part of their earnings for rent. Costs vary with location and services offered. Sober living housing costs depend on the length of stay, location, and services or supervision available. 

The costs of living in a halfway house can vary depending on the length of stay, location, amenities offered, and whether the center is for-profit or non-profit. However, the cost averages between $200 and $1000 per month. The cost of sober living homes varies as well. They are similar in rent to a small living space and begin around $900 per month, but this cost depends on what amenities and essentials are included in the rent.

Explore the Benefits of Gender-Specific Sober Living Homes in Texas

Everyone deserves the best opportunities for recovery and supportive growth after treatment. The Ascension House in Texas offers gender-specific sober living opportunities to ensure a smooth and gentle transition from treatment. Recognizing the needs of each individual is essential for developing a strong sense of personal growth. 

Contact The Ascension House today for more information on their valuable services.