How Long Should Someone Stay in a Transitional Sober Living Home?

Some halfway houses require residents to pass a drug screening and/or breathalyzer test, as they’re not equipped to deal with withdrawal symptoms or delirium tremens. Halfway houses are ideal for people who’ve already gone through medical detox and have completed an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Choosing between the two involves considering individual needs, recovery progress, and the level of independence and structure required.

• Most halfway houses don’t restrict who can live there, but the majority of people who live in a sober living home have already gone through a treatment program before going to sober living.
• The goal of many halfway houses is to reduce recidivism among felons using supervision.
• Some homes may require that you commit to staying for a specific period of time to help establish a solid foundation for life after recovery housing.

Former residents have reported being banned from using mouthwash because it contains alcohol. Homes also differ in that some require the attendance of a 12-step program, while others sober house will agree to less formal, non-12 step programs. Residences are usually located in quiet, safe neighborhoods because the environment is an indisputably important factor in recovery.

How Long Can You Live in Sober Living Homes?

Although they have recovered physically, they need guidance, counseling, and support to rebuild their lives without drugs. These houses offer the advantage of a safety net and help in reducing alcohol cravings. At least 2 of every five recovering addicts relapse after formal addiction treatment. To live there, you must pay monthly fees (essentially, rent), which support the cost of maintaining the home.

Most homes house between eight and 15 members, with most staying about a year. To begin the admission process, you must fill out an Oxford House application. Once that’s received by the house, you’ll be interviewed by the house members.

What are the Rules and Regulations of Sober Living Homes?

Sometimes they are designed specifically for formerly incarcerated folks. Other times, they function as a more intensive residential facility, meaning that there is consistent recovery programming, requirements, and staff present in the house. These are residential facilities that provide structure and support for those healing from addiction. They are designed to be a transitional space from residential treatment to mainstream society. In the end the options that are available to you as a resident of a sober house can be many.

They provide shelter, safety, and an opportunity to continue working on your recovery. This page will share info about sober living homes, halfway houses, and what they can offer. A sober living house is a peer-managed home designed to help people maintain sobriety. This is achieved through required sobriety, recovery group attendance, and household participation. Those who live in these houses rent rooms indefinitely and live a life in accordance with their responsibilities, like work and school.

What Happens if You Walk Away From a Halfway House?

Still, they provide more structure and support than you receive at home. You can work and/or attend school while living in a sober living home, but you’re still required to put effort into your recovery by attending 12-step meetings (or other recovery meetings). While the length of time varies, residents’ average stay in sober living homes typically ranges from three months to over a year.

There is no “magic” number however, as treatment and recovery are highly individual. While one person may be ready to reenter society after three months, another may benefit from a longer stay. Sober living houses may seem expensive, but they are often necessary for many people still going through the transition phase of their recoveries. They usually require that the individual has a job, so the costs aren’t often more than someone with a steady job would be able to pay. It can be a good transition back into the life you want to live at a fair cost. Before you decide on a sober house, it is important to know what the rules of the house are and whether you can abide by them.

What’s the Difference Between a Sober living Homes and Halfway Houses?

Someone’s family and friends could become a barrier to recovery, or may even trigger relapse. Conversely, having a change of scenery and being safely away from temptation can facilitate faster healing. The morning counseling and group meetings take place during this time. Each sober house is different but usually house meetings are held in the morning so that everyone who needs morning counseling receives it.