You’ve completed the detox program in rehab and gone through the inpatient or outpatient portion. The next step? Continued recovery. Most people think that a recovering addict would want to go home after their stay in rehab. However, some addicts find this thought simply overwhelming. This is especially true if your home environment is triggering or if you won’t have a very strong support system around you.
If you are ready to commit to a sober lifestyle but just aren’t ready to go back home, then a halfway house may be the best solution. But how does a halfway house work?
What is a Halfway House Used For?
You may hear a halfway house being called a sober living home in some areas. Either way, a halfway house is a transitional space for men and women recovering from addiction. While you may think that a halfway house is only for someone who just got out of prison, the truth is that many recovering addicts take advantage of the sober living space when they are still struggling with their recovery efforts. Some residents are there voluntarily while others are there because of a court order.
Most halfway homes require their residents to take drug tests and breathalyzers on a regular basis to prove that they are staying sober. One of the most important rules a resident must follow during their time in a home is to stay in the recovery stage. If you fail a drug or breathalyzer test, you may or may not be given another chance to stay.
The length of time you will reside in a halfway house will vary, but most residents stay for three to twelve months at a time. A stay in a halfway home should give you the time that you need to secure a good job while staying sober.
What You Can Expect in a Halfway House
A halfway house will be less strict than a rehab program, especially if you have come from an inpatient center. However, you will have to abide by some rules while you are living there as halfway homes are usually more structured than home life. You will have to either work or go to school while you are living in a home. During your time there, you will be expected to put as much effort as possible into your recovery. Most homes hold group meetings at least a few times a week-meetings you will be expected to attend if you can. You may also be required to attend a 12-step meeting on your own to help maintain your sobriety.
Every facility will have different rules that you will have to abide by, but there are a number of rules that are common in most homes. You will have to agree to follow these rules while you live in a sober living home. If you don’t, you may be fined or asked to leave the house.
Some of the common rules for a halfway house include:
- You must hold down a steady job or go to school during the week
- Staying sober is a must-drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited
- You will be subjected to random breathalyzers and drug tests
- You must contribute to the house by doing the chores assigned to you
- You will be asked to stick to a curfew-exceptions may be given for late work shifts
- No fighting in the home
- No stealing or vandalizing in the home
- You must attend as many group meetings in the house as possible
- You must go to 12-step meetings or other types of recovery meetings
Finding the Best Halfway House
While a sober living home isn’t the best choice for everyone, you may want to consider one if you aren’t ready to go back home. If you are in a rehab program, your therapist will be able to help you find the best halfway house for your situation. Your doctor may also be able to recommend a place. If you are participating in recovery meetings, ask your peers if they can recommend a halfway house as well. If none of these suggestions work, start looking online on your own. In most cases, you will have a number of halfway homes in your area to choose from.
Committing Yourself to Recovery
When you are in recovery, life can be amazing. You will be free to live your life to the fullest without having to lean on drugs or alcohol. We can help you get through the hard part. Call us today at 833-285-1315 to set up a program.
