5 Tips for Choosing the Right Recovery Housing Arrangement

According to ONDCP, “Millions of Americans have made the successful journey from addiction to recovery… Their stories show there is hope for every addicted American, and that recovery is not only possible, but is a positive force that transforms individuals, families, and communities.” Many people attend treatment in order to recover from addiction, and there are many different treatment options used by different individuals.

During recovery, though, it is important than an individual is able to choose the right recovery housing arrangement for them, whether that is a sober living house, a halfway house, staying with family and friends, or another option. Here are five tips that can help you make this decision more easily.

1. Understand the Amount of Supervision You’ll Be Needing.

It is important to consider the amount of supervision you may need when it comes to your recovery housing arrangement. It is true that many individuals are not ready to be alone after recovering from severe addictions, but think about whether or not you need to have someone monitoring you and providing a more controlled environment.

• If you:
  • Were in inpatient treatment
  • Have relapsed before
  • Feel that you are still inclined to relapse
  • Have only been sober for a few weeks or months
• then you may want to choose a housing arrangement that has more supervision and guidance, something like a halfway house or a sober living facility.
  

  Sober housing can be helpful when making the transition after rehab.

• However, if you:
  • Have been in recovery longer
  • Feel more stable
  • Have not relapsed before
  • Have a strong support system
• you might be more comfortable staying with someone you know. This kind of arrangement can allow you more freedom while you still will not be completely alone after your treatment which can sometimes be detrimental to the individual patient.

In many recovering housing facilities, “residents benefit from peer support and accountability” which also provides another level of management and supervision (MHA). This sort of option should be considered when you are choosing a recovery housing.

2. Consider the Cost.

Some individuals cannot afford the cost of an expensive treatment center, sober living house, or other type of facility. If this is your case, you should consider the amount you are willing and able to pay when it comes to your choice of living arrangements. For example, some sober living houses provide gourmet meals, swimming pools, personal counselors, and other benefits that residents may not be able to afford or do not need.

When you are choosing a facility, consider what you need and how much you are able to pay for it. This will help you find the type of housing arrangement that is best for you. There are some sober living houses that are much less expensive, and halfway houses are actually built for those without jobs and the workers will “assist with employment” to help you find a job and get back on your feet (FBP). Cost is an important factor to consider, as going over your budget can make it harder to continue to transition into your next phase of recovery.

3. Remember You Will Be Living Here.

People will tell you not to choose an inpatient facility that you do not feel comfortable staying in. This is just the same as with recovery housing arrangements. If you decide to stay with a friend or family member, do not stay with someone who makes you feel bad about your previous actions while you were addicted. And, if you choose a facility where there are other people recovering as well, make sure you get along with those individuals too.

When you choose a housing arrangement, you should always keep in mind that you will be living for a specific amount of time wherever you choose. Especially those who are only expecting to stay a short time should remember that unforeseen circumstances could cause you to stay longer. You never know what might occur or how long you may need to stay. This is why you should feel that you can easily and comfortably come home to whatever place you choose.

4. Consider Whether or Not Further Treatment is Needed.

According to the FBP, halfway houses “offer drug testing and substance abuse programs.” This may be necessary if you have just left inpatient treatment and are feeling shaky in your overall recovery. More treatment may be necessary at this point, and a facility that offers it could be the one for you.

Consequentially, you may choose a sober living house because, according to a study from the NCBI, “they offer no formal treatment but either mandate or strongly encourage attendance at 12-step groups.” You may be comfortable with the 12-step process, and this type of housing arrangement could, therefore, be a good fit for you. Depending on if further treatment is going to be necessary, some facilities may mandate these programs while others, like staying with friends, could be more lax in expecting you to attend treatment.

5. Ask Yourself about Your Needs.

One of the most important aspects of choosing the right recovery housing is knowing what your needs are and making sure the housing facility itself provides them. Consider these questions:

• Would I feel more comfortable in a rural or urban environment?
• Do I need to be close to home?
• Would I prefer a religious or secular facility in order to feel most comfortable in my environment and/or receive extra guidance?
• Do I need to stay in a facility that only accepts residents who are:
  • Women?
  • Men?
  • LGBTQ identifying?
  • Formerly incarcerated?
  • Long-term addicts?
  • Catholic, Christian, non-religious, etc.?
• Will I need to make sure my responsibilities are being taken care of like:
  • My children/family?
  • My home?
  • My pets?
• Do I want a facility that provides a certain level of comfort?

Whatever is important to you and necessary toward making your recovery stronger, better, and more in tune with your needs, make sure your housing arrangement reflects that. Every individual needs a treatment style and a recovery plan that is effective for them, and yours should not have to diverge from this as you move from one arrangement to another.