Is a Halfway House a Sober Living House?

While there can be many similarities found between a halfway house and a sober living house, there are also various differences between the two types. Sober living houses are mainly aimed at helping former addicts of drug and alcohol transition safely back into their homes. At a sober living house members have to of completed a recovery program successfully.

Coming out of recovery can often temp a former drug or alcohol user to fall back into their old negative habits. A sober living house can teach them how to best succeed without the use of drugs or alcohol in their life, and most need help understanding what it takes to be drug-free. Sober living houses can teach them the necessary skills to continue living a life free of alcohol or drugs, and avoid relapse.

According to the US National Library of Medicine, both a halfway house and a sober living house promote recovery in a non-clinic like environment, but sober living houses are financially self-sustaining through resident fees. Also, residents at sober living houses can stay as long as they wish so long as the house rules are followed, the rent is paid and the resident maintains abstinence form drugs and/or alcohol.

Similarities of a Halfway House and a Sober Living House

Sober living programs are typically privately funded.

There are similarities between a halfway house and a sober living house that can often confuse people thinking of entering either one. The best way is to ask questions about each one and see which is the best fit for you or a loved one. Depending on the location, they may seem to offer the same benefits. Here are some common similarities:

• Halfway houses and sober living houses want to help individuals maintain a life that keeps them free from drugs and/or alcohol.
• In many instances, a halfway house may provide a structured living environment like a sober living house does.
• Other members residing in both types of houses share similar issues of former drugs or alcohol abuse, and are also trying to stay sober.
• Residents of both a halfway house, and a sober living house are learning to transition from recovery back to living in the real world.

With some of these similarities in mind, there are also distinctions that can make a difference in how a resident will manage to stay sober and succeed in transitioning back into their homes, and community.

Differences of a Halfway House and a Sober Living House

Some of the differences that can help you or a loved one decide which type of house would be the best fit after recovery are:

• Sober living houses are mainly for individuals that have been in a residential treatment program for recovery, while a halfway house may be for helping former criminals adjust to their life out of jail
• Some of the residents accepted into a halfway house are often sex offenders
• Sober living houses are privately funded by different groups of people who insist in applying high standards of operation, and living for its residents to succeed in staying sober
• A halfway house is government funded, and many of its residents live there as part of their probation.

Which is Right for You or a loved One?

Noting the similarities and differences of a halfway house and a sober living house, the choice can be pretty clear to most. A sober house is mainly for former drug and alcohol addicts that want to remain sober for the rest of their lives. Halfway houses can be for former addicts, but can include former criminals and sex offenders that have just been released from jail. While this may vary depending on location, the best thing to do is ask questions.