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Halfway houses serve as the halfway point between an institution and independent society, with residents usually coming from either correctional or inpatient treatment facilities. Living in a sober environment helps you develop new habits and routines, taking sober house what you learned during drug or alcohol rehab and applying it in your daily life. For those who have higher incomes, usually in the executive range levels, sober housing is available that offers things like personal trainers, chefs, and lifestyle coaches.

Some residents also pay for sober housing through scholarships, loans or credit cards. The daily schedule at sober living homes is heavily influenced by the residents’ current stage of recovery. Some homes are highly structured, with strict schedules and consistent eating and meeting times. There is no in-house treatment or requirement to attend a specific recovery program, but 12-step participation is popular in Oxford Houses. A new house member must be interviewed by current residents and must receive an 80 percent vote of approval to be accepted. Having a safe and supportive environment can lead to the recovery of all residents.

Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses

If you are not court-ordered or mandated to be in the residence, then you may leave the sober living home at any time. If you are paying to live at the residence and you leave before the contract ends, you may still be financially responsible for the length of time you agreed to stay. In my opinion, this is one of the TOP resources that contributed to saving my son’s life.

The risk of relapse when someone leaves addiction treatment is particularly concerning. One study into people being treated for heroin addiction showed a considerable risk of death from overdose in the month following treatment. This indicates the need for greater health education of drug users and the implementation of relapse and overdose death prevention programs. Sober living houses can assist in educating drug users and reducing the chance of relapse.

How Does Sober Living Work?

Residents are often required to move out after a certain length of time, whether they feel ready or not. Halfway houses also require that all residents either be currently attending substance abuse treatment or have recently completed a program. On the surface, halfway houses and sober-living homes are quite similar.