As you journey to sobriety in Haddonfield, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, or any community in the country, you will discover that this is not a one-stop process. Your recovery will be ongoing and include many support systems and places that help you establish the mindset and skills needed to continue sobriety for the rest of your life. Most people find that during this process, they move from an inpatient or outpatient rehab program to a transitional space that prepares them for success when they live independently.
The two common choices for meeting the needs at this point in the recovery process are a sober living house or a halfway house. While they sound very similar, there are distinct differences that will help you make the choice of which facility will best meet your needs and comfort level to ensure the long-term success of your sobriety.
What Are Sober Living Facilities?
The National Association of Recovery Residences has defined the four levels of sober living homes. These facilities can be independent of or in conjunction with outpatient addiction treatment in some cases and are defined as:
Level 1—These are peer-run facilities, often single-family houses. The group runs them and often has a senior resident who holds residents accountable for their participation and responsibilities in the home as well as other actions. House meetings and drug screenings are typically required, but no paid staff members are at the house.
Level 2—These facilities are often monitored in a single-family home or apartment setting. They are managed by a senior resident or house monitor who is compensated for the work. Drug screenings and group meetings are often required, and residents must abide by house and peer-created rules.
Level 3— These are supervised houses of various kinds and have licensed staff and administrative policies and procedures. Life skills and clinical services are provided beyond the scope of typical sober living facilities, but there are routine drug screenings.
Level 4—These facilities tend to be more institutional, with clinical services provided in-house. Life skills training is also provided, and drug screenings are standard.
What Are Halfway Houses?
A halfway house is similar to a sober living house as it is a transition point between an institution and independent living. The residents at these facilities can come from a rehab facility or corrections to reintroduce them to life in society. The process is a controlled step that provides coaching and support to face the challenges of life in an independent setting. Drug testing and sober living requirements are typically a part of the requirements to remain in these facilities.
What Are The Differences In Sober Living Versus Halfway Houses?
Typically, a resident of a sober living house is there by choice and is working towards recovery in a 12-step program. Not all halfway house residents are required to be in or choose to be in a recovery program. However, halfway house residents can be court-mandated to be in the facility. Finally, most halfway houses are owned or sponsored and supported by the state. Sober living houses are privately owned or owned by treatment facilities and require the resident to cover the cost of living in the house.
In addition, the halfway house is typically a set time period for the resident to stay, while sober living homes are often more flexible. The best sober living houses, such as The Forest, allow the residents to determine how long they wish to stay based on the progress they feel they have achieved. Sober living homes also encourage group activities, meals, and shared restorability for the care of the house and the rules that govern the living space as well as accountability for maintaining a sober lifestyle.