Substance abuse and addiction are devastating; anyone who has been addicted to drugs and alcohol has likely experienced great pain and loss that inevitably must lead to recovery.
<strong>Recovery: The first steps</strong>
Entering substance abuse recovery is a big, yet necessary step if you want to regain your life. It is one of the most significant decisions that you will make in life, but the result will revolutionize the way you approach it. Most recovery centers are designed for short-term stays, typically about 30 days of inpatient service is offered before the patient must decide how to continue on the pathway of sobriety.
Sobriety: A lifelong journey
Unfortunately, life with an addiction to drugs and alcohol is not magically corrected within 30 days; it is a lifelong pursuit of abstinence, changing habits, and choosing to live life in ways that promote health and wellness. For some with stronger support systems, 30 days of inpatient treatment may be sufficient to enable them to continue treatment at home. Many people complete their 30 day treatment programs still on shaky ground, however, and are looking for additional support and help until they feel they are ready to live life on their own.
What is a halfway house?
If you have committed to living a sober life, yet you don’t feel ready to tackle life at home, you have the option of entering a halfway house. A halfway house is a residential facility where people who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse can slowly transition to independent sober living. Halfway houses are ideal for people who have completed a 30-60 day medical detox program, and are ready to try life on the outside with a little additional guidance. The amount of time you choose to spend at a halfway house depends on your current living situation, whether or not you have secured a job, and how mentally and emotionally ready you feel to tackle life on your own.
Who lives in a halfway house?
The majority of halfway house residents have already completed a medical detox program and are committed to staying sober. Some may have been court ordered to be there, while others choose to live and heal there on their own. Regardless of the reason that you come to halfway house living, you must abide by certain rules and regulations as determined by the community.
What can I expect at a halfway house?
Sober living is a bit less restrictive than inpatient programs; many residents feel a newfound sense of freedom and responsibility as they transition to independent living. You are able to work or attend school while living there, but you must fulfill certain requirements like attending meetings and contributing to household care during your stay.
Rules and regulations
Rules for sober living vary from facility to facility, but in general, there are some standard guidelines that must be followed to continue living and receiving the benefits that come from this type of environment. Some of these rules include:
- You must refrain from using all drugs and alcohol.
- You must undergo random alcohol and drug testing
- You must contribute to the household by performing chores
- You must not fight or display violent behavior
- You must not steal or destroy another’s property
- You must abide by a curfew
- You must attend recovery meetings
- You must be in pursuit of a school degree, a job, or already working
Failure to abide by any of these rules will result in you being evicted from your position, and this could have dire consequences on your health and continued sobriety.
What does a halfway house experience cost?
Sober living homes range in price from $200-$2000 per month, depending on the facility and the type of care that you receive there. Some insurance helps pay for sober living, but it is best to check with your insurance plan ahead of time so you can plan for your necessary expenses to be covered. Setting up a payment plan, working outside the home, asking for grants and scholarships, and receiving help from family and friends are all ways that you can cover the cost of sober living while you heal.
How do I choose?
Asking for referrals at your inpatient facility or getting recommendations from friends and family members will start you on the right road to choosing the right facility. Make a list of amenities that you would like the facility to have, and start the process while you are still in recovery to ensure that you have a place to go when treatment has ended. Planning ahead will lessen your stress and make recovery easier, as you won’t be leaving yourself open for failure upon leaving. If you don’t feel up to making this decision, have trusted loved ones do the searching for you to find the right facility that will meet your unique needs.
Committed for life
Sobriety is far from boring; it is a journey that is filled with rewards, emotions, experiences, and deep gratitude for the process. It is possible to get your life back after substance abuse and addiction; consider halfway house residency to help you get back on track. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today at 833-820-2922 to see how we can you back on the path to a healthy, fulfilling life—you deserve it!