What Is a Halfway House?

Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on May 23, 2022.

Recovering from an alcohol or drug addiction can take some time. A halfway house can be the next step after residential or outpatient treatment. Also known as transitional living environments or recovery residences, halfway homes give you the time and space to adjust to your sobriety. 

Halfway homes help people transition back to society after challenging events like addiction, homelessness or incarceration. Many halfway houses specifically cater to those recovering from addiction, also known as sober living homes. These houses are excellent options for people with uncertain or triggering home situations. With the right setup, you can continue your recovery journey in a safe and welcoming environment.

What to Expect in a Halfway House

Halfway houses for sober living combine elements of both rehab and standard housing. Though halfway houses are often stigmatized as a last resort, many of them are excellent options for people in need. A halfway house for addicts can be the difference between staying sober and relapsing. 

If you're considering staying in a halfway house for outpatient recovery, here are a few typical terms of residence:

  • Maintained sobriety
  • Regular or randomized drug testing
  • Sustained employment or proof of applications
  • Attending house meetings
  • Performing chores
  • Following curfew
  • Respecting other residents and their privacy

Why Stay in a Halfway House?

Halfway houses are built to support those recovering from substance use disorder. Recovery won't always be easy, and many people stay in sober living homes for additional help. Having access to a community of people in recovery and a sober environment can help individuals adjust to their new lifestyle. Simply being around other sober people can make the healing process feel natural and welcoming. 

Many people stay in a halfway house for the following reasons:

  • Medical care access: Though every residence differs, many halfway houses have access to medical care if needed. These services can offer peace of mind for those without insurance or a primary provider. 
  • Accountability: Going home right after rehab may be triggering. With a community of other sober residents, you can start strong in your transition to everyday life. 
  • Communal responsibility: You don't have to be best friends with other residents, but you must respect their journey. Having a collective sense of responsibility can be a great way to form your support network post-rehab.
  • Sobriety adjustment: Most people in halfway houses for addiction have already completed some form of treatment. The halfway home offers a safe environment to adjust and normalize your new lifestyle.

Discuss Alumni Options With Diamond House Detox

In residential or outpatient treatment, you gain the tools for lifelong sobriety. Once you've completed rehabilitation, you get to apply everything you've learned in real time. Luckily, you don't have to do any of it alone. At Diamond House Detox, we assist our alumni with lifelong support services. You can tackle every new challenge with our team on your side, no matter where you are.

Considering a halfway house for post-treatment housing? Speak with our team to stay in the loop and access our alumni resources. Contact us online today!

 

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Diamond House Detox
Vicky is a board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She began her nursing career in healthcare by working in the intensive care unit, and then an inpatient psychiatric hospital. After realizing the mental health needs of both the patients and the families she served, she became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her experience working with clients, she has developed a passion for those with dual diagnoses and specializes in helping individuals recognize the issues driving their substance use. This recognition has been crucial to the individual’s success in treatment. Vicky opened Diamond House Detox so that she can address these issues early on in a therapeutic environment to allow clients to transition to the next level in their recovery.
Vicky Magobet