What is a Halfway House? What to Expect in Halfway Housing

A halfway house is a facility that provides residents with more than a place to live while they work on their sobriety. These homes offer what is a halfway house residents the opportunity to access group and individual therapy, psychiatric services, and more. Sometimes known as “sober living houses,” they’re a transitional living facility for those in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.

Rules & Regulations of a Sober Living House

• Inpatient rehab does not allow patients to leave until their program is complete.
• Halfway houses have specific visitation policies designed to foster an environment conducive to recovery.
• In some instances, rehab facilities may refer a patient to a halfway house following treatment.
• It allows you to live in a safe, substance-free environment while readjusting to life outside treatment.
• Recovery homes have proven to have a success rate of 80%—that is a great success rate for recovery from a substance use disorder.
• This is a great asset to those struggling with their own personal battles.

The residents at federal halfway houses are often expected to participate in various programs involving treatment, education, and employment. In addition to this, they are expected to stay sober and are subject to random drug testing, restrictions on curfew hours, and other programs. Federal halfway houses make it possible for residents to get the medical and mental health care they need. The goal is to make it easier for the residents to continue receiving necessary medical and mental health treatment, especially for those in early recovery who experience withdrawal symptoms. These sober living homes offer transitional housing for those who are in recovery, helping individuals transition back into society and maintain their sobriety outside of a controlled treatment environment.

• Paying a visit to loved ones to offer them words of encouragement is a great way for families and friends to show them care and concern.
• In our appendix table, we attempt to break down which of those 527 facilities fall under our “halfway houses in the criminal justice system” definition, and which facilities primarily serve other purposes.
• This removes temptation and helps people in recovery see that it is possible to enjoy life without these substances.
• However, some halfway houses do not allow minors to conduct video visits.
• Some people may also go to halfway houses without it being required, simply because the facility provides housing.
• It is advised not to wear excessively tight and revealing or provocative clothes, such as see-through clothing.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in a Halfway House?

If you have more questions about a certain policy or how halfway houses work, you may get in touch with the halfway house. The staff at the halfway house will be able to answer any inquiries you may have. They will be able to walk you through the admissions process for the halfway house and explain why certain policies are in place. In addition, visitors should not cancel a scheduled visit unless there is an emergency.

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Halfway house rules help members remain focused on their recovery and healing. Some halfway houses do not allow residents to bring pets with them due to concerns related to safety and hygiene, whereas others encourage residents to bring pets as part of their support system. Some halfway houses may offer scholarships or financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford the full cost of their stay. The cost of staying in a halfway house varies depending on the location and amenities offered, and whether or not residents are responsible for their own food and other expenses. Prices can range from a few hundred to even a few thousand dollars, depending on the facility. Many halfway houses are restricted to only those in recovery programs.

Halfway houses designed for people in early stages of recovery provide more resources and structure than three-quarter houses, which are sober living homes for people who have a longer history of sobriety. Halfway houses can also help people with other mental health disorders find stable housing after mental health treatment. Transitional living environments for people with a history of homelessness may also be called halfway houses. Sometimes referred to as a sober living house, these are transitional homes for those recovering from drugs or alcohol. For others, it can be a long-term process as they get themselves back on their feet.

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Not only are residents’ schedules surveilled, their travel routes are subject to review as well. The federal government currently maintains 154 active contracts with Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) nationwide, and these facilities have a capacity of 9,778 residents. On any given day in 2018, RRCs held a nearly full population of 9,600 residents. While regular population reports are not available, 32,760 individuals spent time in federal RRCs in 2015, pointing to the frequent population turnover within these facilities. It shouldn’t take exhaustive investigative reporting to unearth the real number of COVID-19 cases in a halfway house.

The Reason for Halfway House Rules

Halfway houses have many benefits, especially if you utilize all they offer during your time there. First and foremost, halfway houses give you time to learn and implement more social and life tools to help you maintain and lead a sober and rewarding life. According to research published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, halfway houses and sober homes are highly effective in the ongoing treatment of substance use disorder. Halfway homes are managed by licensed drug counselors, therapists, and similar healthcare personnel. Daily life is structured around group therapy or individual counseling sessions, support groups, and other aftercare programs.