Importance of an Aftercare Plan 

It would be wonderful if sobriety showed up right at the door immediately after a person decided to become sober. That you could snap your fingers and instantly be sober would be amazing. But unfortunately, that is not the situation. It takes time to build an addiction; thus, it will take time to break the cycle of addiction. Complete recovery and long-term sobriety may take up to five years after the first decision to quit drinking or drug abuse. This is why having somebody to lean on is so important. Staying in a sober living home, a halfway house, or another similar setting may provide a person with tremendous support as they work to maintain sobriety.

What is a Halfway House?

A halfway house is a facility or institute meant for people with a substance use disorder. These houses are meant for people who are reentering society after serving time for a drug- or alcohol-related offence.  Those transitioning out of prison might find a more comfortable beginning to their new lives at halfway homes. In addition to a clean and secure place to live, residents of these facilities have access to a wide range of additional services, such as vocational counseling, financial guidance, academic mentoring, and therapy for emotional and mental health issues. Compared to sober living facilities, halfway houses are less organized and less private. Individuals staying at a halfway house are usually linked with a correctional officer, social worker, and other resources to help them get their lives in order and to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

What is A Sober Living Home?

Sober living homes are facilities where most people who have just completed an inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program proceed to stay. In most cases, a sober living home is the greatest alternative for those whose home life is not supportive of their sobriety. Sober living homes offer housing and support for recovering addicts either privately or as part of a treatment provider’s continuum of care. A sober living home provides a safe and supportive setting for recovering addicts to practice the coping mechanisms they have learned in therapy. Sober living homes provide a more private environment and access to trained professionals in comparison to halfway houses.

It is typical for residents of sober living facilities to depend on the motivation and companionship they get from living among others who share their experiences and values to stay sober. Some sober living facilities feature peer-led programming and a strong emphasis on mutual responsibility, while others rely on professional staff members to guide residents through their recovery.

Differences Between Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses.

Even though sober living homes and halfway houses have many similarities, there are also important distinctions.

Firstly, most residents in halfway houses are individuals who have been ordered by a court to live there; in contrast to sober-living homes, where most residents have just completed a drug abuse treatment program.

Secondly, the tenants of a sober living home are in an ongoing recovery program and have to undertake several activities like group therapy, while the tenants in halfway houses may or may not be actively participating in recovery programs.

Finally, most sober living homes are privately owned or sponsored by treatment centers that offer ongoing assistance to their patients. In contrast, halfway houses are generally owned or sponsored by the state.

Seek Quality Help

Are you in Houston, Texas, and worried about your substance abuse? There are several options for anyone seeking help for mental health issues or substance abuse at Taylor Recovery Center. We will also help you find aftercare services, such as sober living homes, to help you continue your recovery after you finish treatment. Please get in touch with Taylor Center for more information about our available treatment options.