What’s a Halfway House? Benefits, Rules & How to Find One Blog

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or alcohol or drug addiction, call our helpline today and discover the right treatment options for you. While in theory, they are the same, a sober living home is usually a private facility that can be fancier than a halfway house. Residents are all going through a similar process, and the staff creates a sense of structure. For those specifically interested in facilities tailored for men, you can explore more details about sober living homes for men.

Halfway houses get money from the government, insurance, and tenant fees. Proper communication is essential to ensure your safety and well-being, as prescribed medications may be important for your recovery. These professionals, such as social workers or counselors, offer guidance and support throughout your recovery. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion.

Benefits Of Sober-Living Homes For Addictions

Individuals usually move into sober living homes after completing an inpatient treatment program. They may also seek out a sober living home if their home environment is not conducive to maintaining sobriety or if they simply want to live in a more supportive community. 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. On occasions, though, a court order can request that someone moves to a halfway house after treatment. Understanding the structure and rules of federal halfway houses can be crucial for successful reintegration.

The staff will notify you when you have been given the green light to visit a loved one via video chat. Should there be technical difficulties or connection issues during the video visit, visitors may notify the staff so they can consider extending their time slot. Moreover, apparel that promotes offensive, sexually-oriented, racist, illegal, or narcotic activity messages are not allowed inside the halfway house.

Recovery Programs

• All in all, a family-like setting under control can help such a person live a normal life without returning to drug abuse; thereby, the person will be better able to live in society and find a job.
• In some cases, the court mandates an individual to stay in a halfway house.
• This is not to say that there aren’t non-profit halfway houses you can get into, but the waiting time can be extensive.
• These professionals, such as social workers or counselors, offer guidance and support throughout your recovery.
• You should check with your insurance carrier to see what coverage they offer for a stay at a halfway home.

The focus was to separate the user from their previous substance-abusing environment so that they could recover in a sober, supportive environment. If you’ve been ordered by a court to be in the halfway house, you can expect to stay for the length prescribed by the judge. Many houses encourage a minimum stay of two to three months, with a maximum stay of six months to one year. The length also depends on the level of care you require and how far along in the recovery process you are.

If you’re ready to leave your addiction in the past, put your trust in our licensed and certified addiction therapists. We have more than 120 years of combined experience helping people just like you move past addiction. Residents are not allowed to have visitors who have an outstanding warrant, are on parole, or are otherwise deemed a security threat. Those with a history of drug trafficking, alcohol addiction, or criminal offense are not allowed entry. Pinnacle Health Group is available 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. Their representatives will discuss whether their facility may be an option for you.

• Depending on the sober living home, there may be more or less requirements.
• Halfway houses are less disciplined than inpatient rehab centers but slightly more regulated than sober homes.
• The selection process involves multiple considerations, from institutional conduct to release plans.
• The First Step Act also permits extended placements depending on underlying factors.
• If you’ve been ordered by a court to be in the halfway house, you can expect to stay for the length prescribed by the judge.

How Much Does Halfway Housing Cost?

For example, individual and group counseling can help people to understand their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to stay sober. The history of halfway houses can be traced back to the 18th century in England, where they initially served as facilities for children arrested for petty crimes. In the United States, the concept of transitional housing and assistance for individuals in need began in the 19th century, primarily targeting the homeless and impoverished populations.

Visiting hours at federal halfway houses are usually between 9 AM and 5 PM from Monday through Friday and longer on the weekends. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or weapons. All halfway house residents are expected to take part in routines such as household chores. Through daily chores, they can get re-acquainted with the fundamentals of functional life in a safe and structured setting.

Life After Rehab

The agency’s licensure program aims to help empower sustained recovery for individuals with substance use disorder by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses across the Commonwealth. Sober living homes are typically more affordable than traditional housing and are often covered by insurance, though the costs can vary depending on the location and type of facility. Rent is usually much lower than average market rates, and some homes offer financial assistance or sliding scale fees. Many are privately owned and may be peer-run (where residents hold each other accountable), monitored by a house manager, or even supervised by certified staff. Some are small, independent homes, while others are larger apartment complexes with more professional oversight. The lack of state oversight of a halfway house has become an issue in recent years.

Choosing a sober living home in Los Angeles for my son was the best decision I could have made. Halfway houses tend to cost less than sober living houses, but the overall cost can vary depending on location, amenities, etc. You can expect to spend anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars at a halfway home.

After an addiction is overcome, these skills are critical to reintegration into the community. The goal of sober living facilities is to integrate you back into the community as you live out your sobriety every day. Sober living houses will generally do check-ins with fellow residents who have assumed accountability roles, whereas halfway houses do check-ins with paid staff members who live off-campus. In my opinion, this is one of the TOP resources that contributed to saving my son’s life. Staff and managers go above and beyond to make sure your transition after detox or rehab is as smooth as possible. If you’re truly committed to your recovery, then this is the place for you.

• Federal halfway houses make it possible for residents to get the medical and mental health care they need.
• Someone committed to sobriety can check their local halfway house about any specific recovery milestones that might be recommended before residency.
• To utilize this service, visitors must first schedule the video visit with the halfway house staff and have it approved.
• Unlike rehab, people are free to come and go as they please, but there are still some ground rules in place.
• If you or your loved one feels the need to continue living in a sober community environment after your stay at a halfway home, look into sober living houses.
• Sober-living homes are usually privately owned and expect residents to pay for rent and utilities just like everywhere else.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. A federal halfway house (RRC) helps inmates transition from prison to the community through supervision, support services, and resources like job assistance, counseling, and stable housing.

It can provide them with the structure and support they need to stay sober and rebuild their lives. The cost of residing in a halfway house can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and services offered. On average, the cost of living in sober house a halfway house ranges around $200 per week. We use the term “halfway house” because it describes the transitional nature of this kind of sober living environment. Halfway houses are like “halfway points” between some kind of rehabilitation program and regular, day-to-day living.

Halfway Houses: A Structured, Court-Mandated Environment

Over time, halfway houses have adapted to new policy landscapes, emerging best practices in corrections, and changing legislation. This reflects a shift in thinking—from punishment alone to a model where rehabilitation and reintegration are central to public safety. The length of stay at a halfway house usually ranges from 3 to 12 months, depending on the individual’s progress and court mandates. In many cases, residents are expected to leave once they have completed their mandated time or demonstrated readiness for independent living.

Employment and Volunteering

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. A communal phone for residents may be provided in halfway houses where cell phones are prohibited. However, residents may be asked to limit the number of calls they make. To utilize this service, visitors must first schedule the video visit with the halfway house staff and have it approved.