What Is a Halfway House? Learn How Halfway Houses Can Help

There is ample time to focus on your overall mental, physical, and emotional health. These are all important pieces of the puzzle in maintaining a sober lifestyle. Drug testing is necessary for the recovery process of the residents as it keeps them accountable for their actions and helps chart the progress.

Individuals who have an outstanding warrant is currently on parole or is considered a security risk will not be approved to visit the residents. All residents must attend 90 AA/NA meetings their first 90 days of residing at Brightside and then 3 meetings per week thereafter. Rules do vary for each house, but most of them do have the general rules listed above. The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations evaluates quality of care provided by healthcare organizations.

Can You Choose a Halfway House?

However, halfway houses typically have rules and regulations in place to promote safety, such as drug and alcohol testing, security measures, and staff supervision. This allows for halfway homes to be significantly low-cost or sometimes completely free. The one downside is that because of this, a halfway house’s limited spots can fill up very quickly. The best way to find a halfway house or sober living community in Florida is to contact your addiction treatment facility and ask for housing arrangement assistance after your treatment program is complete. Finding a supportive drug-free living situation can be a great help in relapse prevention and give you the motivation you need to achieve long-term sobriety.

Today, they serve a diverse group of people, from those recovering from substance abuse and individuals with mental health issues to those transitioning from incarceration. Once an individual has been deemed ready to leave the hallway house, it is time to reintegrate fully back into the community and live independently. At Ocean Recovery, we ensure that those in our programs have access to follow-up services or aftercare to help maintain sobriety and stay strong in recovery once they leave sober living homes. Halfway houses serve as a haven for people recovering from addiction and transitioning back to everyday life.

What Are Halfway Houses and Are Cell Phones Allowed?

In a halfway house, residents must adhere to a set of rules and guidelines, attend counseling or therapy sessions, and participate in group activities. The level of structure is designed to help residents maintain their sobriety and stay on track in their recovery. A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration.

In some cases, residents may be expected to contribute financially to cover rent and household expenses. It is important to note that specific halfway houses may have additional or different criteria for admission, so it is advisable to inquire with the specific facility for their specific requirements. Sober living houses are a place where you can have your independence and begin your new substance-free life. It is a good option as the next step for those who are moving out of an inpatient facility. Sober living houses are also an option for those who need to live in a residence that is free from the temptation of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, it is the only option for some people who may be facing homelessness or would be moving back into surroundings where drugs and alcohol are readily available.

Stay Informed

The U.S. attorney general announced new regulations for federal halfway houses in March 2014. More inmates can graduate to home confinement with the expanded use of ankle bracelet monitors. Beginning with houses to help poor and homeless people in the early 19th century, halfway houses have evolved into safe havens for people to learn basic life skills and personal responsibility. While in theory, they are the same; a sober living home is usually a private facility that can be fancier than a halfway house.

• This lack of guidelines and oversight has ensured that people in halfway houses are not being aided in safely and effectively rebuilding their lives after serving time in jails and prisons.
• She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland.
• Curfew exceptions are granted for necessary travelling needs, but only after the appropriate papers are signed.

The gruesome portrayal of halfway houses in the media can often be the catalyst for formal audits of these facilities. But it should be noted that regular monitoring, auditing, and data reporting should https://goodmenproject.com/everyday-life-2/top-5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-a-sober-house-for-living/ be the norm in the first place. Halfway houses are just as much a part of someone’s prison sentence as incarceration itself, but they are subject to much less scrutiny than prisons and jails.

Are Halfway Houses Safe?

Ensuring a good match in these areas can significantly impact your experience and success in a halfway house. Remember, it’s crucial to visit potential halfway houses, if possible. This will give you a feel of the environment, a chance to interact with staff and residents, and an opportunity to ask any lingering questions you may have. 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.

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Sober living homes are not for everyone, but if you think it might be right for you or a loved one, reach out to your doctor or therapist to see if they’re able to recommend one for you. If you attend 12-step or other recovery meetings, you can ask other members of your group for recommendations as well.

Still, they provide more structure and support than you receive at home. You can work and/or attend school while living in a sober living home, but you’re still required to put effort into your recovery by attending 12-step meetings (or other recovery meetings). Remember, a successful stay in a halfway house requires personal responsibility. Adhere to the house rules, participate actively in programs, and contribute positively to the house community. Building a network of support among fellow residents can provide encouragement and motivation during challenging times.

• Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care.
• In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

Sober living homes offer safety and support for people recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. You live in a substance-free environment while navigating the responsibilities of life in the real world. This ascertains that the resident is not exposed to any kind of substance or danger. Similarly, the halfway house phone rules guarantee that the communications by the resident are within the check. Halfway house rules along with the skill training and therapy sessions aim at the growth of the individual to function well in the society.

New Federal Regulations

Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients.

Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the How to Choose a Sober House: Tips to Focus on grips of addiction. For the most part, people go to halfway houses because it is a mandatory condition of their release from prison. Some people may also go to halfway houses without it being required, simply because the facility provides housing. Placement in Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) post-incarceration can technically be declined by people slated for release, but doing so would require staying in prison instead.