Halfway houses, sometimes referred to as sober houses, are established places of residence for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who are reintegrating into society from detox and rehabilitation treatment. Halfway houses provide a sober living environment for addicts and alcoholics to live in and connect with one another. Many addiction specialists and psychologists will agree that it is of paramount importance for an addict’s newfound sobriety to build a network of other recovering individuals in the local community. Halfway houses are just the place to make this healthy beginning in sobriety and transition back into society from treatment.
Some sober houses are better than others but finding the right halfway house for yourself or your loved one is not overwhelmingly difficult. Many treatment centers are affiliated with local sober houses and can make astute recommendations. If you are entering a halfway house directly from a detoxification facility, you can speak with the counselors and assistants available there. To find a good sober living house on your own, be sure to ask the manager of the house a few important questions prior to moving in. Some good questions to ask are: How often are the residents tested and/or breathalyzed for drugs and alcohol? What is the consequence for testing positive for either of the aforementioned tests? What are your policies about 12 step meetings and sponsorship? You want to make sure the answers you get match up with your personal goals for your recovery. It is a good policy at a halfway house for actively using addicts and alcoholics to be kicked out immediately, although it may sound harsh. It is also notable if the halfway house requires a certain amount of 12 step meetings and mandates other significant guidelines for recovery.
Rent is another important subject to broach when considering sober living alternatives. Typically, rent is paid on a weekly basis at halfway houses, but other financial arrangements can be made and agreed upon by the resident and the house manager. Sometimes the cost of drug tests and breathalyzers are included in rent and sometimes they cost an additional fee. Make sure the terms of this matter are clear before signing the admission documents and moving in. The most important thing to remember when beginning your journey as a sober individual in society is that everything will work out and keep moving upward if you keep your sobriety first in priority. Do the next right thing in every new situation and watch as the beautiful changes take place in your life and all around you.
