Within the recovery space, a halfway house shares similar goals to a sober living house; however, there are some key differences. If you find yourself looking for a halfway house near you to aid in your addiction recovery and help you get sober, keep these differences in mind:
- Some halfway houses are designed to house recently released criminals
While a halfway house (also known as a residential reentry center) can be designed to house inmates once released, a sober living facility is not contracted through the Federal Bureau of Prisons to help transition inmates. Rather, private citizens and/or their families independently seek out a sober living facility to provide structure and support in early sobriety.
- Some residents may be court-ordered to stay in a halfway house or enter after inpatient treatment
Not all residents of a halfway house are former felons, though. Some residents are ordered by law to stay at a halfway house for a set period of time following a stint in a rehab center. Whatever the reason for enrollment, the goal of the halfway house is to provide a safe, structured living situation free from drugs and alcohol. Unlike a halfway house, residents in a sober living home enter voluntarily and individually commit to the program.