Halfway houses are a safe place to transition from treatment back into society. They can be a place where memories are made and an empowered life begins. They have helped a lot of people over the years fit back into a healthy lifestyle, free from drug and alcohol use. They are also a place friendships are made and skills are learned.

Read our “What’s A Halfway House” guide to learn more. Once you read this, you’ll know what exactly a halfway house is and what to expect to determine if a halfway house or sober living house is right for you.

What’s A Halfway House?

A halfway house is a place where people can stay while they get back on their feet while beginning recovery from alcohol, drugs, or other substances. They’re usually located near hospitals and treatment centers. Halfway houses typically help people recover from addiction by providing them with support services such as counseling and job training.

While someone lives in a halfway house, they live in a safe, drug-free environment while readjusting to life out of treatment. Someone can stay in a halfway house for several months or even years. Your needs determine how long you’ll be there. Studies show that halfway houses have been proven to help individuals maintain long-term recovery and sobriety. In essence, halfway houses are crucial for those entering the recovery process.

Who Can Live in a Halfway House?

A halfway house is a place where people go after completing drug rehab programs. Halfway houses are usually located near hospitals, colleges, or other places where people go to get help. Most people who stay at halfway houses are recovering addicts who need to stay clean. Some facilities allow residents to continue working while staying there. Others require residents to work full-time. Residents must follow strict rules about what they do and how much they drink or use drugs.

What Kind of People Live in a Halfway House?

Most of the folks who find themselves in a halfway house are addicts and alcoholics who have already completed some kind of treatment program. Some people who are at a halfway house are actually starting their treatment process. They’re using it as the first part of a more holistic approach to dealing with their addiction. People stay at a halfway house anywhere between 3-12 months, some longer.

What Should I Expect at a Halfway House?

Halfway houses tend to be less restrictive than traditional treatment programs. They permit residents to attend school, go to work, and even enjoy social functions. Residents are usually required to participate in 12-step meetings, and ongoing counseling, make their homes clean and inviting, and to also contribute to the community in positive meaningful ways.

How Restrictive is a Halfway House?

Most people who are thinking about a halfway house are going to be restricted in some ways. They will need to stay inside the house unless they’re visiting with friends or doing something else. They’ll need to participate in counseling, meetings, etc. They will need to clean up after themselves. They may be tasked with some communal responsibilities.

Halfway House Rules and Regulations

Halfway houses are places where people go when they need help staying off drugs or abstinent from alcohol. Residents must stay clean, contribute to the upkeep of the house, and avoid fights or violence.

A strict rule set is in place for the members. No stealing or destroying property. Attendance is required at all house meetings and curfews are often set in place. Housemates must be accountable for ongoing work. Independence is achieved when a housemate secures employment and eventually comes to live away from the halfway house environment.

Choosing Your Halfway House Environment

A halfway house environment is not suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor or therapist about getting into such an environment. Ask others who are in treatment or meetings to recommend you to a facility that provides the services you need. Research and plan ahead before moving into a sober living environment. Don’t take this transitional period lightly; it’s crucial to your recovery.

Halfway Houses in Atlanta

The best halfway houses offer a safe environment for recovering addicts. They provide a structured schedule, nutritious meals, and access to counseling and job training. Some halfway houses are run by religious organizations, which means they may not accept everyone who applies. At Creekside Recovery, we offer halfway houses and sober living in Atlanta. To find out more about Creekside Recovery Residences and if we’re a fit for your situation, we’re ready to talk. All inquiries and conversations are 100% confidential.