When it comes to addiction, it seems there are two camps with regard to perception: On one side are those who underestimate addiction while on the other side are those who seem to overestimate it. Those who overestimate addiction are the ones you might hear say, “Once an addict, always an addict”, almost as if anyone who becomes addicted to alcohol or drugs is damaged goods or a lost cause. Meanwhile, those who underestimate addiction are the ones who recklessly experiment with alcohol and drugs, seeing intoxication like a carnival ride and they never want the fun to come to an end. As it stands, both sides are incorrect and the reality lies somewhere in the middle.
People can overcome the addictions they develop, but it’s not an easy process. No matter how quickly a person might hope to speed through the recovery process, it takes time to break the hold that a powerful habit like alcohol or drug abuse has on the body and mind. For this reason, the optimal route of recovery is typically said to be an extended period of prolonged treatment. This might seem excessive or overly aggressive to some, but it’s much easier to receive an inadequate amount of treatment for addiction than it is to really put the time into recovery that’s needed to achieve lasting sobriety.
Inpatient treatment is the most intensive, effective form of addiction treatment there is. It separates people from the environments in which they became addicted and lets them focus on healing their minds, bodies, and spirits. After receiving daily treatment for up to three months — or even longer with forms of extended care — patients who complete inpatient programs are encouraged to continue participating in addiction treatment by transitioning into another type of rehabilitation program instead of going home. In particular, graduates of inpatient programs are encouraged to move into a transitional living facility — also known as a halfway house — while completing a form of outpatient care such a partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient program. However, the zero-tolerance policy that many of these transitional facilities have when it comes to breaking their rules puts recovering addicts — particularly those without insurance or other ways of paying for a place to live — at risk of homelessness.
What Is The Purpose Of Transitional Housing?
When most people hear the word “rehab”, they imagine a residential addiction treatment facility where patients remain in residence for the duration of the inpatient treatment program. However, inpatient and residential rehabs aren’t the only facilities that offer some form of treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. In addition to there being countless rehabs that offer outpatient programs exclusively — which means that they wouldn’t have any residential accommodations for patients — there is transitional housing. The most straightforward definition of transitional housing is to call it a residential home for addicts who have completed an inpatient program and who needed a place to live where they would be afforded a transitional period between inpatient rehab and their return home.
If that definition seems a little vague, here’s some more detail: A transitional living facility is a group living home for recovering addicts. Transitional living facilities and halfway houses don’t offer any form of addiction treatment; instead, residentials benefit from having a monitored, stable, alcohol- and drug-free environment in which to live. Additionally, transitional living facilities have a number of rules that residents are expected to follow. For instance, all residents are required to pay rent, contribute to maintaining the home and keeping it clean, and abide by the curfews that are set. If residents don’t keep up with their rent, do their chores, abide by the curfew, pass the regular random drug and alcohol screens, and fulfill any other obligations, they’ll be evicted from the halfway house, leaving them to find their own accommodations.
Sober And Structured Living
There are many benefits to living in a transitional living facility. The main benefit — and the one suggested by the name — is the period of transition that people are afforded when they choose to live in a halfway house before returning home. Rather than going straight home after treatment, transitioning living serves as “practice” for being back at home. Residents of halfway homes take some responsibility for their sobriety while not having to be solely responsible or without any of the daily structure and supervision that characterize being in rehab. Additionally, they’re able to relearn how to be independent, productive adults by helping them to learn how to care for themselves, maintain an organized and clean home, and develop a healthy daily routine that’s free from substance abuse. In effect, transitional housing is like being in rehab, but without any treatments and with a bit more freedom. Again, the name “transitional living” perfectly reflects that halfway houses are the midpoint between inpatient rehab and home.
From A Halfway House To Homelessness
Unfortunately, not everyone who moves into a transitional living facility after their inpatient programs is ready to begin taking responsibility for their sobriety. There have been many people who disregarded curfew rules, got behind on rent, or failed the drug screens and were forced to leave. When someone who’s evicted from a halfway house doesn’t have insurance or a way of paying for some type of residency out of pocket, there’s the possibility of becoming homeless. Unless the person would have family members who could help in such instances, he or she would have very few options beyond trying to find a friend or acquaintance to live with. The worst part of this situation is that going from a halfway house to homeless is 100 percent preventable.
Call Drug Treatment Center Finder Today For A Free Consultation
If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction and would like a free consultation, call Drug Treatment Center Finder at 855-619-9070. We have a team of recovery specialists available at all times, both day and night, who can match you to the rehab that can best address your recovery needs. For more information, to have your questions answered, or for our free recovery planning services, contact Drug Treatment Center Finder today and take the first step toward a new life of happiness, health, and sobriety.