The period directly after leaving an inpatient treatment center can be dangerous, because if a recovering addict goes back to previous living spaces and is surrounded by friends and family, it’s easy to slide back into addictive behaviors.
This is not a failing on the addict’s part or the inpatient treatment center; rather, the transition out of inpatient treatment and back to “normal” life can be very difficult for former addicts. This is why halfway houses exist.
A halfway house is designed specifically for former addicts who have left inpatient treatment centers. They are sober environments, but have less direct supervision than an inpatient clinic, and are often less expensive. Halfway houses aim to give recovering addicts a safe and sober environment to live in with a built-in support system, while also allowing them to seek employment and begin to reintegrate into general society again.
Many people mistakenly believe recovering addicts in a halfway house are “doing nothing,” but this is far from the truth. Halfway houses offer the following:
- Adjusting to decision-making. At an inpatient treatment center, the patient has very few liberties, but also has few choices to make. One of the “emotional triggers” that often cause addicts to relapse is stress. A halfway house allows the patient to “ease” back into normal society rather than experiencing shock when having to manage life again.
- A new environment to live in. Even with the support of loving family and friends, it can be difficult for addicts to remain in recovery if they can walk down the street and purchase drugs. Likewise, the staff and residents at the halfway house can help find safe housing and give advice on areas to avoid and things to look out for.
- A chance to rebuild relationships. Addiction doesn’t just hurt the addict; it also hurts loved ones who had to manage the addict’s actions. In some cases, it can be extremely painful for the family and cause distance. Living at a halfway house provides a neutral and safe place for the addict to live, and also provides loved ones with space. This can be crucial for rebuilding broken relationships.
Recovering addicts who spend time in halfway houses experience a lower rate of relapse. There are many different halfway houses to choose from, some of which are publically funded, and others are privately funded. Some halfway houses adhere to 12 step programs, while others do not. Some are religious and others are secular. With the search function at Drug Treatment Center Finder, we can help you explore the options.
