You may have heard of ‘halfway house’ that refers to a facility housed by people who are struggling with addiction. It is known that a ‘halfway house’ is also known as ‘sober homes’ or ‘recovery houses’ that provide structures and support for individuals in early recovery.
If someone is struggling with addiction, of course, a halfway house is such a perfect option for them for early recovery. In addition to serving as a residence, a halfway house also has some purposes. To know what a halfway house is used for, you can dive into our post to find out the information. Let’s check it out!
What Is the Purpose of a Halfway House?
The main purpose of a halfway house is to help someone transition from prison or jail to re-enter their society. A halfway house actually provides temporary housing and support services. This house, moreover, provides a safe and supportive environment for residents to live and heal together.
In addition to serving as a residence, a halfway house also provides psychiatric, social, educational, medical and other similar services. The term ‘halfway house’ is due to their being halfway between completely independent living and in-patient or carceral facilities in which residents are extremely restricted in their freedoms and behaviour.
Even though the residents of a halfway house are still inmates of the state, they have been afforded a chance to benefit from the supervision and transitional service that halfway houses offer. It is known that some halfway houses are operated by the government, but many others are supervised by private companies or nonprofit organizations.
Moreover, a halfway house is intended to provide a structured environment in which inmates can return to work and boost the skills that they will need to transition back into the community.
When an incarcerated individual is released to a community halfway house, they should get permission to leave the premises. Aside from that, they’re also subject to a curfew and may not use alcohol or drugs.
Aside from participating in various transitional and educational programs, every inmate is expected to look for employment. Any inmate who fails to observe the halfway house rules or also participates in the required program may be discharged and returned to jail or prison.
How Does a Halfway House Work?
It is known that a halfway house is a facility where people can live while transitioning from one stage of their lives to another. We take an example, someone may stay in a halfway house after being released from prison or treatment for addiction. Well, a halfway house offers a peace providing structure and support to help residents transition to a new life and remain sober.
In fact, a lot of sober homes in Austin, Texas, provide different services to the community. Some of these focus on helping people with substance abuse disorders, while others focus on helping people with mental health issues. The staff at each halfway house has been trained to help residents achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Furthermore, a halfway house can be a precious resource for people who are trying to make positive changes in their lives. It would be important to do your research and find the right fit for you if you also have a plan to stay in a halfway house. Better for you to ask questions and get to know the staff before committing.
What Are the Benefits of a Halfway House?
A halfway house is a great alternative for treatment for someone who is battling addiction. A halfway house also provides residents support and guidance from staff members committed to helping them succeed in recovery.
Here are benefits of a halfway for residents who are living in this house:
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- Many residents of a halfway house frequently report feeling happier and more mentally stable than when using alcohol and drugs. It happens due to the structure and support that sober living homes provide.
- Addiction, of course, can take a toll on your body, but peace can really help improve your physical health. The halfway house residents often report feeling healthier and more physically fit than when using alcohol or drugs.
- One of the most common complaints from people with addiction is that their relationships have suffered. Certainly, a halfway house can really help residents repair damaged relationships and build new, healthy ones.
- A lot of halfway houses provide programs and services which help residents develop life skills such as financial planning, anger management and job readiness. Of course, those skills can really help residents establish a foundation for a successful life in recovery.
That’s why a halfway house is the perfect choice for those who are struggling with addiction, since this house offers residents a lot of benefits including improved physical and mental health and stronger relationships.
What Are Programs and Services Offers by Halfway Houses?
In fact, almost every community reentry center provides employment programs and substance abuse services. A lot of halfway houses actually provide one of the following programs and services:
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- Educational services
- Group therapy
- Financial counseling
- Life and parenting skills training
- Anger management classes
- Behavior medication classes
- Spiritual programs
- Sex offender programs
- Domestic violence classes
Even though an inmate will commonly spend between one and six months as the resident of a halfway house, not every inmate will be eligible for participation in a reentry program. Of course, residents of halfway houses would be required to pay roughly 25% of their income to the halfway house, aside from paying for health insurance coverage and medical care, except for drug and alcohol treatment.
What Can You Bring to a Halfway House?
Of course, you can bring most of your personal needs, but there are some items that would be prohibited in a halfway house, such as weapons, drugs and alcohol. Here are a few things you can bring to a halfway house:
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- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket)
- Clothing (enough for a week)
- Medications (if you have any prescription drugs)
- Any other personal items that you will feel comfortable with (favorite book, photo of family/loved ones, etc.)
- Any necessary documents, such as your Social Security card, your ID, etc.
We think those items will make your stay more comfortable and help you feel at home.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
