Halfway houses generally require new residents to have completed a rehab program (detox, inpatient, or residential) before living in the house. Conversely, new residents of a sober living home need not be in a formal rehab program before moving in. The two types of recovery houses assessed in this study showed different strengths and weaknesses and served different types of individuals. Communities and addiction treatment systems should therefore carefully assess the types of recovery housing that might be most helpful to their communities.

On the other hand, there are recommendations concerning the minimum amount of time in which you should participate in a transitional living program. Although halfway houses share a lot in common with sober-living homes, there are a few key differences that set them apart. We were founded jointly by Vanderburgh House, an operator of sober houses in Massachusetts, and Vanderburgh Communities, an organization supporting sober living and recovery home operators. If you would like to add a listing to our sober house directory, please let us know. Staying in a sober living home for a few months or a year does not imply that you have failed or that you are any less capable than those who have gone before you. Addiction rehabilitation is a highly personalized process, and each person’s path is a unique experience that must be experienced in their own time.

Sober Living Houses vs. Halfway Houses

Primary outcomes consisted or self report measures of alcohol and drug use. Secondary outcomes included measures of legal, employment, medical, psychiatric and family problems. Some measures assessed the entire 6 months between data collection time points. Others, such as the Addiction Severity Index, assessed shorter time periods of 30 days or less. Halfway houses are similar to sober living homes, but halfway houses are generally more strict.

Vanderburgh House, a supporter of Sober House Directory, builds sober home communities where residents are supported in their recovery journeys. Vanderburgh House sees a world where every person in recovery has access to a supportive, healthy, and safe home environment built on respect, focused on recovery, and lead by peers. Residents live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse. These homes allow for independence while guided by a set of recovery-focused house rules, standards, and expectations.

How Long Can You Stay in a Sober-Living House?

Studies show that a minimum of 3 months tends to work best for most individuals. They both present alcohol- and drug-free living conditions for those who are struggling with addiction. The cardinal rule in all sober living homes is that residents must remain clean and sober. In some instances, the residents can’t even cook with certain ingredients, such as vanilla, or use specific kinds of mouthwash.

Nevertheless, most homes register with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Another key difference between sober living homes and halfway houses is the level of support and services offered. While both types of residential environments may offer access to counseling sober house and support groups, halfway houses may offer more intensive therapy and medical services to address specific mental health needs. Many individuals attempting to abstain from alcohol and drugs do not have access to appropriate housing that supports sustained recovery.