So, you’ve decided to join a women’s halfway house. Congratulations on taking that important first step. But before you pack your bags, you should know a few things to prepare yourself for this transition.
Living in a halfway house will be an adjustment. You’ll have to get used to living with others, following strict rules, and giving up some freedoms. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
If you go in with realistic expectations about what life there will be like, you’ll have a much better chance of success. Here are the top things you must remember before joining a women’s halfway house.
What Is a Women’s Halfway House?
A halfway house is a place for women in recovery to live after finishing an addiction treatment program. It offers a supportive environment to continue your progress before fully reentering everyday life.
Staying at a halfway house usually lasts 3 to 12 months. You’ll live with other women committed to sobriety and be required to follow certain rules to maintain your recovery. This includes curfews, chores, and mandatory in-house and outside meetings or counseling attendance.
While the rules and schedule may seem strict, a halfway house provides much-needed structure and accountability during this transitional time. If you need additional support, you’ll have round-the-clock access to staff and counselors.
How Much Does a Halfway House Cost?
The cost of a halfway house can vary depending on several factors, but you can typically expect to pay between $400 to $800 per month.
Some ways to help cover the cost include:
- Insurance. Some halfway houses accept insurance, but check with your insurance provider to see how much they’ll cover and if there are any co-pays. It’s best to contact them directly to find out.
- Scholarships and grants. Some programs offer financial assistance for people in recovery. Do some research to find the ones you may be eligible for.
- Personal savings. If you have a savings fund, you can use money from that to pay for your stay. Make a budget to determine how much you can afford.
- Loans or credit cards. You can take out a personal loan or use a credit card to cover the costs as a last resort. But be very careful, as this can lead to debt if not paid off quickly.
- Borrowing money. Ask close family or friends if they can lend you money to pay for the sober living facility. Come up with a payment plan to pay them back over time with interest.
What to Expect in a Halfway House
Living in a halfway house means gaining more freedom and responsibility while still receiving support for your recovery. You’ll have to follow certain rules to stay in the program but also have opportunities for work, education, and socializing.
A halfway house provides structure through a routine and schedule. You’ll have chores, curfews, and mandatory meetings to attend. However, the rules are less strict than in an inpatient rehab center. You may be allowed to leave for work or school and have more free time in the evenings and weekends.
The staff will monitor and hold you accountable, but you’ll also learn skills to better hold yourself accountable. You’ll be surrounded by others in recovery, which provides fellowship and peer support. Make the most of this opportunity by building new friendships and learning from the experiences of others.
The Benefits of Staying in a Women’s Halfway House
Staying in a women’s halfway house offers several benefits to help you maintain your sobriety.
- A Supportive Environment: Living with other women in recovery provides a strong support system. You can bond over shared experiences and help each other avoid relapse.
- Focus on Life Skills: Halfway houses provide structured programs to help build essential life skills for independent living. This includes managing finances, job hunting, healthy relationships, nutrition, and general wellness.
- Addiction Treatment: Most halfway houses offer access to ongoing addiction treatment like counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if needed.
- Safe Housing: Halfway houses provide temporary sober housing so you have a stable place to live during your recovery. Not having to worry about housing or living in an environment with drugs and alcohol allows you to focus fully on your sobriety.
- Relapse Prevention: Staff at halfway houses are trained to recognize the signs of relapse and help residents avoid triggers. They provide education on relapse prevention and help create safety plans for coping with cravings or high-risk situations.
You Deserve a Second Chance, And We are Here to Help
Halfway houses provide temporary housing for those in recovery transitioning back into independent living. At Riviera Recovery, we aim to give women the tools and confidence to maintain sobriety and improve their mental health long-term.
Living with other women in recovery provides a sense of comfort and understanding. The bonds formed often last well after leaving our care. We provide a structured environment for improving mental health and learning new coping strategies.
Though the road ahead won’t be easy, we are here to walk it with you – every step of the way. You have so much potential, and there are brighter days ahead! Call us today at 855-207-9708 to start your journey to a happy, healthy new beginning. The life you deserve is waiting.
