Halfway houses are in plenty; but you mustn’t jump to the first option that comes your way. Do some research and compare before you finalize a house because not all houses are the same. You must choose a house that suits your recovery needs. 

Following are the things to consider while choosing a house:

1. Round-the-clock sobriety rule

Although a halfway house is supposed to be strict in its 24×7 sobriety rule, you will be surprised to know that not all houses are 100% drug and alcohol free. A few houses are not as strict as they should be. As a result, inmates end up taking drugs and alcohol. It is difficult for a freshly recovered addict to achieve his/her long-term sobriety goals in such an environment. 

Please stay away from such a house. Some people may find it tempting to enroll for a house that doesn’t take its rules seriously; but at the end of the day, you are going to lose. This is because the secret to most houses’ success lies in their zero-tolerance policy in rules and routine. 

So, the first thing to lookout for in a house is whether they carry out random drug and alcohol tests to catch people breaking the 24×7 sobriety rule. A good house will immediately evict an inmate who fails in the test even once. That’s how strict reputable houses are. It is these houses that boast of most long-term recoveries. 

2. Cost

Cost of living in a sober facility varies, depending on how sophisticated the facility is. It can range anything from $100 to $2000 or above per month. Houses with basic amenities usually cost an average of $400-$800 per month. Location also matters. But worry not. Scholarships, insurance, grants, and bank loans are available to help people complete their recovery in a house. Certain houses also accept credit cards. Some may offer financing to help people in their transitional phase of life. 

Some facilities mandate inmates find employment during their stay. In this case, you can pay for the stay from your salary. 

3. Safety

Make sure the house you choose is safe to live. You may visit the house once and feel the vibes there. The place should make you feel comfortable and livable. Watch the inmates. Do they appear relaxed and peaceful or stressed out and worried? 

A house cannot be a home, but it should provide the comfort and safety of a home. Only then can you recover completely, lest the place may trigger emotional troubles that can make it hard for you to stay sober. 

4. Cleanliness 

You can’t stay ‘clean’ in a dirty environment, eh? A good halfway house in New York is clean and hygienic and offers a homely ambiance. The only difference between such a house and a home is that you cannot break even a single rule in the house!

A house that is particular about cleanliness also insists its inmates practice good personal hygiene. You don’t want to live in a messy place with ill-groomed people, do you? 

5. Chore management 

Some houses expect the residents to do the cooking and the cleaning, while others have staff to do the work. Here, the choice is yours. You may choose a house depending on how comfortable you are doing the chores. 

6. Availability of staff

Not all sober facilities have round-the-clock staff. However, it is better to have a few staff members always in the house and not leave the inmates all by themselves. Also, make sure the house has therapists and other experts that are important in recovery. You need their constant support and guidance during this time. People with certain medical conditions might want to ensure the house they choose has a doctor. 

Also, there should be somebody around the house to check whether the residents follow the rules of a halfway house.

A house with its inmates living all by themselves most of the time is not worth it. 

7. License

Many houses are run by the government, while others are privately operated. State laws have provisions to ensure that sober facilities are regulated. However, certification is not mandatory for a house. Yet, institutions such as the Florida Association of Recovery Residences and others ensure that the houses run properly. 

8. Location 

It is good to stay near your home so that your friends and family can provide support during your crucial recovery phase. However, this isn’t a rule. Some people may rather stay far away from their home environment. So it’s your choice. You can find a house near you on the Halfway House Directory. 

However, do not only go by the location. It may be possible that a house nearby lacks some of the above discussed features. Then it’s not worth it despite the house being near to your home. It is better to live in a far off facility, which has all the rules and regulations in place. 

9. Sessions and recovery programs 

Make sure the house you choose conducts meetings, therapy sessions, counseling, educational classes, and so on. If not all, at least the house must have a few sessions that help an individual recover mentally and physically. Some houses also feature music therapy, recreation sessions, and so on. 

10. Food 

Houses in New York serve nutritional meals to the inmates. It is important to take care of physical health and correct nutritional deficiencies that often happen during addiction. Reputable houses serve meals at fixed timings and ensure inmates eat healthy. 

Conclusion:

Do not choose a house in a hurry. If possible, visit the house in person to get the vibes of the place and to check in on how the inmates are. The way they appear and behave can tell a lot about how the environment inside the house is. 

You are about to lay the foundation for a new life. Make sure you are at the right place to do this because the repercussions may linger on for life. 

To find the best house, why not visit www.halfwayhousedirectory.com for more information? 

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HAC Aldine – Home Access Center Complete Guide

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