Sober House:

What is the DIFFERENCE between a Sober house and Halfway House?

The easiest way to describe the difference between a Halfway House and a Sober House is along the lines of the intensity found in each. Traditionally Halfway Houses continue the intensive treatment plan begun in Primary Care, where focusing on the core issues around ones addiction is essential for any long term recovery; core issues such as:

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Elements of Denial

  • Deep-seated feelings of resentment, shame, guilt, etc

  • The start of the family counselling sessions and treatment plan

  • Etc.

On top of continuing to explore and resolve the deep seated core issues around each clients addiction; a halfway house also begins the process of each client establishing a support network outside of a facility; predominantly rooted/based within the 5 pillars of the 12 Step support network:

  • Establishing weekly meeting routines and finding a home group.

  • Finding and building a strong working relationship with a Sponsor

  • Active involvement in elements of service.

  • Continuing t work through all 12 Steps of the written Program.

  • Establishing a working relationship or belief system around a “Higher Power”.

Generally all clients within the Sober House have gainful employment and have established a strong foundation in recovery, the treatment focus is now more on the reintegration elements: 

  • Helping our clients established a healthy and balanced routine between the responsibilities of personal recovery and and the demand from a normal life.

  • Deepening the healing and amends process with family member after the initial counselling session in Secondary Care through family counselling sessions.

  • Teaching our clients the skills necessary for living a life in recovery outside of a facility, namely what it means to take personal responsibility regarding finances, personal accountability, honoring commitments.

  • Clients are now responsible for doing their own laundry as well as learning to prepare their own meals; the facility will provide the groceries needed.

  • Weekly Drug Testing (4/5 per month)

  • Additional Drug Tests (4/5 per month)

  • Relapse Prevention and Formal Reintegration plan with their focal counselor.