When a person finishes a substance use disorder treatment program, they may not have the basic life skills to be ready for independent living.
A transitional living center can help transition people with substance use or mental health disorders back into society after completing a drug rehab program.
These programs typically offer outpatient treatment and case management services so people can continue their recovery while living in a supportive environment with other like-minded peers.
Types Of Transitional Living Programs
A transitional living center (TLC) is an umbrella term for any group home that offers outpatient behavioral health services and other resources for people transitioning back into society.
Sober Homes
Sober homes are a type of community-based transitional housing for people who have recently completed an inpatient addiction treatment program.
These communities provide a safe, supportive environment where people in recovery can continue to receive outpatient behavioral health services while gaining more independence.
Sober-living communities often have more rules in the first month of residency followed by loosened regulations as time progresses.
People can usually stay in sober living residences as long as they want.
Halfway Houses
Halfway houses are often owned or sponsored by the state. They are similar to sober-living residences with some important distinctions.
Residents of halfway houses may be court-mandated to live there and are often transitioning from a correctional facility rather than a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Additionally, residents of halfway houses are not always required to attend 12-step meetings or other addiction recovery programs.
Generally, rules and regulations in halfway houses are far more strict than in a sober home.
Emergency Shelters
An emergency shelter is a place for people to live temporarily because they cannot live in their previous residence. This could be due to substance use, domestic violence, or sexual abuse.
Residents in emergency shelters are assisted through case management services that help them regain their independence through employment and eventual reintegration into society.
Typically, emergency shelters are only intended to be a short-term residential living situation whereas sober homes and halfway houses can allow residents to stay longer.
Benefits Of A Transitional Living Program
There are several benefits to attending a transitional living program after completing drug rehab treatment.
Benefits may include:
- services for young adults
- child care services or youth programs for recovering women with children
- learning money management and budgeting
- educational opportunities such as GED programs or job training
- classes on parenting skills
- onsite licensed and credentialed staff
- ability to continue outpatient treatment for substance use disorders
People in transitional living programs will be subjected to random drug tests and will often be required to attend support groups or individual therapy while living on the premises.
Transitional Living FAQs
The frequently asked questions listed below may help you find a transitional living program for you or your loved one.
How Do I Start A Transitional Housing Program?
Depending on your specific needs, entering a transitional housing program may be as easy as contacting the housing program of your choice.
Sober homes may require residents to complete an inpatient drug treatment program before admittance.
Keep in mind that due to high demand for transitional living, there may be a waiting list.
What Are The Benefits Of Transitional Housing?
People in recovery will benefit from an increased sense of accountability, as well as the opportunity to live alongside peers also recovering from substance abuse.
Communities also benefit from transitional housing programs due to reduced crime rates, as well as creating more productive members of society.
Is Transitional Housing The Same As Emergency Housing?
Emergency housing is a type of transitional living program for people who need to get out of their current living situation due to domestic violence, substance use, or sexual abuse.
Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Call our helpline today for more information on transitional living programs. Our team can answer your questions or provide you or your loved one with a referral for health care advice.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Family and Youth Services Bureau
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/runaway-homeless-youth - National Institute of Health (NIH)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057870/ - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.hhs.gov/programs/index.html
