Transitional Living In Long-Term Addiction Recovery

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.

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.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff