Recovery Residence vs. Halfway House: What You Need to Know| Rehabs.com (2024)

Level 1 recovery residences offer supportive housing in a community-based peer environment. These recovery residences are commonly known as sober homes and are most often found in single-family residences. Oversight of residents is peer-based within the home; residents are self-monitoring and accountable to each other. The primary criterion for this living environment is a willingness to be abstinent from mood-altering substances. Self-help (e.g., 12-step) meetings and outside recovery support services are encouraged or required. Weekly house meetings are a standard component, where chores and overall house functioning are processed within the community.

While there is no paid staff at this level of support, there is often an overseeing operator who facilitates admissions and discharges to the home and is available if there are house issues that cannot be resolved internally. There are no in-house services offered at this level, except the benefit of living in a supportive community.

These peer-run facilities are best utilized by the individual who has physically and psychologically stabilized for a period of time from substance use and would benefit from a sober environment that enables them to implement personal recovery in a safe community. They are appropriate for a more mature individual who has established adult living skills, is able to self-regulate, and is committed to recovery.

This level of support is desirable in that it tends to be cost-contained. Length of stay varies and is open-ended, generally from 90 days to several years.

Level 2 residences are characterized by a community-based environment supervised by a senior resident, house manager, or staff member. This staff member monitors operations and residents and enforces structure that is implemented in the form of house rules or standards. There is an emphasis on community and accountability that manifests in a culture of peer support.

The living environment can be any type of dwelling, but most commonly is a single-family residence with shared bedrooms. Like level 1, this setting often proves to be quite cost-effective; the length of stay varies and is open-ended. At level 2 some degree of ‘programming’ is offered in-house and often in collaboration with outside service providers such as outpatient programs. Support groups may be offered in-house.

The approach for the level 2 residence can best be summarized as a community-based model. This level is appropriate for the individual with some intrinsic motivation who would benefit from a nominal level of structure and support. The model is desirable in that it allows for an increased ability to access services over a longer period of time due to the affordability of the service models.

Level 3 residences are noted for their practical, rehabilitative approach. They provide an increased level of structure and oversight and often utilize a clinical component of some kind, i.e. outpatient or aftercare services from a collaborative entity. This level offers life-skill-oriented programming in-house or in cooperation with other service providers. Guidance is provided for the development of life skills and recovery-sustaining activities, such as employment, physical health, and self-help. Case management and clinical services are contracted in, or accessed in the outside community.

The residence itself can be quite varied, from an individual dwelling to apartments or townhomes, and even large dorm-like structures.

This level is appropriate for the individual who needs a higher degree of structure and support, perhaps coming out of a stabilizing residential treatment center.

This type of recovery residence provides peer-based services plus life skills and clinical programming. It is most often aligned or attached with a licensed treatment provider, and overseen by an appropriately credentialed and qualified management team. This level is characterized by a high degree of daily structure. Licensed and credentialed staff members provide in-house program services.

The residential facility is typically part of the continuum of care for an overseeing rehab institution. All types of residences and occupancy numbers can be found at this level, depending on the program. Average stays vary from several weeks to several months, depending on the acuity of the individual. Emphasis is placed on equipping the individual for the next phase of recovery, be that another residential level, or independent living.

Fees and demographics associated with this residential level vary considerably. This is the only level that managed care insurance will consider reimbursem*nt for at the present time.

This is an appropriate level for the individual that needs a high degree of structure and support – someone new to the recovery process and/or needing life skill development.

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