Look at the relapse rates for people getting treated for drug or alcohol abuse; you will be shocked to see the high numbers. According to studies, almost 60% of addicts suffer a relapse within a month of walking out of an inpatient rehab facility while nearly 85% relapse in the first year itself.
Why does this happen? The first few weeks following treatment are the hardest because there is no one to monitor the addict 24×7. He is forced back into an environment that continues to be filled with the same temptations as before. It’s his job now to keep himself away from these temptations. However, not everyone is strong enough to keep his emotions and cravings in control.
How can halfway houses help in the recovery of addicts?
Relapse is the biggest threat for addicts undergoing treatment at rehabilitation facilities. To counter this threat, addicts need to realize that the risks for relapse will be high when they have drug or alcohol dependence.
How can they avoid a relapse?
They need to develop coping mechanisms to keep the cravings in check. Once an individual understands relapse risks, he is better equipped to stay sober. To help him achieve this and stay committed to long-term sobriety, a halfway house can help. A halfway house is a transitional living arrangement where an addict can sojourn for a while to get back on his feet.
What things should a halfway house have for you to be convinced that it’s the right place for an addict?
Halfway houses are meant for recovering addicts who cannot stay sober on their own. These facilities provide shelter to them when they walk out of rehab and protect them against temptations while they search for employment and become financially independent.
In that sense, every halfway house must have rules. Without the rules of a halfway house, it cannot achieve its purpose. There are rules for admission and rules for staying. Residents must maintain curfews, refrain from violence or drug abuse, undergo routine drug-screening tests, search for jobs, attend AA meetings, and do household chores to earn their right to reside in these sober living facilities.
Now, the next question is, what should a halfway house in Ohio have that will convince you that it’s the right place for your loved one after rehab? Here is a list of things to check for:
- Solid reputation: You know that rehab is the safest place for an addict but staying here for the long haul isn’t feasible. This is why you need a halfway house. However, not all Ohio halfway houses will deliver what they are expected to. Horror stories are common leading people to mistrust these facilities. It’s important to check their reputation before you finalize one. Shortlist a few halfway homes near you and check if they have a sober and peaceful environment. Unless there are proper rules in place, you cannot trust them. A halfway house is a good fit for you when the house manager makes sure there is no drug or alcohol abuse inside the premises and routine drug tests are conducted.
- Certifications: Any reputed halfway home in Ohio will have a proper license and certificates to operate in that area. While these accreditations are recommended, they are not mandatory for halfway homes to run. This explains why you have halfway homes that continue to be a breeding ground for addicts and wrongdoers. The best way to check for certifications is to reach out to authorities in every state that is in charge of inspecting these facilities.
- Location: You will find halfway homes in different areas, including shady neighborhoods. Simply because a halfway home is in a posh locality doesn’t mean it’s better than others. You have to check if it’s actually safe and clean. The environment should be positive and healthy, encouraging addicts to work hard to stay clean. It should be close to places where AA and NA meetings are held and near offices or factories where addicts can seek employment.
- Structure and accountability: Recovery isn’t about having medicines and abstaining from drugs. It’s a lifelong commitment to sobriety and needs you to make some big lifestyle changes. These have to start in the halfway home itself for you to integrate these into your life completely. Usually, these homes are run by house managers who keep everything in order, implement rules, and make sure everyone follows these. Some have stringent curfew hours that entail punishments when violated; others require addicts to be part of a 12-step Program. These may seem rather unnecessary on the surface but they are absolutely essential for addicts to develop lifelong positive habits. They learn how to work hard to become financially independent. So, if there is no insistence on rules or fear of punishment inside a house, it is not the right place for a recovering addict.
- Cleanliness: You cannot expect an addict to recover when the environment is unclean and filthy. When a community works hard to keep their home clean and livable, it indicates that they are empathetic towards one another. Many halfway houses are unkempt and this makes them an ideal place for wrongdoing and violations. A halfway house that values cleanliness and order will be more supportive of its residents and encourage them to do the right thing.
- Affiliations: It may help to check whether the house is associated with other sober living homes, an inpatient program, or rehab. That offers an advantage because affiliation with these indicates accessibility to more resources. Those facilities that offer discounted rents or let addicts stay for free shouldn’t be trusted. They are at risk of being shut down at any time and they are usually not equipped to take care of addicts who need continuous help and counseling.
- Environment: Check other residents in the house, and observe their attitudes and behaviors. When you notice that they are friendly, hardworking, and courteous, you can expect the same improvements in your loved one. It indicates that there is a structure and discipline inside the house that makes it easier for addicts to stay sober. It also tells you that fellow addicts will probably help your loved one get better by guiding him every step of the way. Take a physical tour of the facility to get first-hand information before you make a final decision.
These are 7 must-haves for a halfway house in Ohio that tell you whether the halfway home is right for you or not. Take time to decide because this decision could make or break your loved one’s life.
