What Are the Other Terms Used To Describe A Halfway House

When people consider treatment for substance abuse, one of the many questions that arise is “which kind of facility is right for me?”  Often, you can answer this question by simply setting up an intake appointment with a drug and alcohol counselor or a psychologist.  They will ask you questions regarding your substance abuse, your life, and your concerns and make suggestions based on their analysis.  However, you might want to do your own research as to what is best for you before going into your appointment so that you can ask the appropriate questions.  This way you will understand why your doctor might make certain suggestions, which can help make you more confident that you are receiving the appropriate treatment.  You may want to know the difference between in and outpatient therapy or a halfway house, for instance, because they all seem very similar at first glance.

Before we discuss what are the other terms used to describe a half way house, you should first know the difference between in and outpatient therapy.  Inpatient therapy is so-named because a patient stays “in” the facility where they are receiving treatment.  This can be a hospital or mental health facility, or another center that is prepared to provide this kind of care.  Treatment like this is usually reserved for individuals that have been diagnosed with severe addictions and are at risk for harming themselves or others.  This does not necessarily mean that they are placed in padded rooms, but they are constantly supervised, and their lives are regulated with meals, exercise, activities, and of course sessions with a counselor.

Outpatient therapy, however, belongs to the family of counseling that most people receive, whether for substance abuse treatment or general psychiatric care.  As the name implies, a patient lives “out” of the facility and only reports in for sessions or when requested by the counselor.  They are not deemed as dangerous and generally continue to live their normal lives while getting a little extra help from a counselor or group sessions. 

This is very similar to a halfway house in that you are still able to continue working and living a relatively unrestricted life.  Of course, in a half way house, you still need to follow rules and regulations that are similar to that of an inpatient treatment facility.  You will have a curfew and need to submit to regular drug testing, as well as commit to home care obligations and maintenance.  As the name suggests, this is a transitional living situation from inpatient back to the real world. If you are wondering what are the other terms used to describe a half way house, “transitional living” is one of them.  There is also, “sober house” or “sober living,” as well as “recovery house.”  You may even hear it referred to as a “3/4 house” as opposed to half way, for the simple fact that you are indeed near the completion of your rehabilitation.