If you’re considering going to a halfway house in Indiana, you are probably wondering what they are like. Is it like a prison, where you cannot leave? Or is it more a structured environment that helps a recovering addict ease back into a normal, sober life? Halfway houses aren’t prisons. You’re not locked in. You can leave anytime you like, as long as you observe house rules. These will include a strictly enforced curfew. Just because the front door isn’t key-locked at midnight doesn’t mean you can go out and take a stroll. Generally, all requests for excursions outside the facility must be submitted in writing and approved by staff members. Halfway houses in Indiana will indeed allow you to work. In fact, they will insist that you spend your time in some kind of meaningful way. This could be work, school, volunteer activities, working in the house itself or on its grounds or any combination of the above.
What is a Halfway House?
It’s a highly supervised and structured living environment for recovering addicts. They differ from sober living homes in that they generally have fewer amenities, have less of a home-type environment and are far more strict in their policies. For example, in a halfway house, you may live in a dormitory setting with others of your sex. In sober living, it’s more likely to be an apartment shared by two or three same-sex residents. Or you may have your own room in a large house.
Halfway houses tend to be far less expensive than sober living homes. Many are state-subsidized. Some may house parolees. These former inmates have been convicted of only non-violent crimes, such as drug possession or petty theft. They’re no more a danger to you than anyone else. In a halfway house, you can expect regular, random drug testing, curfews, attendance at house meetings and a constant accounting of your whereabouts. While you are out job hunting, for example, you may be required to call in a certain time. Remember that your cell phone can reveal where you are, too. Don’t be in unauthorized locations.
Halfway Houses Require Sobriety
Before you attend a halfway house, though, you need to have some sobriety under your belt. Ideally, you have already attended an outpatient or residential treatment center. The halfway house will act as an extension of what you learned during your time in treatment. You will live with others who are trying to do the same thing you are. Everyone is working on staying sober. It’s a powerfully supportive environment.
If you’re still currently using any substances, including alcohol, then a halfway house isn’t for you. These facilities aren’t intended to handle any kind of detox situation. If you’re currently using alcohol, barbiturates or benzodiazepines, such as Valium-type tranquilizers, then a halfway house is not the place you want to be. Seek detox services first. A detox facility or residential treatment program will see that you are safely withdrawn from these drugs. All three can have life-threatening complications. Never try to stop these drugs on your own. It’s dangerous.
If you’re addicted to opioids, these too will have profound withdrawal symptoms that will be very difficult for you to deal with in a halfway house setting. Halfway house staff people are experienced in the addiction field. They are trained to watch residents closely for signs of drug abuse. They aren’t stupid. Although opioid withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, it’s still obvious that something is wrong. The halfway house will insist that you leave and get detox treatment. Be sure you have at least 30 days of sobriety before even considering a halfway house.
That said, a halfway house is a wonderful place to practice and learn about sober living. You will always have someone to talk to. This will be someone who really understands what you’re going through. You will see residents who were once where you are and who now have good jobs and happy personal lives. You can expect to stay at a halfway house for anywhere from 90 days to a year, depending upon your needs and the policy of the facility.
Working While in an Indiana Halfway House
Working will be highly encouraged by halfway house staff. You can be sure of that. You may be required to pay part of your salary as rent. Staff may ask to see your paycheck before you cash it. They do this to be sure your hours and pay make sense when compared against their records of your daily whereabouts. Sometimes staff may even drop into your place of employment to be sure you are there.
Help with Finding a Halfway House in Indiana
We are professional addiction treatment counselors. We are here 24 hours a day to assist people with all sorts of problems and questions about substance abuse treatment of all types. Just call us at 833-762-3739. We can help you find the right treatment facility or halfway house for you.
