Options for Housing When You’re Coming Out of Addiction Treatment

There are many difficult experiences that a person might have when they are finished with addiction treatment. It’s common for many people to be in the challenging experience of having to find a place to live, secure a source of income, and establish a new way of life. In fact, perhaps the two most pressing issues are income and housing. The following is a list of common options that many recovering addicts explore for housing after treatment. 

Reside at a sober living home. This is a smart way to stay sober after treatment. Although some people might want to get back to their lives as it was before treatment, doing so may put them in danger of relapse. Being around familiar people and places too quickly after treatment can trigger memories and desires to use. However, a sober living home serves as a bridge between addiction treatment and you’re old life. Typically, a sober living home has rules to help keep residents sober and safe. And they often require residents to attend 12-step meetings or other support groups. Furthermore, rent is often less expensive than if you were living on your own. 

Live with friends or family. If you can’t afford a sober living home, you may have the option of living with friends or family. This might be a good choice for those who do not have yet have a form of income. However, there are risks that come with living with those you know. You might jeopardize your friendships or relationships if something goes wrong or if you relapse. You might also put yourself in danger of relapse if you choose to live with anyone who may still be using. And lastly, you might put yourself in danger if you don’t continue to stay connected to a sober community. 

Secure section 8 housing. This housing option is subsidized by the county or state you live in, making rent significantly less. However, this might be a long shot for many people because in most counties, section 8 housing has a long waiting list – up to 7 to 8 years. So you would have had to put your name on the list long before you went to addiction treatment. Also, most people who are struggling with addiction and/or who are homeless don’t think to put themselves on this list. Or they may not know about it.  You may want to get mental health services from the county, including getting your name on the wait list for section 8 housing. You never know if you’ll need it in the future. 

Live at a transitional living home for mental illness and/or addiction. Like sober living homes, there are also transitional homes for those with mental illness. If you have a dual diagnosis (those who have an addiction and a mental illness) this might be a good fit. This type of housing option is transitional meaning that you’d be able to stay there for up to 6 months to one year. This may give you enough time to look for a job, recover, and establish a new way of life. 

 

These are some housing options to consider if you’re leaving addiction treatment within the next few months or sooner. If you have questions about these, contact your mental health provider or case manager for more information.