Many people are under the misconception that recovery is a “one-and-done” situation. The reality is that recovery is a lifelong process that takes shape based on the individual. Some of these individuals will go through treatment and exit right back into their daily lives. However, there are others who require a little more assistance after their initial treatment. For these individuals, a halfway house may be an exceptional choice to transition into their everyday lives.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Addiction affects millions of people both in the U.S. and around the world. Unfortunately, many of these people will never receive the critical help that they need. This is especially true for individuals who have co-occurring disorders of addiction and mental health.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Not everyone with co-occurring conditions gets the treatment they need: 52.5% of those with co-occurring conditions received neither mental health care nor substance use treatment. 34.5% of those with co-occurring conditions received mental health care only,” and “3.9% of those with co-occurring conditions received substance use treatment only.” It is also important to understand that addiction is a disease.
Addiction is a chronic disease. Many people are confused in thinking that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. In fact, addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes than it does with a choice. It is also important to understand addiction as a “family disease.” This is because addiction, like a tornado, affects everyone and everything it comes into contact with. However, while the family may be the most affected, they are also the first line of defense when it comes to getting their loved one help. But, they must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Because addiction exists on such a broad spectrum, it can be hard to narrow down an exact set of signs and symptoms. Addiction is not a monolith. However, there are many universal signs and symptoms that one can look for either in oneself or in a loved one. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop using or drinking once started
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or stressed out
- Isolating away from loved ones and close friends
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Experiencing physical aches and pains that are otherwise unexplained
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Expressing that they may be struggling with alcohol or substances
- Depression and other co-occurring issues of mental health
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see (especially with that last symptom of suicide) these are significant signs and symptoms. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
What Is a Halfway House?
A halfway house is similar to what its moniker states – It is a place “halfway” between residential addiction and/or mental health care and independent daily living. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil), “In general, halfway houses are located in close proximity to psychiatric departments or health units for additional support. Approximately 10 to 15 people live in each house. Although initially staffed by volunteers who are, depending on the program, assisted by a professional team of social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and doctors, in the long term, halfway houses aim to be self-managed by residents.”
This “self-management” is a critical component of a halfway house. This is because self-management is critical in building the life skills that individuals leaving treatment either need to learn or need to relearn. This is just one of the benefits of a halfway house.
The Benefits of a Halfway House
There are many benefits of a halfway house. These benefits are gained via independent and group work.
One of the main benefits of a halfway house is that it keeps its residents accountable. It does this in a number of ways. Many halfway houses require alcohol and drug testing to stay at their facility. Other halfway houses require that their residents attend a certain amount of 12-Step meetings every week.
Halfway houses also keep the individual connected to other aspects of their recovery plan. For example, staying in a halfway house may best ensure that an individual stays committed to their therapy sessions.
The Phoenix Difference at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in empowering our clients and their families. This is the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Recovery is only a phone call away. We’ll always be here to answer.
Many people enter a halfway house as part of their recovery. Yet, many people are unsure of what halfway houses entail and the requirements for staying at a halfway house. The reality is that halfway houses can be highly beneficial for individuals who are early in their recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about halfway houses and other means of recovery, please check out our website, or call us today at (801) 438-3185.
