Once rehab and treatment have been completed, some would argue that’s when the real work begins for those in recovery. Especially for those who went to inpatient treatment. Post-treatment will be the first time that they are out on their own as sober individuals. That can be a scary and overwhelming time for even the strongest of people mentally.
Some people are lucky enough to leave treatment and return home to a welcoming and supporting environment where they will have the love and support of family members, friends, and loved ones. Not everyone is that fortunate though. Unfortunately, some people leave treatment and have nowhere to go. For others, their only real option is in an environment that is not conducive to their newly sober lives. For people in these situations, transitional living homes are great places for them to go while they start to build their new, sober lives. At Tulua Health, we are proud to offer both those who have recently finished treatment with us as well as others, the option to live in our transitional living homes after they complete treatment.
What Is A Transitional Living Home?
Treatment facilities and rehab centers are highly monitored and structured settings. In an inpatient facility, the majority of the day is scheduled with various therapies and other events. Everything is tracked and scheduled down to the minute including even mealtimes. It is this heavily structured environment that helps those in treatment begin on their path to recovery. For some, after treatment is completed they might feel as though they still need some of that structure in their lives. This is especially true as they transition into sobriety and continue to learn to live their lives as newly sober individuals.
This is where a transitional living home comes in. Transitional living homes offer some of the same structure and monitoring that one would find in a treatment center. They also allow the freedom to come and go as you please, get a job, and focus on getting back to your daily life.
Contact UsWhat Kind of Structure Do Transitional Living Homes Have?
Transitional living homes aren’t as structurally rigorous as treatment facilities or rehab centers. Still, there are on the side of the resident and rules that have to be followed in order to continue living in them. Transitional living homes are designed to be safe spaces. Depending on the home, transitional living homes can also operate as group homes with multiple people living there at a given time.
Each transitional living home is different and enforces its own set of rules. There are certain rules that are universal when it comes to what is expected of those who chose to live in transitional living homes. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these “house rules” before moving in. That way you know what is expected of you when living in the home.
Some universal transitional living “house rules” include:
- Paying all your house bills on time (ie rent, utilities, etc)
- Submit to regular drug and alcohol screening
- Zero tolerance policy for any drug or alcohol use or possession
- Perform all assigned chores on time
- Participate in scheduled house events including meetings
- Attend support group meetings such as AA or other 12-step meetings
- Seek out and retain employment
- Obey any and all curfews
- Follow all rules involving visitors (if visitors are allowed)
- Respect all housemates and staff
- Honor and respect others’ property
- No fraternizing with staff
Certain rules may come with a warning or a strike policy. Other rules, such as a failed alcohol or drug screening, theft, and physical altercations are typically grounds for immediate eviction from the property.
At Tulua Health we go over all rules and expectations before anyone can begin living in our transitional living homes. We want everyone to have a pleasant and safe experience at our facility. We also want everyone to continue on their road to recovery.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Living in a Transitional Living Home?
As we have touched on above, transitional living homes are safe environments. Everyone living in transitional living homes share the common goal of wanting to remain sober as they work on starting their lives over again as newly single people. Transitional living is ideal for those who either don’t have anywhere to go once done with treatment, don’t have a supportive environment to return to, or could benefit from the structure and community environment that transitional living homes tend to provide. Let’s take a look at some of the other key benefits of transitional living homes.
A Sense of Community
Addiction tends to damage relationships and makes the person suffering feel very isolated. It’s that feeling of isolation that might have even led to someone going to rehab and getting help. In fact, it is one of the many reasons why group therapy is such an integral part of treatment.
Many sober living homes put a limit on the number of people who are able to live there at a given time. Such limitations allow transitional living residents to form close bonds and feel a real sense of community.
Stability and Support
The ultimate goal of a transitional living home is to provide a safe space for those who are new to recovery to remain clean and sober while they get their lives back off the ground. The zero-tolerance policies when it comes to drug or alcohol use or possession, coupled with many other “house rules” that a transitional living home might employ provide that safe space. It does so while minimizing the chances that someone might relapse while living in the home.
Most people who go to transitional living homes do so because they either don’t have stable homes to return to or don’t have homes to return to at all. Thus, they are in need of the stability, support, and structure that one would get from a transitional living home.
Continued Treatment and Resources
One of the universal “house rules” of a transitional living home is that everyone living there must continue attending some sort of support group or 12-step meetings, such as AA or NA. This is done because those who regularly attend these types of meetings are significantly less likely to relapse. Plus, living in an environment where everyone who is living there has the same shared goal of remaining clean and sober and attending meetings and support groups incentives each individual to stick with the plan.
The Ability To Start A New Life The Right Way
Recovery and sobriety are lifelong things. Sobriety doesn’t happen overnight and neither does learning how to navigate life as a sober person. While each transitional living home differs, for the most part as long as you are not breaking any of the “house rules” you can stay in one as long as you need while you get your life going again. This can take a lot of the pressure off of transitional living home residents. As it allows them to focus on their sobriety.
It also allows transitional living home residents the opportunity to re-enter society. This could mean looking for a new job or returning to a current job now that they have finished treatment. Not having to worry about where you are going to live is one less thing to stress about in a time where stress can increase the chances of a relapse.
How Much Does It Cost To Live In A Transitional Living Home?
The cost of living in a transitional living home varies from home to home, with the operator of the home setting the prices. These prices are negotiated and agreed upon prior to move-in. In addition to the base rent, those living in transitional living homes are also typically responsible for the following expenses:
- Utilities
- Food
- Maintenance
- General living expenses
Unfortunately, very few insurance companies cover the cost of living in transitional living homes in full. That being said, your insurance company may cover certain costs or expenses. At Tulua Health, we provide transitional living for a base rent fee of $1500.
We here at Tulua Health also offer a sliding scale based on your situation. Therefore, we will work with you to make sure you get the help that you need at a price you can afford. We are also proud to accept most major healthcare and insurance providers. Click here to learn more about the insurance providers that we work with.
Want To Know More About Transitional Living Homes in California?
At Tulua Health, we understand that treatment and rehab are just the beginning. That’s why, in addition to our inpatient and outpatient treatment services, we also offer transitional living. It’s for those who have completed treatment and feel that a transitional living home is the best next step for them. Our transitional living homes are co-ed and staffed 24/7 to help with you and your needs. For more information about our treatment programs and our transitional living homes, contact us today.
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