How Long Can You Stay In Housing Provided By an Outpatient Rehab Program?

A big advantage for many people who choose outpatient rehab is the fact they can still live at home, but for some people, they need a more structured environment. Many intensive outpatient programs (IOP) offer sober housing for drug recovery to people currently undergoing a treatment program.

Sober living homes, sometimes referred to as transitional homes, offer a safe space for rehab patients to live and fully commit themselves to their recovery. Some people may live in a household with drug abusers or currently not have a fixed residence. The housing assistance offered by outpatient rehabs can ensure people are able to keep up with therapy and get the most out of their program.

Do all outpatient rehabs have housing options?

No. While many facilities do offer housing assistance, residential treatment isn’t included by default in many outpatient programs. Sober living homes aren’t designed to be long-term homes. Instead, they are short-term living arrangements that help patients prioritize their treatment and gather support from other people currently in rehab.

Peers in sober living homes are able to help one another stay on track and offer support while relearning the basics of everyday life without drugs or alcohol.

Some people in sober living homes have already completed residential therapy and are there to focus on rebuilding important skills before they transition back into society. Others are currently enrolled in an intensive outpatient program.

How long can you stay at a sober living home?

There’s no definitive limit on how long you can stay in a transitional residence, but expect to have housing for at least the entire duration of treatment. Most IOPs are 90 days, but the <i>Journal of Psychoactive Drugs</i> reports that the average stay at a sober living home ranges from 166 to 254 days.

Those who suffer from mental illness, medical conditions or those who have already been through rehab in the past are the best candidates for long-term stays at sober living homes. Your outpatient rehab therapists will coordinate your living arrangements and help you make the best decisions regarding your treatment and discharge.

In some cases, you may be allowed to stay at the sober living home for an extended period of time after your treatment is complete. The final decision will come down to how much progress you’ve made, your confidence in your ability to reintegrate and the outpatient staff’s opinion.

Learn More About Living Sober

We can help you find the right rehab for you. Whether you need a residential program, transitional facility or outpatient treatment, our on-call operators are available year-round, 24/7 to assist you. Start getting the help you deserve today by calling 833-846-5669.