After residential treatment — especially for substance use addiction (SUD), mental health disorders, or those with dual diagnoses — many individuals return to environments with high relapse risks. Family and friends may unintentionally expose them to drugs and alcohol, work stress can escalate, and isolation may start to feel like an option. 

Sober living facilities are vital stepping stones for individuals in recovery from substance use or those who have completed residential treatment. Two standard options include Oxford Houses and halfway houses, each offering unique benefits and structures. In this article, we explore the characteristics of each to help determine which is best for specific recovery needs and goals.

What Are Sober Living Facilities?

Sober living facilities provide transitional housing in a safe environment that reinforces sobriety through routine and provides peer support and accountability. They bridge the gap between treatment and independence by gradually easing residents into their communities.¹

Sober living is not just about having a place to stay — it is about adopting a lifestyle of healthy behaviors. In the early stages of recovery, a safe, supportive space free of triggers is essential for establishing a lasting, sober lifestyle. 

An American Journal of Public Health study² compared individuals who lived in a sober living home to those who only received outpatient treatment or attended self-help groups. After two years, those who resided in a sober living home:

• Were less likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs
• Made a higher average income
• Were less likely to be incarcerated

Oxford Houses and halfway houses play a significant role in helping individuals learn and practice recovery skills, manage stressors, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They are both committed to promoting a sober, structured lifestyle. However, they vary in several ways, including cost, structure, and length of stay.

What is an Oxford House?

Oxford Houses provide a peer-run, democratically organized living environment fostering independence and community-driven support. Residents, not staff, manage Oxford Houses, making them self-governed rather than supervised.

Inside Oxford House living

Oxford Houses are self-managed communities where residents handle all house operations, including finances, schedules, and daily responsibilities. New members are welcomed after an interview, requiring at least 80% approval from current residents. This structure fosters a close-knit environment of independence and accountability, with members jointly setting house rules, managing activities, and electing leaders, creating a shared sense of ownership and responsibility.¹

While Oxford Houses do not provide in-house treatment or require a specific recovery path, many residents participate in 12-step meetings. The housing — which typically accommodates 8 to 15 same-gender occupants — have no maximum length of stay, provided residents follow three basic rules: maintain sobriety, avoid disruptive behavior, and contribute to rent and house upkeep.³ This democratic, self-sustaining model empowers residents to build confidence and maintain a sober, supportive living environment.

Ideal candidates for Oxford Housing

Oxford Houses work well for recovering individuals who have completed residential treatment, have achieved initial sobriety, and are ready for a more independent, self-regulated environment. They are a good fit for those who want a strong support network without the more structured oversight of halfway houses. 

The flexibility of Oxford House residency can be particularly appealing to those unsure of their recovery timeline. With no enforced end date, residents can take the time they need to feel fully prepared to reintegrate into independent living. This approach helps reduce relapse risk, as members can gradually transition with support from others on similar journeys.

What is a Halfway House?

Halfway houses — sometimes called “recovery residences” — are structured environments that bridge the gap between treatment and complete independence. They are typically managed by staff and often have specific residency requirements.

Aspects of halfway house living

Halfway houses provide supervised living environments with established rules, including curfews and mandatory house meetings. Residents often must engage in community service, attend 12-step meetings, or continue therapy, typically transitioning from residential treatment centers or inpatient programs.

While most halfway houses require clean breathalyzers and drug tests, specific rules — such as curfew times and testing frequency — can vary by facility. Prospective residents should verify any additional requirements directly with the halfway house.

General eligibility criteria for admission to halfway houses include:

• Completion of an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program
• Ability to maintain personal hygiene and meet basic needs
• Clear drug and alcohol tests showing no recent substance use

Staff members at halfway houses often consist of trained professionals who provide immediate support during crises. They facilitate group sessions, maintain structured schedules, and assist residents with finding employment, achieving financial independence, and rebuilding personal relationships. This supportive environment is crucial in helping residents avoid relapse triggers and establish stability.⁴

Who benefits from halfway housing?

Halfway houses are ideal for individuals who need structured support in early recovery, particularly those transitioning from treatment centers, incarceration, or facing challenging life circumstances. With regular oversight and accountability, halfway houses help residents build life skills, access reintegration resources, and establish routines that support long-term recovery.

Halfway houses often require residents to pay rent, which may be subsidized by government programs or insurance. They typically include rules around curfews, sobriety, and sometimes employment, promoting responsibility and self-sufficiency. The resident’s support team generally determines the length of stay, which ranges from a few months to a year.

Key Differences in Support and Structure

Choosing the right healing environment can substantially impact an individual’s recovery journey. Understanding the unique aspects of Oxford Houses and halfway houses is essential in determining the most supportive fit. 

Less structured than halfway houses, Oxford Houses provide an empowering sober living model that allows individuals to practice independence with communal support. Halfway houses offer a structured, supervised environment that is often government-regulated, ensuring a specific level of support and accountability for residents.

While both halfway and Oxford houses are committed to sober living, there are key differences:

• Structure and management – Oxford Houses are democratically self-run, whereas halfway houses have staff oversight.
• Cost – Oxford Houses distribute expenses among residents, while halfway houses may have higher fees due to staffing.
• Length of stay – Oxford Houses offer open-ended residency, while halfway house stays are usually temporary and often limited to a set period.
• Level of independence – Oxford Houses foster higher self-sufficiency, making them ideal for those ready for less supervision. At the same time, halfway houses provide a structured environment beneficial for those new to sobriety.

Finding the Right Sober Living Environment for Your Recovery

Choosing between a halfway house and an Oxford House depends on individual recovery goals, lifestyle preferences, and the level of support needed. For those seeking a structured, supervised environment, a halfway house may offer the best foundation for a stable recovery. Oxford Houses, however, are ideal for those ready to manage their sobriety with greater autonomy.

STR Behavioral Health offers guidance and support if you or a loved one are exploring sober living options. Reach out to our admissions team to learn more about our comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services, and let us help you find the right path to lasting recovery.

Resources

¹ Elkins, MA, C. (2021, October 27). Sober Living Homes & Oxford Houses. Drug Rehab.
² Jason, L. A., Olson, B. D., Ferrari, J. R., & Lo Sasso, A. T. (2006). Communal Housing Settings Enhance Substance Abuse Recovery. American Journal of Public Health, 96(10), 1727–1729. 
³ Jason, L. A., & Ferrari, J. R. (2010). Oxford house recovery homes: Characteristics and effectiveness. Psychological Services, 7(2), 92–102. ⁴Halfway Houses – Government-Funded Transitional Housing. (2024, June 3). Addiction Help.