When someone finishes inpatient treatment, decides it's time to make a real change or is transitioning from an institution, one of the biggest questions is: What comes next? For a lot of people in Colorado, that means structured living. In comes, Sober living and Halfway Homes, but those terms get thrown around a lot, and they’re not interchangeable.
They’re both transitional housing options—but they’re not the same. And honestly, figuring out which one fits your needs (or the needs of someone you care about) can feel overwhelming. This guide should help clear things up, especially with a local lens focused on what’s available in Colorado.
Sober living homes are alcohol- and drug-free shared living environments. They’re designed for people who want a clean, stable place to live while working on their recovery. Most don't provide formal treatment—but they do provide structure, accountability, and a built-in peer support system.
These homes typically have house rules: curfews, mandatory house meetings, regular drug and alcohol testing. But they also offer more freedom than an inpatient program. You can usually come and go for work, meetings, or just to live your life—within reason.
Community is the core. Residents lean on each other. Some homes are run by former residents or people in long-term recovery. It’s not therapy, but it can be therapeutic.
In Colorado, sober living homes vary widely—from low-cost group homes to upscale, private-pay options. Some are gender-specific, and a few, like Defy, even allow women to live with their children.
A halfway house, also known as a community corrections facility, often has more ties to the legal system. Many residents are there as a condition of parole, probation, or an early release program. That doesn’t mean all halfway houses are court-ordered—but many are.
Compared to sober living homes, halfway houses are usually more structured. They often have staff on site 24/7. There's monitoring, job placement help, and sometimes counseling services. But there’s also less freedom. Passes might need to be approved. Curfews are tighter. Everything is more official.
In Colorado, halfway houses are part of the state’s community corrections system. You don’t just sign up to live there—you’re usually placed there by the court or a referring agency.
Not sure which way to go? That’s okay. A peer recovery coach can walk with you through this decision. They’re not case managers or therapists—they’re people who’ve been there. Colorado has growing access to peer coaching, especially in areas like Denver and Aurora.
If you want to learn more or get connected to a peer recovery coach in Colorado, you can check out Step One Recovery’s Peer Coaching page.
Not every recovery journey looks the same. And not every housing solution is one-size-fits-all.
Maybe you need a structured reentry program. Maybe you just need a place with good people and clear boundaries. Whether it’s a halfway house or a sober living home, what matters most is that it supports your goals.
Colorado has a wide and growing range of recovery housing options. Take your time. Ask questions. Talk to others who’ve been there. And if you’re not sure where to start, that’s what we’re here for.
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