How to Find a Halfway House

During the course of ongoing treatment for chemical dependency, halfway houses can be the last stop before the alcoholic or recovering addict returns to independent living. Halfway houses are not in every neighborhood and, because they are not a government service, they may not be listed in local directories. But you should be able to find one with a web search and a few phone calls.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Telephone

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your official state website for a listing of state departments, which should include an Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, or something similar. The appropriate state level office may, in turn, have links to county or regional offices or private, nonprofit councils on substance abuse. If not, call the appropriate state agency and ask for help locating halfway houses in your area.

• 2

  Access the website for your county or regional council on alcohol and substance abuse, as specified from the umbrella state organization. The council website should list various resources and include its own phone number for referrals and other services. Contact them with your request. There is no guarantee that they will be linked to every local halfway house, however. According to the National Institute on Chemical Dependency, most halfway houses are not licensed by the state. Owners might choose not to be regulated because they don't want to comply with zoning ordinances and health/health care regulations. If they are not licensed or regulated, they may not be linked to any state or county agency.

• 3

  Search by word of mouth. Members of a local Alcoholics Anonymous group should be aware of at least one halfway house in the area. If no spots are available at that house, ask the owner or manager if they know another place.