“Recovery housing” is often used as a catch-all term—but not all housing is the same, and not all programs provide the same level of structure.
Recovery housing (recovery residences)
Recovery housing generally refers to alcohol- and illicit-substance-free living environments that support people in recovery, with different levels of structure and support. NARR’s standards define a spectrum and organize recovery residences into Levels I–IV.
Sober living
“Sober living” commonly refers to Level II (Monitored) homes—structured rules and peer accountability, often with a house manager.
People also use “sober living” to describe other levels, which is why the level-of-support framework helps.
Halfway houses
“Halfway house” can mean different things depending on the state or system:
Sometimes transitional housing connected to re-entry/probation/parole
Sometimes tied to a specific program model
Because definitions vary, RecoveryHRE focuses on clear labels, verified details when possible, and state-by-state organization.
Treatment (inpatient/outpatient)
Treatment usually refers to clinical services (medical, counseling, structured programming). Recovery housing can complement treatment—but recovery itself is broader than a single program. SAMHSA describes recovery as a “process of change” involving improved health and wellness and living a self-directed life.
How to use Recovery Resource Alliance the right way
If you’re a resident/family: start with your state page and look for the support level and clear house expectations
If you’re a professional: use state hubs for referral options and support services
If you’re an operator: submit accurate info and update it—this is how the directory stays trustworthy
Next step: Use Browse by State and search by what you need: Housing, Services, Family Support, or Professional Resources.