Do recovery houses (halfway houses) work?
Our son, 18, is nearing the end of his 30 days at rehab for substance abuse (marijuana). All the information we are reading & receiving from his counselors say a half-way house is best for him. A 90 day program that will monitor him and also help him care for himself, get a job and learn to live life sober & responsibly.
He is nervous / scared to go to the halfway house. He is hearing "talk" from some of the people who have been there or are there now - and he is afraid going to the halfway house is going to expose him to a higher chance of relapse than if he came home. We think the halfway house is a good step - but I have been trying to research the effectiveness of these facilities and haven't had much luck.
What can people where offer on the topic? Did you have a loved one / family member stay at a halfway house and did you feel it was beneficial? Any advice / experience at all is greatly appreciated. We have looked at 2 so far - they seem well run - not in the best parts of town but that's sort of expected. The people there seem dedicated and serious about their work.