Many teens and young adults who have completed a residential treatment program shift into a transitional living program. Through transitional living, people may acquire the skills they need to live independently and positively change their lives.

Find out what to expect from transitional living for young adults and why it is important for recovery.

What Is Transitional Living?

Transitional living is a temporary housing program that caters to young adults who are going through foster care, substance abuse, homelessness, or family crisis. The program’s ultimate purpose is to give teenagers and young adults the stability and support they need to move into independent living effectively.

Transitional living provides struggling young adults with more than just a roof above their heads; it also serves as their support system as they adjust to adulthood. When young people live in an environment that provides supportive services, they may acquire the skills necessary to keep their sobriety and health, manage their behavior, employ healthy coping mechanisms, concentrate on education and career development, and live independently. As a result, they graduate from transitional living with the confidence that they can handle life’s challenges. 

If you are ready to take the first step toward finding the perfect transitional living program, Design for Recovery has all you need. Contact us at (424) 327-4614 to learn more.

How Can Transitional Living Help Young Adults Heal?

Many young people feel confused and overwhelmed about their lives and their future. While childhood and adolescence consist of school, play, and family life, these old routines are gradually replaced with new responsibilities as young people mature. For most of them, the transition into adulthood may be smooth. However, this change can be overwhelming for some. Factors such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and lack of parental support may cause this confusion. Sadly, some fall behind when they are not provided with the basic resources they need as they navigate the obstacles of entering adulthood. 

Through transitional living, teens and young adults are provided with structured assistance and a wide range of programs aimed at helping them achieve overall health, gain independence, get stable employment, and effectively transition out of homelessness. Those with substance use disorders are given the therapeutic tools they need to recover, such as counseling and support groups.

Young adults who may have difficulty finding their footing in life are given a helping hand along the path to discovery by being encouraged to adopt healthy and constructive routines. Most importantly, mental health specialists and mentors are also available around the clock to assist young adults in making decisions that benefit their well-being. Personal coaching can help them develop the foundation they need to live a healthy lifestyle and deal with the stresses of the real world. 

A transitional living program can be seen as a safe place from the chaos of the outside world and a place to find one’s true identity. Research on homeless youth ages 16 to 21 found that participating in a transitional living program showed improvements. When the youth left the program, 78% of them found permanent housing. Less than 1 in 10 (8%) participants experienced homelessness within one month of completing the program, and this number remained stable three months later.

Many people trying to recover from substance abuse lack access to stable living arrangements that encourage long-term sobriety. For this reason, they admit themselves in sober living homes. According to a study, sober living proved to be a good choice for anyone looking for safe, drug-free, and alcohol-free places to live. There were improvements in employment, psychiatric problems, alcohol and drug use, and arrests. 

What to Expect From Transitional Living Programs

One of the primary goals of a transitional living program for young adults is to assist them in re-establishing healthy connections with the self, their families, their communities, and the wider world. After being accepted into the program, students work closely with a case manager to create a personalized plan focused on furthering their education, finding a gainful job, acquiring useful life skills, and becoming financially independent. 

While working toward self-sufficiency, students have the security of a stable living environment while learning about health and nutrition, budgeting, coping mechanisms, communication techniques, conflict resolution, college degree opportunities, job preparation, crisis management, and more. Another focal point of transitional living is therapy services, which create a safe space where young adults do not have to worry about being judged while working through their feelings and past traumas. 

Young adults who make an honest effort to follow their case plan and the program’s rules may remain there for several months. To maintain structure and order inside the home, they are expected to follow house regulations:

• Must participate in ongoing healing and recovery classes

• Must be mindful of the space and property 

• Must fulfill household chores and daily schedules

• No sexual interactions among residents

• No fighting or violence

• No drugs or alcohol use

Ready to find a sober living perfect for you? Contact us at (424) 327-4614 to learn more.

Finding a Transitional Living Program

While most transitional living centers uphold similar guiding principles, the details and services of each may vary. Each transitional center has its specialization. For instance, some centers focus on homelessness, while some facilities, like sober living homes, focus on addiction recovery. Many transitional housing offer connections to the larger community and other institutions, such as universities. This may help young adults figure out what career they want to pursue and accomplish by allowing them access to explore their passion and potential.

When finding a transitional living center for you or your loved one, determine your needs and conduct online research on the facility that offers these services. Gather as much data as possible regarding the support services available. You can use this information to determine if this is the right transitional center for you. It is important that you find one that is tailored to your specific needs so you will be able to achieve your goals. 

You may also seek referrals from your treatment provider or other parents. Ensure that the facility’s program structure matches your needs and fits your budget. It is important to select one that is accessible, reputable, and reliable with success rates. Consider enrolling in a person-centered transitional center that produces results, promotes values, and has access to vital resources, such as outpatient treatment facilities or peer support groups.