An estimated 23 million Americans ages 12 and up are currently addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, with young people between 18 and 24 being especially likely to abuse these substances. On any given day, more than 700,000 people in the U.S. will seek treatment for their addictions, choosing from a number of facilities meant to promote sober living and recovery from addiction.

One option that many people have is to live in a halfway house. Halfway houses are “halfway” between a full rehabilitation center and independent living. They help provide rehabilitation resources for residents, usually in the form of one-on-one or group meetings, but they also allow residents to work and participate in any hobbies that will aid them in clean living. Not all of these facilities are created the same, though. While some serve the general population, others are designed to work with a specific population, like young men who struggle with addiction and alcoholism. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a program that will be the right fit.

Are you planning on visiting a halfway house to find out if it’s right for you or a family member? Here are three questions that you should ask the staff to see if you’ve found the best place for your recovery.

• Who receives treatment at this facility? If you’re interested in visiting a halfway house that treats specific patients, then you’ll want to ask this question perhaps before you even arrive. However, once you do visit the home, you may want to ask this question, so you can meet the residents.
• What is the daily schedule for residents like? Some homes will be more regimented than others. However, some halfway houses will allow you to work or engage in sports and other hobbies whenever you need to, with the exception of a few mandatory hours for treatment. Which type you prefer is ultimately up to you.
• How long can residents stay? Some programs have a time limit and will only allow you to stay for a few weeks or months. Others, however, are geared toward long-term support. Making the decision to choose one or the other will be dependent on what your doctor says but also based on your own personal preference.

Are you visiting a halfway house soon? Make sure to write down a list of questions before you visit, so you have an idea of what to expect when you stay there. Have any other questions or concerns? Leave a comment below or offer your suggestions, too.