The difference between the three types of housing lies primarily in their structure, purpose, and the level of support they offer. Halfway houses originally served as transitional living spaces for those leaving prison; however, in recent years, many have opened their doors to those recovering from addiction. They typically offer very little in the way of structure or support, with management taking a hard line on transgressions or rule-breaking.Sober living houses provide a drug- and alcohol-free environment for individuals recovering from addiction. Typically, you’d expect them to offer some level of support for overcoming addiction, such as weekly meetings with addiction specialists or access to therapists when needed.Supported living offers the highest level of day-to-day support of the three types of housing. You can reasonably expect supported living service providers to offer mental health services, life skills training, and community integration initiatives, along with a range of services and checkups that facilitate the long-term recovery from addiction. ILS falls into this category.