I worked as a counselor in a group home. In my experience, they are not bad places, they can be stepping stones to where you want to end up in life!

People are usually very friendly and supportive to each other. There is a small chance they may have been past drug users or even possibly former criminals but don't sell the mentally ill population short- you'd be selling everyone on this wesbite, PC, short, and we are great people who have come through a lot with good hearts. I am mentally ill myself worked there with my own illness- we can still do great things and be great people!! The staff handles most problems that can arise.

You may have a roommate. You may have your own room. There are usually about twelve or thirteen people in a group home. These people can become great friends, you can learn a lot from each other.

It is possible that you have a curfew to live by, perhaps in by 11 p.m. and you may have to get your meds from a staff member, they may work with you to be self medicating and in charge of your own meds. There may be room inspections to see if you are being neat and tidy. You may have to help prepare a dinner for everyone on the night it is your duty to do so. You should be able to attend either group therapy or your job during the day, transportation should be provided. Your medical health will be well taken care of. You should have a small cash flow too, that they may give you or perhaps you earn yourself.

Hopefully you have a cell phone because you can use the group home phone but it is often busy and messages dont always get to who they go to.

You will be able to spend the week-ends with family and/or friends, use a 'pass' to leave on the week-end, or events during the week.

Lastly, you CAN move up and enter your own apartment, which is usually more affordable than trying to come with rent on your own, and at this point you would have your freedoms back. You move up in the system by being able to handle your health, if you achieve the goals/treatment plan your therapist provides.

I wish you the best of luck- this is not a death sentence..I feel you are growing as a person as you look into this!