Recovery Concepts is currently opening its first recovery home. Having just gone through this process it seems like a good time to address some of the most common questions we had ourselves, or have been asked during this process.
What is a recovery home?
At their most basic, recovery homes offer boarding for those in recovery. The goal of recovery homes is to offer safe, affordable, living environments that foster recovery. They allow people to be around those on similar recovery journeys, working toward the common goal of staying well. In addition they allow people to separate themselves from the previous environments they were in while using.
Several different names are used to describe recovery residences: recovery home, sober living home, transitional home, Oxford house, and halfway house are among the most common terms. While there are some differences in the various types, the basic premise is the same- a place for those in recovery to live together and stay sober together.
They offer different services and have different requirements for whom they will admit. For example some homes are abstinence based and thus not appropriate for those in recovery with medication assisted therapy. Many homes are either all male or all female. The cost of the facilities varies widely as does what is included in that cost.
How does the process work?
Each recovery home is different with some having more structured application processes and others being more informal. Ours has an application followed by an interview with our manager and the current residents. The purpose of the interview is to figure out if the person is a good fit for us and we are a good fit for them. During the application process we go through our house rules and expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.
While no one style is right for everyone it is important to have a clear picture of what you are going into. Some important considerations are:
Are there group meetings? What is the schedule and expectations for participation?
Does the house have written, clear rules? Are these something I can abide by?
What is the cost? What exactly is included in the fee? Can I afford this? Is there a system for financial aid?
Is the house abstinence based, will they accept MAT clients, and is the environment accepting of this?
What are the consequences for breaking the rules?
What is the required length of stay? Is there a maximum length of stay?
How do I find a recovery home?
If you are coming from inpatient rehab chances are your facility has knowledge of the recovery homes in the area and can make an appropriate recommendation. In addition the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR) has a page that links to many states associations of recovery homes that have directories of recovery homes. And then of course there is the regular old google search.
One word of warning- this is not a highly regulated part of the industry, meaning it is imperative you do your homework. There have been reports of less than scrupulous homes where the environment is not conducive to recovery and in fact the opposite. If possible a reference from a source you trust is valuable. If that’s not possible a search for complaints regarding the facility and a careful look at their application procedure is a start. If the house has a thorough application procedure, well documented rules and expectations, and you are looking at a clean, well kept facility these are good signs. Good luck on your journey!