Sober Living: Oxford House vs Halfway House

A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found sober living home residents experienced improvements in arrest rates, alcohol and drug use rates, and employment rates. The authors found evidence that 12-step program attendance and social support systems were key components of recovery for residents. The houses are run by residents and emphasize peer support as an essential component of recovery. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences, learn from one another, and help each other stay accountable. In addition to the support from fellow residents, many Oxford House members also participate in external recovery programs and support groups, further strengthening their commitment to sober living.

• Participants decided to move to an Oxford House based on information they received from counselors and peers indicating that Oxford House would facilitate their recovery.
• By running Oxford House on a democratic basis, members of Oxford House become able to accept the authority of the group because the group is a peer group.
• The easiest way to find an Oxford House is to use our vacancy locator at oxfordvacancies.com.
• After residential treatment — especially for substance use addiction (SUD), mental health disorders, or those with dual diagnoses — many individuals return to environments with high relapse risks.
• Oxford Recovery Houses appear to provide an effective and inexpensive alternative for many individuals seeking recovery.

Types of Sober Living Homes

• It is not unusual that an individual who gets rejected at one house applies at another house with an opening and gets accepted.
• They are a good fit for those who want a strong support network without the more structured oversight of halfway houses.
• Only 6% of these costs were for general and administrative costs of Oxford House, Inc.
• This prohibition requires local governments to make a reasonable accommodation in their zoning laws to enable handicap individuals to effectively deal with their disability.
• Through chapters individual houses are able to share their experience, strength and hope with each other to assure compliance with the Oxford House concept and its respected standardized system of operations.

Residents should also be prepared to participate in the democratic decision-making processes within the house. Oxford Houses are built upon the principle of mutual support among recovering individuals, wherein they help each other in achieving a sober lifestyle. Residents are often involved in treatment programs, attend support group meetings, and participate in other wellness activities together. Since Oxford Houses are self-supported, they are the most cost-effective way to deal with recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction and co-occurring mental illness.

How much sobriety is needed?

• Some sober homes do not require residents to pay utility bills, but utilities may be rationed to avoid waste.
• This experience might provide residents with peers who model effective coping skills, be resources for information on how to maintain abstinence, and act as advocates for sobriety.
• In addition to the support from fellow residents, many Oxford House members also participate in external recovery programs and support groups, further strengthening their commitment to sober living.
• All they need to do is to find a house to rent in the name of the group, and apply to Oxford House, Inc., for a charter.
• When we stopped drinking, we began to realize that in order to stay stopped, our lives would need to change.
• In its simplest form, an Oxford House is a shared residence where people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can live together and support each other in a drug and alcohol-free environment.

We maintain a toll free hotline reporting towns and phone numbers of Oxford Houses with vacancies. During 2010, approximately 24,000 individuals lived in an Oxford House for some or part of the year. Of that number 4,332 relapsed 19% and were expelled, while 7,668 moved out clean and sober. At any given time there are about 2,000 Oxford House residents who have served in the military.

Sober Living: Oxford House vs. Halfway House

This study also found that children present in Oxford Houses positively impacted both parents and other members, and that the well-managed and governed recovery homes posed minimal risks to neighbors. Most homes house between eight and 15 members, with most staying about a year. To begin the admission process, you must fill out an Oxford House application. Once that’s received by the house, you’ll be interviewed by the house members.

Q. How many times has the average Oxford House resident been through residential treatment?

Jason, Groh, Durocher, Alvarez, Aase, and Ferrari (2008) examined how the number of residents in Oxford House recovery homes impacted residents’ outcomes. The Oxford House organization recommends 8–12 individuals residing in each House (Oxford House, 2006). Oxford Houses indicated that larger House size predicted less criminal and aggressive behavior. These data were used in 5 court cases, which were successful in arguing against closing down Oxford Houses that had more than 5 or 6 non-related residents. During early recovery for alcoholism and drug addiction, some members had to leave an institution in order to make room for an alcoholic or drug addict just beginning the recovery process.

What Happens if You Relapse in a Sober Living Home?

Thus, individuals who relapse are usually removed from the sober living home as soon as possible. Many sober living homes refer the resident to a drug addiction rehab center or offer another form of treatment. To become a resident of an Oxford House, an individual must be in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, committed to maintaining their sobriety, and willing to actively participate in the democratic process of the house. There is no time limit on residency; individuals can stay as long as they abide by the house rules and continue to contribute to the expenses and maintenance of the home. For many individuals with substance abuse problems, entry into the existing continuum of services begins in a detoxification program. Detoxification program readmission represents a potential indicator that services received have not facilitated sustained recovery.

We believe that there is much potential in the Oxford House model for showing how intractable problems may be dealt with by actively involving the community. For example, the landlord and phone company may require a security deposit and, while furnishings are https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/types-of-relapse-triggers/ generally donated, members will often have to rent a truck in order to pick them up. There may also be a need to buy more “staples” such as flour, sugar, coffee, etc. when a House starts up.

Once the members of the new house agree to utilize the Oxford House Model’s system of operations and Oxford House, Inc. issues a no-cost charter. The members of the new house agree to utilize the Oxford House Model’s system of operations and Oxford House, Inc. issues a no-cost charter. Oxford House members share the house responsibilities and pitch in to do the chores. Each member pays EES (Equal Expense Share) which includes the total amount of rent due for the month, utilities and basic staples for the house. List member’s assignments and rotate jobs so that what is an oxford house everyone equally shares work to be done. Applicants must complete this membership application and be interviewed by the house they are looking to live at.