Level four is the most structured model and this includes having clinical services at the home that are required for the resident to participate in. Other Recovery Residences have significantly more accountability and structure. The owner or paid staff may be involved in such a way that they check on the house and administer the drug tests. They may be involved in all admissions and discharges, collect the rent/program fee, do the shopping for household items and ensure the residents are fulfilling their requirements of 12-step and self-help meetings. This term has emerged with the hopes of distinguishing houses that are more supportive than a peer-run house.
- Oxford House will not charter a house with fewer than six individuals because experience has shown that it takes at least six individuals to form an effective group.
- The authors found evidence that 12-step program attendance and social support systems were key components of recovery for residents.
- Oxford House, Inc. will consider favorably a Charter application whether or not a loan is received from the State or some other outside source.
- This line of research could be expanded to other levels or target groups, such as men and women with substance abuse returning from foreign wars in Iraqi and Afghanistan.
- While research on AA has been limited by the role of anonymity in recovery, the willingness of the Oxford Houses to open their doors to academic research gives us an opportunity to see recovery from addiction in action.
What Do Oxford Houses Offer?
We were also interested in exploring whether rates of crime increased in locations where there were Oxford Houses. We investigated crime rates in areas surrounding 42 Oxford Houses and 42 control houses in a large city (Deaner, Jason, Aase, & Mueller, 2009). A city-run Global Information Systems (GIS) website was used to gather crime data including assault, arson, burglary, larceny, robbery, sexual assault, homicide, and vehicle theft over a calendar year. Findings indicated that there were no significant differences between the crime rates around Oxford Houses and the control houses.
Creating Homes Initiative
- The application is then considered by the membership of the House and if there is a vacancy and if 80% of the members approve, the applicant is accepted and moves in.
- Oxford Houses function under a democratic structure, meaning residents actively participate in decision-making processes that affect the house and its members.
- Yes, because alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness are handicapping conditions.
- They have developed a widely-referenced national standard for the operation of recovery residences.
- The houses are designed to provide stable surroundings for those in early recovery, often located in quiet and pleasant neighborhoods.
After treatment for substance abuse, whether by prison, hospital-based treatment programs, or therapeutic communities, many patients return to former high-risk environments or stressful family situations. Returning to these settings without a network of people to support abstinence increases chances of relapse (Jason, Olson & Foli, 2008). As a consequence, alcohol and substance oxford house sober living rules use recidivism following treatment is high for both men and women (Montgomery et al., 1993). Alternative approaches need to be explored, such as abstinence-specific social support settings (Vaillant, 2003). Self-governed settings may offer several benefits as they require minimal costs because residents pay for their own expenses (including housing and food).
Comparison with Other Facilities
These findings suggest that well-managed and well-functioning substance abuse recovery homes elicit constructive and positive attitudes toward these homes and individuals in recovery (Ferrari, Jason, Sasser et al., 2006). Sober living homes are structured, safe and substance-free living environments for individuals in recovery. They are also commonly known as sober houses, recovery homes, halfway houses or recovery residences. Oxford Houses are self-run, self-supported recovery homes for individuals seeking a drug and alcohol-free living environment.
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. The goal of sober living homes is to monitor and improve health, safety and wellness using peer support. The goal of many halfway houses is to reduce recidivism among felons using supervision.
Search for Transitional Housing
- Providers invest significant time and energy in creating a safe, sustainable discharge plan for their clients, only to recommend a home that is peer run, dirty and potentially has people using in it.
- Residents must also follow basic house rules including contributions to household expenses and electing officers.
- For many individuals who complete drug and alcohol treatment, returning home is the beginning of their relapse.
- Alcoholism and drug addiction are international problems and Oxford Houses can provide recovering individuals the opportunity to become comfortable enough in sobriety to avoid relapse.
- Sober living homes are realistic, cost-effective living environmentsr for people in recovery.
Investment in abstinence-specific social support was reported to be one of the best post-treatment prognostic indicators of recovery (Longabaugh et al., 1995; Zywiak, Longabaugh & Wirtz, 2002). Half the individuals interviewed also had concerns about being the only Hispanic/Latino House member. Despite their initial concerns, participants reported overwhelmingly positive experiences in Oxford House, with the majority of interviewees indicating that they “blended into the house” within their first few weeks. Most participants reported regular contact with extended family members and stated that family members supported their decisions to live in Oxford House. The most commonly endorsed suggestion for increasing Hispanic/Latino representation in Oxford House was to provide more information regarding this innovative mutual-help program.
