The Characteristics & Effectiveness of Oxford House Recovery Residences: 2010 Review Recovery Research Institute

When we stopped drinking, we began to realize that in order to stay stopped, our lives would need to change. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provided a framework for us to change physically, mentally, and spiritually. The degree to which we were able to successfully change our lives had a direct relationship to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Many of us soon learned, however, that living alone or living among our old drinking companions made it more difficult to practice the principles necessary for continued sobriety. Halfway houses are typically state or federally funded, and residents must adhere to strict rules and regulations. In contrast, Oxford Houses are self-run with democratically-established rules by the residents themselves, and they are self-supported through the residents’ pooled finances.

Oxford House – Hanabrook Park

I just had to follow the rules, get along with everyone, and work on my recovery. But together we have learned to manage and maintain the house and interact as a family. Some houses collect EES from its members on a monthly basis while many houses choose to collect EES on a weekly basis. This monthly or weekly amount varies from state to state and house to house and can range anywhere from $125 a week to $250 a week. When you call a house to set up an interview you can ask them how much their EES is.

Comparison with Other Facilities

Electing members to staggered three-year terms of office assures continuity of the 12-member World Council. While Oxford House, Inc. has the sole authority to grant Oxford House charters, the World Council acts as an advisory council to the board. This assures integrity and correct application of the Oxford House system of operations as documented in the Oxford House Manual© and Oxford House Chapter Manual©.

Each Oxford House member, as an individual, considers himself a member of AA and/or NA. Find documents, templates, and everything residents need while living at an Oxford House. 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. It doesn’t matter if they’ve been living in the house for one day or for multiple years. Oxford House members share the house responsibilities and pitch in to do the chores.

Oxford House Rules

Recovery Residence Levels define the range of recovery housing, providing alcohol and substance-free environments with a social model recovery approach. These residences vary in staffing, governance, and recovery support services, guided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) categorization. The average length of jail time is about one year, with a range of few days to more than ten years. This is understandable since as many as 80% of the current jail/prison population are alcoholics and drug addicts.

Oxford House – Howell

Sober living homes can vary widely in terms of structure, rules, and cost. While some may resemble Oxford House in terms of self-governance and affordability, others may have staff, offer additional services, and come with a higher price tag. Oxford House facilities maintain a consistent model across locations, focused on peer support as an essential component of recovery. At AAC, we offer trained and compassionate admissions navigators that can help answer questions about treatment and recovery.

Oxford House grew out of the need for many of us to begin a new life without fear of backsliding because of loneliness or renewed dependency on former drinking companions. Throughout its tradition, Oxford House has combined the concepts of self-support and responsibility with a fellowship having the common purpose of continued and comfortable sobriety. Yes, the Oxford House community is built on the foundation of peer support.

Research and Development:

The example of Oxford House members going to AA or NA meetings on their own is contagious. A major part of the Oxford House philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility. In Oxford House, each member equally shares the responsibility for the running of the House and upholding the Oxford House tradition. All aspects of Oxford House operations, from the acquisition of the house to the acceptance or dismissal of members, is carried out under democratic procedures. Each member has one vote and majority rule applies except that 80% of the members must agree in accepting new persons for membership.

The applicant will call the contact person for each house they’re interested in to set up an interview. Alternatively, if they would like to send their application to all houses near them that have an opening, they can Apply Online. There are six house officers in each Oxford House, elected by the members to support the operations of the house. The easiest way to find an Oxford House is to use our vacancy locator at oxfordvacancies.com. Once you find a house that has a vacancy, you can call the contact person to set up an interview.

• Find documents, templates, and everything residents need while living at an Oxford House.
• The application is then considered by the membership of the House and if 80% of the members approve, the applicant is accepted and moves in.
• A recovering individual can live in an Oxford House for as long as he or she does not drink alcohol, does not use drugs, and pays an equal share of the house expenses.
• Electing members to staggered three-year terms of office assures continuity of the 12-member World Council.

These factors allow them to support each other in their efforts to abstain from alcohol and substance use. Oxford Houses are primarily for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The general criteria to live in an Oxford House include the resident’s commitment to sobriety, their willingness to contribute to the house’s general upkeep, and their ability to pay their portion of the house’s expenses.

• This monthly or weekly amount varies from state to state and house to house and can range anywhere from $125 a week to $250 a week.
• Halfway houses are typically state or federally funded, and residents must adhere to strict rules and regulations.
• If an applicant does not get voted into one house they should try another house in the area.
• They are a good fit for those who want a strong support network without the more structured oversight of halfway houses.
• It was the first step in a nationwide movement, now almost 50 years old, that has been credited with helping thousands of people overcome addiction and lead productive lives.

When they find such a house they will bring it up with the other existing Houses and if there is a consensus they will attempt to find the start up money and members to fill the new house. Often several members of an existing House will move into the new House to provide a core group of new members who already know how an Oxford House works. 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. Each member has an equal voice in the group and each has an opportunity to relearn responsibility and to accept decisions once they are made. Join our sober living Sober living home community or refer a client, family member, or friend. The World Council is made up of both alumni and residents of Oxford Houses who are elected by their peers.