However, the members of Oxford House have found only by being active in AA and/or NA have they found comfortable, long-term sobriety — for themselves and the Oxford House in which they live. Every Oxford House member attributes his sobriety to Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous. Each Oxford House member, as an individual, considers himself a member of AA and/or NA. Applicants must complete this membership application and be interviewed by the house they are looking to live at. 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. Oxford Houses are democratically self-run by the members who elect officers to serve for terms of six months.
Prescription Drugs
He was also an alcoholic whose drinking would eventually cost him his job, his family and his home. Each member pays EES (Equal Expense Share) which includes the total amount of rent due for the month as well as the cost of utilities, telephone, cable TV and any other expenses that the house includes in its common expenditures. 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 https://trublurealty.com/top-risk-factors-for-drug-and-alcohol-addiction/ 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.
The Oxford House Model istime-tested and evidence-based.
The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) classifies sober living homes into four distinct levels, each offering varying degrees of support, supervision, and accountability. These levels are designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals in recovery, from those who are newly sober to those who are more independent but still seeking community support. Oxford Houses work well for recovering individuals who have completed residential treatment, have achieved initial sobriety, and are ready for a more independent, self-regulated environment. They are a good fit for those who want a strong support network without the more structured oversight of halfway houses.
What is the Model?
Oxford House should rely on democratically-chosen leaders, but the leaders must always be but trusted servants. To discourage an excessive dependence on leaders, it is a principle of Oxford House that no member should serve in the same office for a continuous period of longer than six months. The opportunity for a house to democratically function requires periodic meetings within the house — at least once a week.
OXFORD HOUSES OF OKLAHOMA
Finally, the implications for how clinicians might work with these types of community support settings will be reviewed. Limited research, however, is available regarding how Oxford House settings compare to other treatments. Using cross sectional data, Ferrari, Jason, Davis, Olson, and Alvarez (2004) compared the operational policies of 55 Oxford Houses to those of 14 Therapeutic Communities (TCs). Neither type of facility permitted self-injurious behaviors (e.g., physical self-harm or misuse of medication) or destructive acts (e.g., destroying site property or others’ possessions). Oxford Houses, however, were significantly more liberal in permitting residents personal liberties compared to the TC facilities.
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. https://ecosober.com/blog/sober-living-house-rules-what-to-expect/ After the interview, the house members will decide if you’ll be allowed to move in by taking a vote. Those who have benefited from an Oxford House have acquired enthusiasm for the Oxford House concept. In their enthusiasm, they have been anxious to share Oxford House with any recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who want to establish an Oxford House in their community. The charter of each Oxford House requires that an Oxford House meet certain minimum requirements of Oxford House, Inc.
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. Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a 28-day rehabilitation program or at least a 5 to 10 day detoxification program.
If you are not selected, you should try another house that has an opening. It is not unusual that an individual who gets rejected at one house applies at another house with an opening and gets accepted. Oxford House, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that employs both office what is alcoholism and field staff.
- 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.
- It doesn’t matter if they’ve been living in the house for one day or for multiple years.
- The level of responsibility increases in less structured environments like Oxford houses, where residents also take part in administrative decisions and the overall management of the house.
- In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home.
Treatment
- Many people develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships with their roommates.
- Sober living costs range from $500 to $2,500 per month, depending on the location, services offered, and the level of care provided.
- These homes serve as a necessary transition between rehab and independent living, offering stability and accountability.
- Most homes allow visits to support residents’ recovery but enforce strict guidelines to maintain a safe, substance-free environment.
Results indicated a high sustainability rate (86.9%) during a six year period of time. Houses that remained open had significantly higher incomes of residents than houses that eventually closed. No other significant differences were found between the two groups of houses, including sense of community among residents, neighborhood or policy characteristics, and house age. It appears that adequate house income seems to be a necessary factor for houses continuing to function over time. Unfortunately, relapse can occur anywhere, and relapses do occur in some sober living homes.
Is Addiction a Disease?
The Oxford House Model references the system of operations of a unique, time-tested model recognized by the Federal Government as an evidence-based practice shown to bring significant results currently unmatched in the recovery space. The cost of living in an Oxford House varies depending on location and house size, but it is generally affordable due to shared expenses and the self-sustaining nature of the model. Oxford Houses have successfully expanded to form a network of over 2000 homes across the United States and internationally, thriving in diverse communities such as New York City, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Canada, and Australia. Each house operates under a set of traditions that prioritize democratic governance, financial independence, and the collective welfare of all members, ensuring no member is expelled without cause related to relapse or disruptive behavior. Yes, the prospective residents of the House can find a suitable house, rent it, put up the security deposit and pay the first month’s rent themselves. Oxford House, Inc. will consider favorably a Charter application whether or not a loan is received from the State or some other outside source.