Oxford House provides a supportive and sober living environment for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. As a democratically run, self-supporting, and drug-free home, it has helped many people in their journey towards sobriety. By comparison to other facilities, Oxford House is unique in its approach by offering structure and accountability without the supervision of professional staff. Oxford House Sober Living Phoenix was founded by a group of individuals who saw a need for a supportive and structured living environment for individuals recovering from addiction.
Oxford House vs. Sober Living Homes
It is at these meetings that checks are written for bills and residents are made aware of where they stand financially. Each has a term limit of 6 months to further support a well functioning democratic environment. Explore how each house is supported by the broader Oxford House network. A long-running study by Chicago’s DePaul University shows that people completing one year of residency maintain a sobriety rate as high as 80 percent. Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a 28-day rehabilitation program or at least a 5 to 10 day detoxification program. Each house adheres to oxford house sober living the absolute requirement that any member who returns to using alcohol or drugs must be immediately expelled.
- There are over 3500 self-sustaining Oxford Houses in the United States and more than 24,000 individuals in recovery living in these houses at any one time during the year.
- Some sober homes do not require residents to pay utility bills, but utilities may be rationed to avoid waste.
- The Oxford House Model is shared, studied, and growing because it works.
- In response, policymakers have attempted to create laws allowing states to regulate sober living homes.
- If you are not selected, you should try another house that has an opening.
Who Starts and Manages Oxford Houses?
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. Family and friends may unintentionally expose them to drugs and alcohol, work stress can escalate, and isolation may start to feel like an option. Sober living facilities are vital stepping stones for individuals in recovery from substance use or those who have completed residential treatment. Two standard options include Oxford Houses and halfway houses, each offering unique benefits and structures. In this article, we explore the characteristics of each to help determine which is best for specific recovery needs and goals.
- An Oxford house is a normal, rented house for six or more people dedicated to recovery.
- Each member of an Oxford House is responsible for equal rent and household chores.
- The Oxford House Model provides a unique and successful system of operations that differs from traditional sober living homes and halfway houses.
- The members follow house rules and are expected to contribute to maintaining a clean and safe living environment.
- The residents make a collective decision on whether to accept the individual into the house based on their commitment to sobriety and willingness to follow house rules.
Oxford House Sober Living Phoenix
The homes may also be near an outpatient treatment center or on the campus of residential rehab facility. Sober living homes are maintained through fees, and residents can usually stay as long as they want. Unlike Alcoholics Anonymous many halfway houses, sober homes are not monitored by state agencies.
- Oxford Houses are self-run, self-supported recovery homes for same sexed individuals.
- The Model encourages the development of leadership skills and self-efficacy.
- The combination of a structured living environment, mutual support, accountability, and access to resources has proven effective in helping residents achieve lasting sobriety and stability.
- With so many options available, it is important to select a housing arrangement that best fits a person’s needs.
- Medical care services are provided in a safe and supportive environment, with a focus on promoting health and wellness for all residents.
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. Alternatively, you can apply online and your information will be sent to all of the Oxford Houses in your area that have an opening. Any member who drinks alcohol or uses drugs will be immediately expelled. 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.
What are the requirements for becoming a resident, and how long can someone stay in an Oxford House?
- Halfway houses — sometimes called “recovery residences” — are structured environments that bridge the gap between treatment and complete independence.
- A long-running study by Chicago’s DePaul University shows that people completing one year of residency maintain a sobriety rate as high as 80 percent.
- The National Alliance for Recovery Residences is one of the largest associations of sober living homes in the United States.
- Public transportation options are available, with bus and light rail services providing easy access to other parts of the city.
To learn more about different types of recovery housing and their accreditation, you can visit the National Association of Recovery Residences (NARR) website. Learn what makes Oxford House stand out as a unique model for recovery housing. The World Council is made up of both alumni and residents of Oxford Houses who are elected by their peers. 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©.
What is Oxford House? A Guide & Comparison to Other Facilities
There’s no time limit on how long a member can live in an Oxford House. The average stay is about a year, but many members stay three, four, or more years. Another study found that participation improved one’s chances for recovery, employment, reduced criminal activity, and financial success. This same study reported that financial gains, likely related to better choices and reduced illegal activity, far outweighed the cost. Personal hygiene products and food are the responsibility of each member. We are always adding NEW HOUSES and are dedicated members of recovery communities all across Florida.See our current house directory listings here.