The early stages of recovery are often full of challenges, such as finding a job, establishing a sober community, and dealing with all the stress and anxiety of daily life. Unfortunately, in some instances, the owner and operator of a sober living home may be running a recovery residence just to make money, even if that means taking advantage of vulnerable residents who are struggling to overcome substance use disorders. Accreditation for sober homes ensures that the facility meets certain health standards and adheres to an established code of ethics. Are you a state agency, licensed provider, individual, or family looking for a MASH-certified sober home? Search our directory to find a list of all MASH-certified sober homes. All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected.

• Sober living homes are accredited by completing certain requirements that are set forth by the accrediting organization.
• Sober home accreditation also bolsters current and future residents’ confidence that the management and owners will abide by a strict code of ethics and continue to provide a safe, healthy living environment for the people in recovery who live there.
• Although outmoded and offensive terms might be found within documents on the Department’s website, the Department does not endorse these terms.
• Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.

As a chronic disease, addiction can be difficult to treat, but it’s certainly not hopeless. Sober living homes and peer recovery support services are excellent and effective weapons against relapse and they can help people sustain long-term sobriety, despite the challenges. Our mission is to support persons in recovery from addiction by improving their access to quality recovery residences through standards, support services, placement, education, research and advocacy. Oxford House is a network of drug-free, self-supporting houses or apartment buildings. It was founded in 1975 as the next step in substance use recovery, focusing on sober community living as a way to prevent relapse.

MASH Pillars

It’s also important to note that sober living homes and halfway houses are not the same. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, halfway houses are typically government-funded and have limitations on how long a resident can live there. Comparatively, sober living residents can stay as long as needed, provided that they adhere to the household rules and expectations, pay rent, and cover their personal expenses. Sober home accreditation is currently not mandatory in the U.S. so the degree of monitoring and regulation varies from home to home. Since sober living homes do not provide formal addiction treatment services, state regulations that apply to addiction treatment do not apply to them. However, sober homes that provide any type of regulated medical treatment (such as behavioral therapy) must have the appropriate state licenses.

Community or residence meetings are held at least once a week. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents. 19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose mash certified sober homes and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations. Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.

Everything you need to know to open a sober living home

We also provide a wide range of recovery support services designed to make the transition from rehab to sober life much smoother. In 2011, NARR made history by establishing a national standard for recovery residences. Guidance for the standard was also received from recovery residence providers (some with decades of experience) from across the nation representing all four levels of support and nationally recognized recovery support stakeholders.

• Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and safety hazards.
• Many people who struggle with addiction end up homeless due to financial problems, eviction, or broken relationships with family and friends.
• At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we practice what we preach.
• Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources.

The Code is designed for operators, staff, peer leaders and volunteers in any recovery residence. The full text is available here. Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services. Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to reflect recovery principles.

It’s all about people that need help finding a solid path to sobriety.

A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement. If you are searching for a sober home for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to be familiar with the accreditation information and guidelines listed above so you can verify the credibility of a Texas sober living home yourself. Not only does this type of situation create an unhelpful living environment, but it can also cause setbacks that can lead to relapse or contribute to mental health problems. 26.b Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building.

This selfless behavior is consistent with the principle of giving back to your community, which is strongly emphasized in the 12-Step Program. In most instances, residents may continue to live at a sober home as long as they comply with the rules and maintain their sobriety. If you or a loved one is searching for a sober living program, you’ve likely wondered how you should determine the trustworthiness and credibility of a sober living home. One of the primary ways you can determine whether a sober home is credible or trustworthy is by assessing its accreditation. We are active from the local to the state level, continuously advocating for the rights of sober home residents and operators.

Guest house “Golden Gate”

The third version of the NARR standards provides more explicit guidance to providers, including metrics for evaluating the peer support components of a residence’s recovery environment. MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. Successful sober homes establish and reinforce healthy lifestyles, provide a safe and stable place to live, conduct meaningful activities, and build relationships and social networks for support.

29.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law.

Sober Housing

See our affiliate resource section for more details around affiliate requirements and the certification process. Boston Sober Homes is a M.A.S.H certified sober housing company for those who are serious about their recovery and sobriety. Our mission is to provide clean, comfortable accommodations in a positive environment for those looking to live a sober lifestyle. Our homes and their atmospheres are nurtured by the guests they provide for. The National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR) has a certification system of nationwide standards for sober homes.

A sober living home can make this transition easier. Sober living homes are alcohol and drug-free living environments that provide structured, transitional housing for men and women in recovery. Accreditation for sober living homes is somewhat of a new concept, but now that more sober living homes are being established, more organizations are creating accreditation programs for these types of recovery residences. Eudaimonia Recovery Homes offers sober living homes for men and women in Houston, Austin, and Colorado Springs with a variety of recovery support services designed to help residents develop a stable and long-lasting life in recovery.