As the Outreach Coordinator for Hope Homes, I often encounter a lack of understanding about recovery residences. I recently read a policy paper put out by The Society of Community Research and Action entitled “The Role of Recovery Residences in Promoting Long-term Addiction Recovery” that addressed many of these questions. I have used the information and research put forward in the paper to compose a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” about recovery residences.
What is a Recovery Residence?
Recovery residences are abstinence-based living environments that provide mutual support for three elements of recovery:
- Sobriety
- Improvement in overall health (physical, emotional, relational, spiritual)
- Positive community involvement (work, school, volunteer organizations, recovery communities)
What is the purpose of a Recovery Residence?
The purpose of a recovery residence is to provide a safe and healthy living environment to initiate and sustain recovery, recovery being considered abstinence from alcohol and other non-prescribed drugs and improvement in one’s physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Individuals build resources while living in a recovery residence that will continue to support their recovery as they transition to living independently and productively in the community.
The Role of Recovery Residences, pages 2-3
Who could benefit from living in a Recovery Residence?
The majority of people in early recovery from an addictive, emotional, or eating disorder would benefit greatly by living for an extended period of time (6 months +) in a supportive living environment.
- Adults who would benefit from a community of support and accountability as they apply new recovery tools to day-to-day life
- Young Adults who require habilitation, i.e. basic living skills
- Older Adults who would benefit from one-on-one attention as well as community support as they establish a new purpose in life
- Chronic Relapsers who would benefit from practical application of recovery tools to day-to-day life
- Those who are returning from a treatment environment and would benefit from a step-down supportive living environment
- Those with co-occurring issues
- Professionals who need continued monitoring for career purposes
- Special needs populations who would benefit from community support, structure, and accountability
Why should someone live in a Recovery Residence if they have already been to treatment?
More than half of individuals who attend an acute care treatment facility will relapse in the first 90 days after their discharge. I mention this not to say that treatment centers are ineffective, but to highlight the difficulty inherent in treating addiction. Following treatment with participation in a supportive living community “decreases in-treatment and post-treatment relapse rates and significantly increases recovery outcomes at up to two-years of follow-up.” More and more research is showing that effectively treating addiction requires two years of sustained treatment efforts. Recovery Residences offer an affordable way to receive long-term care for addictive, emotional, and/or eating disorders.
The Role of Recovery Residences, pages 2 & 4
Who regulates Recovery Residences?
Recovery Residences are self-regulating, but they can choose to join the National Alliance of Recovery Residences. In order to become a member of NARR, recovery residences must go through a review process and meet certain standards. There are also local Recovery Residence organizations that require residences to go through a review process in order to gain membership – RROC, GARR, FARR. Before you attend or refer to a recovery residence, ask if they are members of NARR or their state’s local Recovery Residence organization.
Information for this article taken from:
Jason, L.A., Mericle, A.A., Polcin, D.L., & White, W.L. (in press, 2013). The Role of Recovery Residences in Promoting Long-term Addiction Recovery. American Journal of Community Psychology
