The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) has established a four-level classification system that provides a framework for understanding the spectrum of recovery housing options. Let's explore each level with examples to illustrate the different environments and services offered.
Level I: Peer-Run Residences
Level I recovery residences are democratically operated homes that provide a substance-free environment with minimal structure. These houses rely on peer support and shared responsibility among residents.
Key characteristics:
- Self-governed by residents
- No paid staff on site
- Peer accountability system
- Basic house rules
- Residents generally have established some recovery stability
Examples:
- Oxford Houses: The most well-known example, Oxford Houses operate as self-supporting, democratically run homes where residents share expenses and responsibilities. Each house has elected officers who serve limited terms.
- Sober Living Collectives: Groups of individuals in recovery who rent or purchase a home together and establish their own community guidelines.
- Recovery Cooperatives: Resident-operated homes where each member has equal voting rights and contributes to household management.
Level II: Monitored Residences
Level II recovery residences have more structure than Level I homes but still emphasize peer support. These homes typically have a house manager or senior resident who provides oversight.
Key characteristics:
- House manager or senior resident provides oversight
- Structured recovery environment
- More defined house rules and expectations
- May offer basic recovery support services
- Stronger connection to outside support services
Examples:
- Sober Living Homes: Monitored environments with a resident manager who enforces house rules and supports residents in their recovery journey.
- Community-Based Recovery Houses: Facilities that offer a structured living environment with regular house meetings and accountability systems.
- Transitional Housing Programs: Services for populations like veterans or formerly incarcerated individuals that provide monitoring and basic support as they rebuild their lives.
Level III: Supervised Residences
Level III recovery residences provide a more comprehensive level of support with organized recovery programming and supervised environments.
Key characteristics:
- Credentialed staff
- Structured recovery programming
- Life skills development
- Case management services
- Clinical services available through referral
Examples:
- Recovery Homes with Support Services: Facilities that provide regular recovery programming, life skills training, and employment assistance.
- Therapeutic Communities: Structured environments that emphasize personal accountability and community support with staff supervision.
- Specialized Recovery Programs: Supervised residences that focus on specific populations like women with children, veterans, or those with co-occurring disorders.
Level IV: Service Provider Residences
Level IV recovery residences offer the highest level of support, including clinical services integrated within the residential setting.
Key characteristics:
- Professional staff (including clinical providers)
- Clinical services delivered in-house
- Comprehensive recovery programming
- Structured daily activities
- Medication management
Examples:
- Clinical Recovery Centers: Licensed facilities that provide both housing and clinical treatment services under one roof.
- Medically Managed Residential Programs: Settings that offer medical monitoring along with comprehensive recovery support.
- Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facilities: Programs specifically designed for individuals with both substance use and mental health disorders that provide clinical care within a residential environment.
Each level of care serves a vital role in the continuum of recovery support, allowing individuals to access the appropriate environment based on their current needs and recovery capital. As a person progresses in their recovery journey, they may transition between different levels, eventually building the skills and stability needed for independent living.