In its simplest form, an Oxford House is a shared residence where people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can live together and support each other in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Some of us had lived for a time in alcoholic and drug rehabilitation facilities. Those facilities provided us with shelter, food, and therapy for understanding alcoholism. Initially, the structure and supervision of such facilities were acceptable because physically and mentally, we were exhausted. Later, some of us were to move into half-way houses which provided shelter, food, and supervision. As our recovery progressed, the supervision and dependency on a half-way house created dissatisfaction.

Manuals & Forms

The House is theirs and in no way is it part of any other organization. The rent that is charged the members is determined by the members themselves in a democratic fashion. The rules which govern the house are for the most part also made by those who live in a particular Oxford House Such autonomy is essential for the Oxford House system to work.

A major part of the Oxford House philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility. In Oxford House, each member equally shares the responsibility for the running of the House and upholding the Oxford House tradition. All aspects of Oxford House operations, from the acquisition of the house to the acceptance or dismissal of members, is carried out under democratic procedures. Each member has one vote and majority rule applies except that 80% of the members must agree in accepting new persons for membership. Residents who violate the rules or disrupt the house’s sobriety can face consequences, including potential expulsion.

How do Oxford House residents help those in the community?

Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a rehabilitation program, incarceration, or at least a detoxification program. Oxford House, Inc. is a separate nonprofit organization that provides support and training to the network of houses to help expand the Oxford House Model. 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.

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The application is then considered by the membership of the House and if 80% of the members approve, the applicant is accepted and moves in. If an applicant does not get voted into one house they should try another house in the area. Oxford House, Inc. is a separate nonprofit organization that employs field staff to provide technical assistance to the network of houses to help expand the Oxford House Model. In its simplest form, an Oxford House is a shared residence where people in recovery from substance use disorder can live together and support each other in a drug and alcohol-free environment.

• The House is theirs and in no way is it part of any other organization.
• A house with fewer than six individuals is difficult to maintain because of the small size of the group and the fact that any vacancy causes a greater disruption of the financial welfare of the house.
• A major part of the Oxford House philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility.

Every Oxford House member stands ready to explain the workings of his House and the benefits derived there to anyone anywhere. It should also be pointed out that Oxford House, Inc. in no way gains from the creation of new Oxford Houses. It has been formed as a non-profit corporation and will continue to operate as one both according to the letter and spirit of the law. Within an Oxford House group, it is not unusual to find some members who have problems which cannot be dealt with by the group. In those situations, it is not uncommon for the Oxford House members, at a meeting, to strongly suggest that a fellow member seek professional help.

Oxford Houses are self-run, self-supported homes for individuals in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder.

Sharing chores ensures a clean and comfortable living environment for everyone. Oxford House will not charter a house with fewer than six individuals because experience has shown that it takes at least six individuals to form an effective group. We’ll show you how Oxford Houses work together to form a self-supporting network of houses.

An underlying principle of Oxford House is that each individual member has the ability to be responsible for himself. Living within an Oxford House provides both the opportunity and motivation for all residents to regularly attend AA and/or NA meetings. The example of Oxford House members going to AA or NA meetings on their own is contagious. By running Oxford House on a democratic basis, members of Oxford House become able to accept the authority of the group because the group is a peer group.

• Oxford House is a concept in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
• The article explores the challenges and debates surrounding the concept, emphasizing the transformative impact it has had on residents’ lives.
• There are six house officers in each Oxford House, elected by the members to support the operations of the house.
• Applicants must complete this membership application and be interviewed by the house they are looking to live at.
• This not only helps those individuals to become more involved in AA or NA, and thereby reap greater individual benefits, but also helps to build strong bonds between local AA and NA groups and Oxford House.

Applicants must complete this membership application and be interviewed by the house they are looking to live at. Oxford House has enabled peer-run, self-sustaining, and substance-free housing since 1975. Upon moving in, new residents often go through a two-week probationary period. This allows the house to assess if you’re a good fit oxford house rules and allows you to determine if the house is right for you. Experience has shown that Oxford Houses work for both men and women, but not in the same house. Fortunately, the 1988 Amendments to the Federal Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination against handicapped individuals.

The Oxford House Model is‍time-tested and evidence-based.

Repayment from those start-up loans assures the continuation of the revolving fund to enable other new houses to get started — just as repayment of loans to chapters permits the same resources to be used again and again. Some operate for several years and then, because of expiration of a lease, dissatisfaction with the facilities, or simply the finding of a better location, the members of a particular House will move into a new location. Other Houses often help that type of move as well as the brand new House.

• Q. Is there any financial aid available to start a new Oxford House?
• The members of the new house agree to utilize the Oxford House Model’s system of operations and Oxford House, Inc. issues a no-cost charter.

Depaul University has a team of researchers that alcohol rehab have been studying the Oxford House model for more than a decade. Find documents, templates, and everything residents need while living at an Oxford House.