What Is an Oxford House?
The idea of self-supported healing has demonstrated its effectiveness in programs aimed at people suffering from alcohol addiction and substance dependence. The creation of safe environments governed and financed by people who live in them is not new. However, when the first Oxford House was created, it demonstrated the viability of non-profit models. The establishments function as a part of larger networks. Their sole goal is to foster personal growth and help individuals advance toward recovery. In this guide, we will consider the meaning of the term, explain the key upsides of staying at such houses, and describe the main principles of their functioning.
Understanding What Is an Oxford House
The term refers to a house run by its residents who fund the facility and agree to abstain from using substances for the duration of their stay. These homes use a communal living model based on the principles of peer support and sustainability. Oxford House sober living establishments accept different categories of clients. They exist all over the United States and charge reasonable fees, making them an affordable alternative to other similar establishments.
The network of 2,500+ establishments offers long-term recovery opportunities. The first Oxford House was created in 1975. Men and women choose such facilities to restore their health after undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance abuse. Some individuals prefer to live in such homes after going through the detox stage and finishing their rehabilitation programs.
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Main Principles of an Oxford House
A recovery residence is managed by those who live there. There is no hired professional staff or any organization overseeing residents’ routines. Such dwellings have multiple bedrooms for 8-15 same-gender residents. Each member pays their share of expenses to cover the rent and utility bills. Most establishments cater to the needs of specific categories. Some of them accept women with children, while others become a safe place to stay for people with disabilities.
You may ask: “What is the difference between a sober living house and an Oxford house?” The latter typically does not limit the duration of a person’s stay. Its clients can live there as long as they abstain from substance use. The average duration of a stay is one year, but many people live at such places for 3 years or more.
Such properties are often located in suburban areas or affordable neighborhoods with well-developed public transportation systems and plenty of employment opportunities. It allows their residents to become self-reliant and learn how to live independently.
Oxford House Benefits
This type of recovery housing is the best choice for those who want to get great value for their money and live in a safe setting to achieve lasting progress. The facilities rely on the principle of self-governance. Staying there helps residents get better and battle their cravings effectively. The longer people live at the establishments, the better health and employment outcomes they achieve. Here are the main upsides of an Oxford House:
- Self-governance models. The residents decide how to manage the house and make decisions collaboratively. They elect their leaders democratically and motivate each other to achieve personal growth and stay committed to a healthy lifestyle.
- Affordable living. Individuals pay low weekly rent. It covers utilities and shared food expenses. It makes the recovery period less taxing and allows the residents to live without being pressured to earn a high salary right from the start. They can change their careers without unnecessary stress and avoid wasting money.
- Caring environment. Every person needs to find a strong support network to recover. At an Oxford House, one can rely on their peers. They motivate each other to stay strong and help the residents to avoid relapses.
- Post-treatment recovery. When a person completes a treatment program, they need to find a clean, well-organized space to stay. An individual is especially vulnerable during the transitional period when they do not know how to deal with triggers. Living in a structured environment permits people to remain sober.
- Career support. An Oxford House is typically located in an area where everyone can find employment opportunities, regardless of their skill levels. Stable employment facilitates achieving sustainable progress and becoming self-reliant. When a person gets a source of income that allows them to cover their basic needs, they feel safer and are less likely to start drinking again.
- Skill acquisition. As the residents share their duties and perform some chores together, it allows them to learn how to collaborate with others more effectively and build valuable skills. This period helps them develop powerful defense mechanisms and deal with challenges quickly.
People who stay at an Oxford House discover what steps they should take to avoid relapses. Such establishments became one of the best examples of the effectiveness of the sustainable recovery models based on peer support.
Oxford House Rules and Regulations
A person with a substance use disorder (SUD) should refrain from asocial behavior when staying at the residences. They agree to stop consuming drugs. Besides, they pay rent and cover bills. Following these Oxford House requirements makes them eligible to stay at the facility as long as they need it. Some residences accept people with pets, as the latter provide emotional support to their owners and foster recovery. Here are the main rules every resident should follow:
- Maintain a peaceful environment. People should not argue with each other, make noise, fight, or engage in other types of disruptive behavior.
- Refrain from substance consumption. Like in every sober living home, residents maintain sobriety and learn how to protect themselves against possible triggers. It permits them to develop efficient coping mechanisms and advance in their journey.
- Bear financial responsibility. Everyone should pay rent on time and do their share of household chores. It makes them accountable and enables them to build skills that they will need to live independently.
These rules are not too restrictive, which allows residents to become self-reliant quickly. Each person can vote for the decisions impacting the operation of a house. Unlike a typical halfway house, such facilities do not have professional staff, making them extremely affordable.
How Does an Oxford House Work?
Any individual interested in long-term support can join an existing facility after filling out an application. Other members will invite them to an interview. If 80% of them approve the candidate, the person can join and occupy a vacant room.
There is no recovery plan everyone should follow. Everyone must decide what treatment options they need and find third-party providers to get help. A person may decide to attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. People with SUD and co-occurring disorders may need to undergo medical treatment before joining.
Residents provide support to each other and develop strategies to help them deal with those who misbehave. They may ask everyone to sign contracts, introduce incentives, and come up with punishment strategies for those who defy the rules. While the duration of a person’s stay is virtually unlimited, participants may evict those who refuse to follow the established order.
Recovering is a long and challenging process, but you don’t have to be alone. We are here to guide you and offer a safe and substance-free environment to regain control of your life and create a new path for your future.
How to Move Toward Recovery
Everyone can find a suitable Oxford House by exploring the directory of establishments listed on the official website. Besides, many recovering individuals organize their own shared living facilities together with the members of AA groups or other people suffering from the same problem. Alternatively, they can find a sober living environment with a stricter schedule and professional employees.
At Eco Sober, an individual can stay at clean and safe facilities with a predictable routine. All our clients can recuperate in a well-organized space with transparent policies and rules. Unlike an Oxford House, our facility is more suitable for those who want to structure their daily life. When staying there, they will become independent, solve daily tasks, perform their job responsibilities, and embrace a healthy lifestyle. This experience will enable them to become accountable and discover how to live without relying on the effect of alcohol to deal with stress. If you want to discover a nurturing setting to restore your physical and mental health, get in touch with our managers and start your recovery process.
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