This structured approach not only reinforces individual accountability but also cultivates a sense of shared responsibility, essential for sustaining long-term recovery. At the Oxford House World Convention held annually, Oxford Houses throughout the country vote for representatives to the World Council. The World Council is comprised of 12 members, 9 of which presently live in an Oxford House, 3 who are alumni. Oxford House works by providing a structured, self-governing environment for individuals in recovery from substance abuse.

Member Resources

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. The dissatisfaction was in part the realization that we were shirking responsibility for our own lives and in part a resentment of authority. The third factor affecting us both in the rehabilitation facilities and the half-way houses was the realization that the duration of our stay must be limited because space must be made for others in need of help. Oxford House, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that employs both office and field staff to provide technical assistance to the network of houses to foster the expansion of the Oxford House Model. An Oxford House member can stay as long as they like, provided they stay drug and alcohol free, are not disruptive, and pay their share of house expenses.

There are over 3,500 Oxford Houses across the United States

Once 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. The members of the new house agree to utilize the Oxford House Model’s system oxford house of operations and Oxford House, Inc. issues a no-cost charter. The house members will invite applicants to the house for an interview where they will ask questions and then decide as a group who they will vote into the house as a new member.

• An Oxford House is managed by a publicly supported nonprofit organization that operates primarily under the principles of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
• Initially, the structure and supervision of such facilities were acceptable because physically and mentally, we were exhausted.
• Living alongside peers with similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces their commitment to sobriety, making the transition to independent living more manageable.
• An Oxford House Chapter is an additional level of support for individual Oxford Houses.
• View and download the latest House and Chapter Manuals, along with other forms used to conduct weekly house meetings.

World Council Manual​​

Everyone in the home must be committed to abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Confirm that potential roommates are either in recovery themselves or fully supportive of a substance-free home. In formal sober living homes, this commitment should be built into house rules with clear consequences. The supportive environment of Oxford House aligns well with the principles of AA, promoting shared experiences and mutual support among individuals in recovery. Engagement in support groups like AA significantly enhances sobriety rates; studies indicate that individuals who regularly attend AA meetings are more likely to maintain their recovery and avoid relapse.

What is the Model?

However, an Oxford House relies primarily upon example for assuring a high percentage of AA and/or NA attendance from its members. As a general rule formal AA or NA meetings are not held in an Oxford House member who has maintained comfortable sobriety in an Oxford House makes it a practice to attend a lot of AA and/or NA meetings on a regular basis. The Oxford House Chapter Manual provides the guidelines for houses to get together as a local chapter to provide mutual support to each other. Oxford House members share the house responsibilities and pitch in to do the chores.

Can Anybody Rent Their House for an Oxford House?

When you share your home with people who are also committed to recovery, you gain multiple layers of support that can make the difference between sustained sobriety and relapse. In fact, Oxford House creates an environment whereby each member can more fully realize the benefits available from active AA or NA membership. 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. This self-governance enhances recovery outcomes by providing a stable living situation and promoting healthy resident relationships. Focusing on peer support and personal responsibility allows individuals to concentrate on their recovery while developing essential life skills in a supportive atmosphere. Oxford House grew out of the need for many of us to begin a new life without fear of backsliding because of loneliness or renewed dependency on former drinking companions.

• You can also attend local recovery meetings to network with others who may know of available houses.
• Financially, residents contribute to the household by paying a weekly rent—typically around $132—which covers utilities and shared food expenses, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatment options.
• The only members who will ever be asked to leave an Oxford House are those who return to drinking, using drugs, or have disruptive behavior, including the nonpayment of rent.
• When they find such a house they will bring it up with the other existing Houses and if there is a consensus they will attempt to find the start up money and members to fill the new house.
• Each member pays EES (Equal Expense Share) which includes the total amount of rent due for the month as well as the cost of utilities, telephone, cable TV and any other expenses that the house includes in its common expenditures.

Each has a term limit of 6 months to further support a well functioning democratic environment. The Oxford House Model references the system of operations of a unique, time-tested model recognized by the Federal Government as an evidence-based practice shown to bring significant results currently unmatched in the recovery space. We offer medical detox placement and flexible-term rehab programs designed around your personal recovery journey. Oxford Houses are chartered through Oxford House Inc., while certain recovery homes may seek certification from NARR or their respective state associations through accreditation.

Stay informed

• Each Oxford House member, as an individual, considers himself a member of AA and/or NA.
• Most sober living homes expect residents to be working or attending school as part of rebuilding their lives.
• We were not only dependent upon alcohol and/or drugs, but were also dependent on many others for continuing our alcoholic and/or drug addicted ways.
• An Oxford House member can stay as long as they like, provided they stay drug and alcohol free, are not disruptive, and pay their share of house expenses.

Observation of how roommates deal with stress and engage in healthy routines without using substances, develop coping skills, and balance their recovery with their daily activities. The result is reduced isolation and the replacement of traditional support networks with a sober, supportive community. Connect through 12-step meetings and other mutual-aid groups, reach out to treatment center alumni programs, and connect with local recovery community organizations. Many New Jersey treatment centers help graduates find sober living arrangements.