It took me awhile to get used to being with a group of guys like myself. But together we have learned to manage and maintain the house and interact as a family. Oxford House, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that employs both office and field staff. While no one is ever asked to leave an Oxford House without cause, some individuals will simply outgrow living in an Oxford House. They will return to their families; they may start new families; they may simply move into another living situation.
The Core Principles of the Oxford House Model
Oxford House, Inc. will consider favorably a Charter application whether or not a loan is received from the State or some other outside source. Oxford Houses are democratically self-run by the residents who elect officers to serve for terms of six months. In this respect, they are similar to a college fraternity, sorority, or a small New England town.
- Mr. Molloy and the other residents devised the basic rules of self-government that have shaped Oxford House ever since.
- However, there is every reason to believe that recovering alcoholics and drug addicts can do for themselves that which society as a whole has no responsibility to do for them.
- 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.
- Oxford House should rely on democratically-chosen leaders, but the leaders must always be but trusted servants.
Each Oxford House follows three simple rules.
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. Interviews are usually held in person, but can also be done over the phone. House members determine how they want to run their household, including which new members they will invite to move in and how to manage their finances. Find a house, fill out the application, and call a house to schedule an interview. Call the contact person for each house you’re oxford house interested in to set up an interview. Before spreading the word, an individual Oxford House should make certain that it is sufficiently established to undertake public discussion of it goals and mission.
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Moreover, the skills learned within an Oxford House—such as conflict resolution, budgeting, and time management—are invaluable life lessons that can aid in sustaining long-term sobriety and personal growth. Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a 28-day rehabilitation program or at least a 5 to 10 day detoxification program. Applicants must complete this membership application and be interviewed by the house they are looking to live at.
However, there is every reason to believe that recovering alcoholics and drug addicts can do for themselves that which society as a whole has no responsibility to do for them. Oxford House is built on the premise of expanding in order to meet the needs of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. This principle contrasts sharply with the principle of providing the alcoholic or drug addict with assistance for a limited time period in order to make room for a more recently recovering alcoholic or drug addict.
- It is inconsistent with the Oxford House system of democratic rule to have a professional manager of Oxford House.
- The communal aspect allows individuals to build meaningful connections with others who understand their struggles, fostering a robust support system.
- Each member pays EES (Equal Expense Share) which includes the total amount of rent due for the month, utilities and basic staples for the house.
- Learn what makes Oxford House stand out as a unique model for recovery housing.
- When we stopped drinking, we began to realize that in order to stay stopped, our lives would need to change.
- Second, every resident would contribute equally to the expenses and household duties.
One of the greatest threats to the sobriety of a recovering alcoholic or drug addict is loneliness. At a time when we acquired a serious desire to stop drinking or using drugs, many of us had lost our families and friends because of our alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Too often, newly recovering alcoholics and drug addicts are faced with the necessity of living alone and of relying solely on contacts with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to stay sober.
The Future of the Oxford House Model
A recovering individual can live in an Oxford House for as long as he or she does not drink alcohol, does not use drugs, and pays an equal share of the house expenses. The average stay is about a year, but many residents stay three, four, or more years. In fact, Oxford House creates an environment whereby each member can more fully realize the benefits available from active AA or NA membership. 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.
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In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home. 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. The Oxford House Model provides community based, supportive, and sober living environment.