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. In those situations where a member’s behavior is disruptive to the group as a whole, the member may be required to seek such professional help or more self-help meetings in order to avoid being dismissed from Oxford House. It is inconsistent with the Oxford House system of democratic rule to have a professional manager of Oxford House. For example, the landlord and phone company may require a security deposit and, while furnishings are generally donated, members will often have to rent a truck in order to pick them up. There may also be a need to buy more “staples” such as flour, sugar, coffee, etc. when a House starts up.
Acceptance
The situation should be avoided whereby certain individuals will begin to equate their persuasive qualities with oxford house the Oxford House concept. Individuals living in each of the Oxford Houses have also been responsible for starting many new groups of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous having meetings near an Oxford House. 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. The opportunity for a house to democratically function requires periodic meetings within the house — at least once a week. Such meetings should be used to resolve any operational or personality problems facing the house. The World Council is made up of both alumni and residents of Oxford Houses who are elected by their peers.
Oxford House Rules
Yes, each state has in place a revolving loan fund that can make loans to cover the first month’s rent and security deposit (up to $4000) to rent a house in a good neighborhood. The loan must be repaid by the group within two years in 24 equal installments. Yes, the prospective residents of the House can find a suitable house, rent it, put up the security deposit and pay the first month’s rent themselves.
The Oxford House Model provides a community based, supportive, and sober living environment.
- Failure to adhere to any of these three requirements would bring the entire Oxford House concept into question.
- Nearly all members of Oxford House utilize the AA and/or NA program in order to obtain and keep a comfortable sobriety.
- In this respect, they are similar to a college fraternity, sorority, or a small New England town.
- In Oxford House, each member equally shares the responsibility for the running of the House and upholding the Oxford House tradition.
- Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a rehabilitation program, incarceration, or at least a detoxification program.
During the last days of our drinking or using drugs, most of us ceased to function as responsible individuals. 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. When we stopped drinking or using drugs, we began to realize just how dependent we had become. For those of us who had been in institutions or half-way houses, resentments against authority were common. Like other sober living homes, people in Oxford Houses come and go. Most homes house between eight and 15 members, with most staying about a year.
- Some houses are all veterans but primarily veterans are integrated into the normal Oxford House population.
- Chapters are important links in making the democratic system of organization underlying Oxford House™ work.
- This prohibition requires local governments to make a reasonable accommodation in their zoning laws to enable handicap individuals to effectively deal with their disability.
- One of the greatest threats to the sobriety of a recovering alcoholic or drug addict is loneliness.
- The average stay is about a year, but many members stay three, four, or more years.
They will return to their families; they may start new families; they may simply move into another living situation. The reason that each Oxford House is independent arises from the very practical consideration that those who are closest to a situation are best able to manage it. If an Oxford House follows the democratic principles and traditions of Oxford House, Inc., it should have no difficulty in running smoothly. Those democratic principles will also enable the members of a particular Oxford House to take pride in their new found responsibility. However, the members of Oxford House have found only by being active in AA and/or NA have they found comfortable, long-term sobriety — for themselves and the Oxford House in which they live. The Oxford House Model is the unique, time-tested system of operations; an evidence-based practice shown to bring significant results currently unmatched in the recovery space.
- Alternatively, if they would like to send their application to all houses near them that have an opening, they can Apply Online.
- 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.
- When you call a house to set up an interview you can ask them how much their EES is.
Democratically self-run
Any member who drinks alcohol or uses drugs will be immediately expelled. If you are not selected, you should try another house that has an opening. It is not unusual that an individual who gets rejected at one house applies at another house with an opening and gets accepted. If a house votes to accept you, you can tell them whether or not you accept the invitation to move in. Alternatively, if you’d like to send your application to all houses near you that have an opening, you can Apply Online. 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.
If an applicant does not get voted into one house they should try another house in the area. Mr. Molloy and the other residents devised the basic rules of self-government that have shaped Oxford House ever since. First, all decisions would be made democratically, with a Sober living home group vote. Second, every resident would contribute equally to the expenses and household duties.
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