Resources and Tools for Sober Living Operators

Industry Associations

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

NARR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing. Founded in 2011, NARR established the most widely accepted national standard for recovery residence operations.

Key Resources:

• National standards for recovery residences
• Certification programs through state affiliates
• Annual Best Practices Summit (typically held in September)
• Training and educational content
• Monthly webinars and forums

NARR State Affiliates Directory

Note: If there is no affiliate in your state, contact NARR for assistance in establishing one.

Other Key Associations

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP):

• Business membership association for addiction and mental health treatment providers
• Federal policy advocacy (only association with a PAC)
• NAATP National Conference (held each May)
• Monthly webinars with NAADAC CE credits

Oxford House:

• Pioneer of self-governed, democratically run sober living homes
• Over 2,500 homes across the United States
• Model charter and bylaws available
• Technical assistance for starting new houses

Government Resources

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

SAMHSA is the federal agency responsible for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and mental health services.

Key Resources for Operators:

• Best Practices for Recovery Housing guide
• Recovery Housing Program Models Guide
• Grant Announcements
• FindTreatment.gov - treatment locator
• National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Recent Funding (2025-2026):

• $43 million for youth recovery housing (ages 18-24) through SOR grants
• STREETS pilot program ($100 million) for homelessness and substance abuse

HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Key Programs:

• Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) - prevention, rapid rehousing, emergency shelter
• Continuum of Care (CoC) Program - permanent supportive housing
• HUD Exchange Resources

Single State Agencies (SSAs)

Each state has a designated Single State Agency responsible for managing federal substance abuse funds. Contact your state's SSA for information on:

• State-level grant opportunities
• Certification requirements
• Contract opportunities for recovery housing beds
• Technical assistance

Florida State Resources

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) - SAMH:

• Recovery Residence Information and certification
• Licensing and Regulation
• Treatment Services

Florida Certification Board: Credentialing for CRRA, peer support specialists, and other behavioral health professionals.

Training Programs

CRRA Training Providers

Peer Support Specialist Certification (by State)

Conferences and Events

Software Tools

Sober Living Management Software

Key Features to Look For:

• Drug test tracking and scheduling
• Rent collection and financial management
• Chore assignment and tracking
• Case notes and documentation
• Resident communication tools
• HIPAA/42 CFR Part 2 compliance
• Reporting for grants and outcomes

Accounting Software

Drug Testing Suppliers

Best Practices:

• Use temperature strips to detect substitution
• Keep tests accessible for random testing
• Document all results
• Maintain chain of custody for contested results

Templates and Forms

Residency Agreements

Key Elements to Include:

• Program fees and payment terms
• House rules reference
• Drug/alcohol testing consent
• Medication management policies
• Termination conditions
• Release of liability
• Emergency contact information

House Rules Templates

Common House Rules:

• Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
• Mandatory meeting attendance (typically 5/week for Level 2)
• Curfew hours (e.g., 10pm-5am quiet time)
• Employment or program participation requirement
• Chore responsibilities
• Guest policies
• Medication storage and management
• Consequences for violations

Intake and Discharge Forms

Key intake documentation typically includes:

• Personal information and emergency contacts
• Medical history and current medications
• Treatment history
• Legal status (if applicable)
• HIPAA release forms
• Photo consent
• Financial agreements

Drug Testing Forms

Key elements:

• Date and time of test
• Test administrator
• Test type and panels
• Results
• Resident signature
• Chain of custody documentation

Recommended Reading

Books for Operators

Research and Studies

Key Research Findings:

• Recovery housing demonstrates improved outcomes in abstinence, employment, and reduced recidivism
• Evidence is considered moderate to strong
• Cost-effectiveness is higher than continuing care as usual
• Social model principles are foundational to effectiveness

Industry Blogs and Publications

• Sobriety Hub Blog: Sober living operations
• Vanderburgh Communities Knowledge Base: Recovery housing best practices
• NARR Resources: Standards and policies
• NLIHC (National Low Income Housing Coalition): Housing policy advocacy

Glossary of Terms

Recovery Housing Terminology

NARR Levels of Support

Common Acronyms

Crisis Resources

Emergency Numbers

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call, Text, or Chat: 988

Features:

• Available 24/7/365
• Free and confidential
• English and Spanish, plus 240+ languages via interpreter
• Veterans press "1" for Veterans Crisis Lifeline
• Chat available at 988lifeline.org
• Videophone for deaf/hard of hearing (ASL)

SAMHSA National Helpline

Phone: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)

Services:

• Free, confidential, 24/7
• Treatment referrals
• Information on substance use and mental health
• Available in English and Spanish

Overdose Response Resources

Key Recommendations for Recovery Housing:

• Train all staff on overdose recognition and naloxone administration
• Keep naloxone kits accessible in common areas
• Provide fentanyl test strips
• Post emergency procedures prominently
• Connect with local health department for free naloxone

Finding Local Crisis Resources

1. SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov
2. State/county crisis lines: Search "[your county] crisis line"
3. Local poison control: 1-800-222-1222 (routes to nearest center)
4. Hospital emergency departments: For medical emergencies
5. Community mental health centers: Many offer crisis services

Quick Reference Card

Most Important Numbers:

• 988 - Mental health and substance use crisis
• 1-800-662-4357 - SAMHSA treatment referrals
• 1-800-222-1222 - Poison Control
• 911 - Life-threatening emergencies

Most Important Websites:

• NARR: narronline.org
• SAMHSA: samhsa.gov
• FindTreatment.gov
• Your state NARR affiliate