Recovery Housing Levels

What does it mean to describe a recovery residence in terms of "level"?

The concept of a level originates with NARR, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. However, each state affiliate (OKARR, in the state of Oklahoma) maintains discretion in the process of defining precise selection criteria.

At this time, OKARR only certifies recovery residences as level 2 or 3.

Level 1

  • House is peer-lead
  • Staff are volunteers
  • Must have a rules in place that are in a pamphlet or manual or have set guidelines
  • Mandatory drug testing to ensure a substance free environment
  • Group meetings & optional independent meetings
  • Single family style housing
  • Not an OKARR certified level

Level 2

  • A house manager must live on-site
  • Guidelines must be presented in the home for residents to see at all times and followed to maintain residence
  • Mandatory drug testing to ensure a substance free environment
  • Required group meetings & independent assistance for the resident’s recovery
  • Group activities lead by house members
  • Can be a duplex, apartment, single family or other type of housing
  • Eligible to be OKARR certified

Level 3

  • Leveled leadership roles with supervision levels
  • Guidelines must be presented in the home for residents to see at all times and followed to maintain residence.
  • Licensure of administrative members may be required.
  • Must provide resources that prepare residents for reentering society after leaving the recovery home.
  • PRSS Certified through ODMHSAS providing services in the home a minimum of 3 days per week
  • CM I or II certified through ODMHSAS providing services in the home a minimum of 3 days per week
  • Housing Plus Endorsed staff member endorsed through ODMHSAS providing services in the home a minimum of 3 days per week
  • An MOU with an SUD Provider outside of yourself in your community
  • Can be a duplex, apartment, single family or other type of housing
  • Eligible to be OKARR certified

Level 4

  • Leveled leadership roles with supervision levels.
  • Guidelines must be presented in the home for residents to see at all times and followed to maintain residence.
  • Licensure of administrative members may be required.
  • Must have a service provider in house for residents.
  • Must provide resources that prepare residents for reentering society after leaving the recovery home.
  • May be any type of housing or in patient institution
  • All staff must be licensed professionals
  • Not an OKARR certified level.