Oxford House Traditions: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving In

By 1988, the number of individual Oxford Houses had become so great that it became difficult to have a meeting at which everyone would get a chance to speak. Some longed for the “old days” when there were fewer houses and the combined group of houses were smaller. Others recognized that the success of Oxford House Alcoholics Anonymous made it clear that there would be more and more houses and there was no turning back the clock.

• The average number of times an Oxford House resident has been through prior treatment is three, but for about a quarter of residents their Oxford House residency is after their first treatment episode.
• The members of an Oxford House assume full responsibility for the operation of the House.
• While Oxford House is not affiliated with AA or NA, its members realize that recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction can only be assured by the changing of their lifestyle through full participation in AA and NA.
• More than 80 percent of Oxford House residents remain clean and sober for the long term even though many of them come from backgrounds that have included lengthy alcohol and drug use, periods of homelessness, and incarceration.

Q. How did Oxford House get started?

As soon as Oxford House Inc., hears of such problems, it takes corrective action because the good name of Oxford House is an important factor in the recovery of thousands of individuals. By the time many of us had stopped drinking, we had lost jobs; we had lost families, and some of us either had no place to live or no place to live which was not an invitation to start drinking again. Oxford House was founded not only to put a roof over our head, but also to create a home where the disease of alcoholism was understood and the need for the alcoholic to stay away from the first drink was emphasized. The bond that holds the group together is the desire to stop drinking and stay stopped. Modest rooms and living facilities can become luxurious suites when viewed from an environment of alcoholics working together for comfortable sobriety.

Oxford Houses work because they are:

Often several members of an existing House will move into the new House to provide a core group of new members who already know how an Oxford House works. 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. By running Oxford House on a democratic basis, members of Oxford House become able to accept the authority of the group because the group is a peer group. Each member has an equal https://skmez.online/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-medlineplus-medical/ voice in the group and each has an opportunity to relearn responsibility and to accept decisions once they are made.

Q. How difficult is it to find another house to rent?

• Every member has an equal vote regardless of how long they’ve been there.
• Since Oxford Houses are self-supported, they are the most cost-effective way to deal with recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction and co-occurring mental illness.
• Initially, the structure and supervision of such facilities were acceptable because physically and mentally, we were exhausted.

One can only be dismissed from an Oxford House because of drinking, using drugs, non-payment of rent, or disruptive behavior. Every opportunity should be given to a member who needs professional help to see that he obtains it. While Oxford House, what is the oxford house Inc. has the sole authority to grant Oxford House charters, the World Council acts as an advisory council to the board. The primary purpose of each Chapter is to assure that each oxford House operates in a way that is consistent with the Oxford House Traditions and system of operations as described in the Oxford House Manual. Chapters have become the front-line building blocks of quality control and mutual assistance for the continued success of all Oxford Houses.

• This was the purpose of the first Oxford House established in 1975, and this purpose is served, day by day, house after house, in each of over 1,200 houses in the United States today.
• By 1988, the number of individual Oxford Houses had become so great that it became difficult to have a meeting at which everyone would get a chance to speak.
• A major part of the Oxford House philosophy is that dependency is best overcome through an acceptance of responsibility.

The legacy of Oxford House is forever secure as long as the concept, Traditions and system of operations is assured by control of its members through participation in an effective democratic system of organization. Oxford House, Inc. is a separate nonprofit organization that employs field staff to provide technical assistance to the network of houses to help expand the Oxford House Model. Residents who violate the rules or disrupt the house’s sobriety can face consequences, including potential expulsion. This reinforces the importance of adhering to established Oxford House traditions and maintaining a supportive environment. Oxford House World Services provides guidance and support but does not manage individual houses. They ensure houses adhere to the Oxford House traditions and principles, offering a framework for success.