Riverhouse is a NARR compliant, LARR certified, LEVEL 2, 12 step based “recovery residence” (a.k.a. sober house). It’s a home for men to learn how to use the knowledge and skills they learned in treatment and apply it to life in a safe, sober and caring environment that is supportive of their 12 step recovery. In 2012, Riverhouse  was born from an observation. There appeared to be a clear lack of accountability and structure when a sober house is run and managed by newly recovering addicts and alcoholics (level 1 homes). Riverhouse uses the same democratic format as those houses but has a couple of additional components such as an on site house manager  that oversees the house and holds each member to its structure and a unique 3 phase system that encourages accountability and a sustainable lifestyle.

A study by the NCBI in 2011 followed 300 “treated” and “untreated” addicts and/or alcoholics over 18 months in sober living homes. In that study, they confirmed that sober living homes or “Recovery Residences” drastically increased the odds for long term sobriety AND significantly decreased relapse. Furthermore, they found that sobriety without relapse was DIRECTLY increased when the newly sober addict/alcoholic was in a sober home where management was in place. According to the study, they recommend that a person commit to a sober living environment for a minimum of 90 days to one (1) year, for best results.

Structured sober living differs from the traditional sober living concept (old concept) with the addition of a couple key components to ensure the newly sober alcoholic/drug addict is held accountable for what they commit to. Most sober living homes (even those calling themselves “structured”) do have rules the the residents are to follow, but in most cases there is no one [a manager] to hold them to those rules. Things like meeting and sponsorship requirements, curfew and work are all a part of the Riverhouse structure and compliance is overseen by a house manager.

There is a lot of evidence that shows structure, although trying at times, is very healthy. It builds self confidence and establishes direction to one’s routine. Adding these key components to the sober living experience offers the newly recovering addict/alcoholic a much stronger foundation to build a new happy, healthy sober life.

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