MASH Contact Us

It is a feeling.”  Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. In 2007, eight sober house operators established the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. Residents in a Massachusetts sober living program enter mash sober housing into the program voluntarily and therefore can leave the sober home willfully. Conversely, most halfway house residents enter the program through a court order, and quitting before the agreed end date can have devastating consequences, including reincarceration.

• In this phase, resident responsibilities increase while becoming more accountable for all decisions.
• Residents can also commit to an outpatient rehab treatment program during their stay in the house.
• Through our network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders.
• Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.

Later in the evening, residents share a meal and unwind by socializing, reading, or calling a loved one. In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. However, the grant secured by the Massachusetts Parole Board, will open up approximately 360 beds for probationers and individuals leaving prison or other facilities and are re-entering society. Most residents engage in household chores, exercise, and personal grooming to start the day.

» Certification

The reintroduction phase is less restrictive, and residents gradually take on more responsibilities. Consequently, residents may return to school or work obligations, run errands, have curfew extended, and ride the bus alone for essential activities. Also, residents must continue with therapy, support group meetings, and counseling. Residents use the skills learned during treatment to navigate this phase. In July 2014, Bill H.1828 was passed into law mandating the monitoring and voluntary certification of MA Sober Homes.

Chapter 165, Section 37 of the Acts of 2014 required the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish a process for the voluntary certification of alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing. This legislation limits state agencies and their vendors to referring to certified ADF housing. DPH awarded a contract to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. The sober beds are made available to individuals for an eight-week (56 day) stay, according to Deputy Coelho. The evening consists of activities, such as group or individual meetings, 12-step meetings, therapy, or house meetings.

The Phases of Sober Living in Massachusetts

Sober living programs and halfway houses are similar in the extent that they give support to individuals looking to maintain their sobriety. They provide a structured substance-free living arrangement for persons in recovery who must obey the facility’s rules, contribute to house costs, and perform any assigned responsibilities. The difference in both programs includes the cost of entering into the program, program duration, exiting the program, ownership, cost of staying in the program, living conditions, and staff qualification. Sober living homes are not inpatient drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Entry requirements vary, but most sober living homes in Massachusetts require residents to have completed some level of rehab or detox before admission.

Residents of sober homes are expected to abstain from alcohol and drug use, other than prescribed medications, and to refrain from prescription misuse. Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements. MASH-certified sober homes are governed by standards that address safety from an administrative, operational, property, and “good neighbor” perspective. Most facility staff in a sober living house are older residents using their skills and experience learned in recovery to support newer residents. However, most staff members in a halfway house have some formal training in providing support to persons in recovery.

Sober Living Home vs. Halfway House in Massachusetts

The self-sufficiency phase is the last step in sober living, bringing the resident closer to independent living. In this phase, resident responsibilities increase while becoming more accountable for all decisions. For instance, residents can take the bus unaccompanied for long commutes or mentor https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a new resident. To get to self-sufficiency, the resident must complete the 12-step program and have a verifiable history of maintaining their sobriety. The sober living home also removes all restrictions, and the resident may move out of the sober living home into their private residence.

Sober House Directory helps you find sober houses, structured group homes, and sober living. We do not show halfway houses, treatment programs, or rehabilitation facilities. In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery. Recovery residences —formerly known as halfway houses — are licensed residential treatment programs, while Massachusetts sober homes are peer-led and do not provide treatment. Sober homes provide mutual support, emphasize independent living skills, and depend on peer leadership.

It is all about people that need help finding a solid path to sobriety.

The better facility, privacy, and functioning amenities make residing in a sober living program expensive, as most residents pay for room and board. Meanwhile, halfway houses tend to be cheaper as the government typically subsidizes the rent for residents. Establishing a strong sober home community culture is critical to success in recovery. MASH-certified sober homes must also offer a peer-based environment and be drug- and alcohol-free. It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery. Certified sober homes have comfortable spaces for living, sleeping, and engaging with peers, all of which make them valuable and safe spaces for recovery.

Halfway houses provide residence for persons who received substance abuse treatment while in incarceration to help them reintegrate into society. However, halfway houses may also accommodate persons mandated by a court order or persons in recovery for drug or alcohol addiction. Most Massachusetts halfway houses support its resident road to sobriety by offering support services such as financial management, skill-building, personal coaching, and job search assistance. In addition, occupants of a halfway house must attend substance abuse recovery-based treatment or program, including 12-step meetings and therapy.

Vanderburgh House, a supporter of Sober House Directory, builds sober home communities where residents are supported in their recovery journeys. Vanderburgh House sees a world where every person in recovery has access to a supportive, healthy, and safe home environment built on respect, focused on recovery, and lead by peers. Residents live together as a family to develop the tools and strengthen their character in order to live free from substance abuse. These homes allow for independence while guided by a set of recovery-focused house rules, standards, and expectations. Visit the Vanderburgh House website to learn more about their sober homes.

All member organizations have signed a code of ethics document, and all house managers have completed one or more training sessions. Join our sober living community or refer a client, family member, or friend. Housing is critical for individuals returning to the community during COVID-19, as emergency housing is limited due to coronavirus concerns, Deputy Coelho said.

Living Conditions

The rule for staying in a sober living home is simple – residents must maintain their sobriety and keep to the house rules. Residents in a sober housing facility can expect the facility to support their sobriety by encouraging house members to attend house meetings, counseling, therapy, and 12-step meetings. Instead, they provide their occupants with a safe and supportive community, all working to prevent a relapse.

This housing will help probationers, parolees, and those discharging from Houses of Correction and from the Department of Correction. ”Certified alcohol and drug free housing”, alcohol and drug free housing that has been accredited by the bureau pursuant to this section. (e) The director shall periodically evaluate the quality of training being provided to operators seeking certification and the integrity and efficacy of the accreditation program. ”Bureau”, the bureau of substance abuse services established in section 18. Here are some of the questions we receive about sober housing in Massachusetts.

Restrictive/Abstinence Phase

Residents who work, school, or volunteer leave the facility to attend to these obligations. Residents in outpatient treatment may also report for therapy and counseling sessions. Members houses have all been inspected and certified as being in compliance with the standards that MASH has established.

• It is a feeling.” Our certified sober homes take pride in offering a home-like environment that supports recovery.
• Transitional housing provides temporary and affordable drug and alcohol-free living accommodations for homeless persons in recovery.
• In accordance with this requirement, MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts.
• This legislation limits state agencies and their vendors to referring to certified ADF housing.
• Sober housing provides substance-free accommodation for persons recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
• Payment terms for sober homes vary, and residents are given written house agreements.