Oxford House Traditions: Recovery Guide
Propagation, or spreading the word, of the Oxford House concept is given the highest priority by the members of Oxford House. In deference to that tradition, Oxford House has never sought nor obtained sponsorship from any AA or NA group. Oxford House members value the Sixth Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous (and Narcotics Anonymous) too greatly for themselves to try to get either movement deeply involved in the organizing, financing, or sponsorship of any Oxford House. However, Oxford House members firmly believe that the Oxford House concept can expand as an independent entity, while fully utilizing the benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous. Every Oxford House member attributes his sobriety to Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous.
Each Oxford House follows three simple rules.
It’s the collective wisdom and judgment of the house members, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and with the best interests of the community in mind. These core values work in harmony to create a structured yet supportive environment. The inception of Oxford House, Inc., was driven by the belief that individuals in recovery are capable of self-governance and mutual support. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, crucial for long-term recovery. They share expenses, maintain the property, and create a supportive atmosphere. This means residents collectively manage the house, both financially and operationally.
Video: Oxford House Traditions: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving In

So, as you can see, getting acquainted with the Oxford House traditions beforehand can really set you up for success. Knowing oxford house traditions what to expect makes all the difference as you navigate your journey within the supportive structure of an Oxford House, especially when understanding Oxford House traditions. Each Oxford House should be financially self-supporting although financially secure houses may, with approval or encouragement of Oxford House, Inc., provide new or financially needy houses a loan for a term not to exceed one year. Learn what makes Oxford House stand out as a unique model for recovery housing. Repayment from those start-up loans assures the continuation of the revolving fund to enable other new houses to get started — just as repayment of loans to chapters permits the same resources to be used again and again. Starting new Houses through the mutual assistance of existing Oxford Houses is a tradition because each House was started with the help of existing Houses and tends to pass on to others that which they received.

The Importance of House Meetings
- The World Headquarters acts as a repository of knowledge and experience, offering guidance and support to houses facing unique challenges.
- It’s a chance for a supportive, sober living environment, but like any community, Oxford Houses have their own set of unwritten rules and established practices.
- By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, Oxford Houses harness the collective power of their residents to create a supportive, empowering, and effective recovery environment.
- In their enthusiasm, they have been anxious to share Oxford House with any recovering alcoholics and drug addicts who want to establish an Oxford House in their community.
- We were not only dependent upon alcohol and/or drugs, but were also dependent on many others for continuing our alcoholic and/or drug addicted ways.
This can be one of the most profound and transformative elements of the Oxford House experience, where empathy and understanding are freely given and received. Residents are encouraged to treat each other with dignity and empathy, fostering a culture of mutual respect. This includes respecting personal boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and resolving conflicts constructively. It is important to remember that the process of re-entry is possible after the individual seeks additional treatment. A well-defined agenda ensures that meetings stay focused and productive, while clear communication protocols promote open dialogue and respectful debate.
The men and women in Oxford Houses pay all the expenses to maintain the individual Oxford Houses that make up the network of more than 1,400 houses. During FY 2019, residents paid rent, utility and other household expenses of $155,337,624. The rotation of leadership, supported by the wider Oxford House community, creates a powerful system for personal growth, shared responsibility, and collective success. Furthermore, chapters serve as a resource for resolving conflicts, addressing challenges, and drug addiction treatment ensuring that houses adhere to the core principles of the Oxford House model. This shared sense of ownership and responsibility fosters a strong sense of community and accountability, reinforcing the individual’s commitment to their own recovery. Peer support within the Oxford House model recognizes the profound impact of connecting with others who understand the challenges of addiction and recovery.
By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, chapters contribute to the overall strength and sustainability of the Oxford House network. These opportunities help to equip members with the skills and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ knowledge necessary to be effective leaders within their houses. While individual Oxford Houses operate autonomously, they are not isolated entities.
For a couple of months in 1975, he found himself living on the streets and begging strangers for money before he entered a rehabilitation program. He moved to a county-run halfway house in Silver Spring, MD, to recover but soon learned that the facility was about to close. Things that I have learned through AA and Oxford House are an attitude of gratitude, acceptance, love, forgiveness, compassion, and the willingness to take that next step. Oxford Houses are democratically self-run by the residents who elect officers to serve for terms of six months. In this respect, they are similar to a college fraternity, sorority, or a small New England town.
- Generally an individual comes into an Oxford House following a 28-day rehabilitation program or at least a 5 to 10 day detoxification program.
- This manual describes how chapters work and are organized to strengthen the world network of Oxford Houses.
- It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and collective decision-making in fostering a successful recovery environment.
- Others recognized that the success of Oxford House made it clear that there would be more and more houses and there was no turning back the clock.
The Significance of Group Conscience: Guiding Principles for Ethical Decision-Making
Structured meetings are vital for maintaining order, encouraging participation, and facilitating effective communication within an Oxford House. This includes everything from day-to-day operations, such as cleaning and cooking, to more complex tasks like budgeting, house maintenance, and conflict resolution. Members learn from each other, share coping strategies, and celebrate milestones together. One of the most compelling aspects of the Oxford House model is its reliance on collective wisdom. This vision challenged conventional approaches, placing trust and responsibility directly in the hands of those seeking recovery. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional recovery programs, Molloy sought to create a more empowering and sustainable solution.


