How to Open a Drug & Alcohol Recovery House

The purpose of drug and alcohol recovery houses is to assist those who want to stop drug and alcohol abuse. Recovery houses provide a way to help these people learn how to live clean and sober in real world settings. Recovery houses provide safety and a place where there are no drugs or alcohol. These houses also allow the individual the opportunity to cohabitate with people who are going through the same struggle of addiction. Camaraderie is a very important step in recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide where you will be located first. It is important to consider the city and state that you have decided to operate in because each has its own requirements for inspections, permits and zoning.

• 2

  Make a decision about whether or not you will choose to be a licensed facility. This is optional, but if you decide to not be licensed there are firm constraints that must be adhered to so that you do not get shut down by the city or state in which you are operating. The main difference is that non-licensed facilities can not offer counseling services on site, but can work with local churches which can.

• 3

  Calculate all of the costs involved. Include any continued costs such as mortgage payments, food, utilities and household needs. Also, consider annual costs such as beds, computers and pest control. There are also additional costs to consider if you are a licensed facility, including reoccurring licensing fees, inspection fees and accounting charges. Remember to allow all charges for the number of people that will be admitted into the recovery house.

• 4

  Arrange for such things as wheel chair accessibility, fire sprinkler installation and parking issues. The costs involved will depend on the size of your facility and the number of people that will be able to be admitted at one particular time.

• 5

  Involve yourself with the community of where you plan to operate. This is a good way to attain community support as well as receive donated services. Community support is encouraged, but you should also know that you are protected by the Fair Act Amendment from discrimination. Unfortunately, there are some who will shun the idea of housing substance abusers in their community.