The Runwell Guide
The four levels of recovery housing
Not every recovery home has the same amount of structure, staffing, or supervision. The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) groups homes into four levels. Knowing which level fits where you or your loved one is in their recovery makes a real difference.
Democratically run by residents. No paid staff. Lowest cost, highest autonomy.
The classic example is an Oxford House. Residents govern themselves: they hold meetings, vote on house rules, and evict members who relapse. Everyone pays their share of rent and utilities. There are no counselors, managers, or curfews imposed from outside. Best for people with strong recovery foundations who thrive in peer-led environments.
A house manager or senior peer lives on-site. Rules, curfews, drug testing, recovery support.
The most common level. A house manager (usually a peer further along in recovery) lives in the home or monitors it closely. There are rules, curfews, random drug testing, and expectations around working a recovery program. Residents still live independently but have a layer of accountability. Good fit for most people coming out of treatment or early in recovery.
Paid staff, structured programming, clinical partnerships. More intensive support.
Staff (often licensed or certified professionals) are on-site or closely involved. There's a structured schedule: group sessions, 12-step meetings, counseling, job-readiness programs. Many Level III homes partner with outpatient treatment clinics. For people who need more structure than peer support can provide but don't need residential treatment.
Fully staffed clinical residence. Integrated medical and therapeutic services.
Closer to a treatment facility than traditional recovery housing. Licensed clinicians on staff. Medical and therapeutic services are built into daily life. Less common. For people in early recovery who need substantial clinical support as part of their housing.
Which level is right?
There’s no single right answer. People often move from higher levels to lower ones as recovery progresses. Ask the residence about what a typical day looks like, and whether they have references from former residents. The right level is one where you feel you can be honest about where you are and where you need support.
Find a home that fits