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We are active from the local to the state level, continuously advocating for the rights of sober home residents and operators. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.
No Matter What Sober House Vanderburgh Sober Living for Women in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
We promote and enforce the SAMHSA recognized National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards.
- All MASH-certified sober homes follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and have been independently inspected.
- Many in early recovery consider their sober house to be one of the most important parts of their recovery journey.
- Sober House Directory provides information on sober house certification for each state in the database, including for sober living in Massachusetts.
Components and Requirements for Massachusetts NARR State Affiliate
Sober House Directory provides information on sober house certification for each state in the database, including for sober living in Massachusetts. Please visit the Massachusetts Sober House Certification page for more information about sober house certification in this state. A significant milestone in MASH’s history occurred in 2011 when the National Alliance for Recovery Residences was founded. NARR established national standards for recovery residences, which MASH adopted and tailored to meet the specific needs of Massachusetts. This alignment with NARR standards helped MASH strengthen its certification process and expand its influence across the state.
In 2023, the significance of the Massachusetts NARR affiliate has grown due to increasing demand for structured sober living environments amid the ongoing opioid crisis. MASH ensures that certified sober homes provide a stable environment conducive to long-term recovery by adhering to NARR’s guidelines National Alliance for Recovery ResidencesAffiliates . In Massachusetts, state agencies and vendors are only allowed to refer clients to MASH Certified sober houses. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability for all certified sober homes in Massachusetts. The sober house certification standards set by MASH can be found here.
Fill out this application form to begin the process of becoming a MASH member!
Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing. Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified. A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor. Boston Sober Homes is a M.A.S.H certified sober housing company for those who are serious about their recovery and sobriety. Our mission is to provide clean, comfortable accommodations in a positive environment for those looking to live a sober lifestyle. Our homes and their atmospheres are nurtured by the guests they provide for.
Rogers Sober House Vanderburgh Sober Living for Women in Lowell, Massachusetts
- Residents are linked to mutual aid, recovery activities and recovery advocacy opportunities.
- MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community.
- Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the sober home operator) to operate a sober home on the property.
- Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.
Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided. Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from substance use but may also include other demographic criteria. Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
Recovery Support Domain
Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support. If there are any changes to the sober home policies or sober home management, please notify MASH to update our files. An increase in beds will require an additional inspection to the sober home.
Vanderburgh House works closely with MASH to develop standards and ensure that their sober houses offer the strongest community and recovery environment in service of their residents. For a list of all Vanderburgh Houses, please visit their website. Certified sober homes in Massachusetts are designated by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). In 2007, eight sober house operators drug addiction treatment established MASH. Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober houses, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016.
Standards
NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like MASH implement. NARR’s mission is to improve access to quality recovery residences through these standards, education, and advocacy. Sober House Directory helps you find sober houses, structured group homes, and sober living. Purple pins represent certified homes.