A Safe Transition to Wellness

In 1995, the Philadelphia Coordinating Office for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs (now known as the Office of Addiction Services) established a recovery house system for persons enrolled in state-licensed outpatient substance abuse programs. The goal was to improve treatment outcomes by placing people in a positive, stable living environment that is conducive to recovery.

Five recovery house programs were initially launched, operated by people in recovery. Today, OAS has expanded the program to 21 recovery house sites operated by 13 organizations, providing a total of 288 beds across Philadelphia. The Recovery House initiative also offers specialty programs, including women with children, methadone maintenance, staff trained in Spanish and wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Principle program features include:

• Mandatory outpatient treatment for all residents
• Full compliance with local L&I housing codes
• Ongoing communication between the recovery house and treatment providers, case managers, and probation officers
• 24-hour staff coverage
• Random, observed urine drug screening
• Accredited training program for recovery house staff
• Core services
• Resource coordination by case management