George Walsh Becomes Chartered Operator for Russell Sober House in New Britain, CT!

Exciting News: George Walsh Becomes Chartered Operator for Russell Sober House in New Britain, CT!

We’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Russell Sober House in New Britain, Connecticut! George Walsh has officially signed his Charter Agreement and assumed the role of Chartered Operator as of December 1st. This is a momentous occasion for the sober home, and we couldn’t be more delighted to share this news with our community.

Russell Sober House, part of the Vanderburgh Sober Living network, has been a beacon of support for individuals on their journey to recovery. George Walsh’s commitment to the mission of providing a nurturing environment for men in Connecticut seeking sober living is truly commendable.

About Russell Sober House: Independent Sober Living for Men Near Hartford, Connecticut

Russell Sober House is dedicated to offering a safe and compassionate space for men navigating the challenges of recovery. Located at 36 Russell Street in New Britain, this sober home provides a structured and supportive living environment that fosters personal growth and community connections.

For more information about Russell Sober House, please visit Russell Sober House – Vanderburgh Sober Living. To compare homes across the city, see sober living in New Britain.

George Walsh’s Vision: A 12-Step Culture at Russell Sober House

We spoke with George and he said, “The culture we are trying to create in New Britain is based on the 12-step program. My assistant House Mentor and I want men who have sponsors and who are writing out their steps. Spiritual principles are a huge component of the culture we are trying to build at Russell Sober House. We intend to foster a community of dedicated, supportive men who are working hard to live independent lives.”

Congratulate George Walsh and Stay Connected

Vanderburgh Sober Living invites you to join us in congratulating George Walsh on this significant achievement! Your support and encouragement mean the world to us as we continue our mission to provide a foundation for lasting recovery.

For updates and further information, keep an eye on our website for the latest news and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Living in New Britain, CT

What is a Chartered Operator at Vanderburgh Sober Living?

A Chartered Operator owns and runs a recovery home that has joined the Vanderburgh Sober Living network by signing a Charter Agreement. The operator keeps ownership of the business and gains VSL’s brand, operating standards, and startup and certification support. George Walsh became Chartered Operator of Russell Sober House on December 1, 2023.

What does a 12-step culture look like in a sober house?

In a sober house with a 12-step culture, residents are encouraged to work with a sponsor, write out their steps, and attend meetings regularly. At Russell Sober House, George Walsh and his assistant house mentor emphasize spiritual principles and a community of supportive men working toward independent lives in recovery.

Are sober living homes in Connecticut certified?

Certification is voluntary in Connecticut. Under Public Act 18-171, operators may report certified status to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services when a NARR affiliate, such as the Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences, or another recognized organization certifies the home. DMHAS then lists available certified sober living home beds.

Do Connecticut sober homes have to keep naloxone on hand?

Yes, in many cases. Under Public Act 18-171, a Connecticut sober living home that houses residents with opioid use disorder must keep at least two doses of an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, and train residents to use it. The same 2018 law bars homes from advertising that they provide treatment services.

Do 12-step programs help people stay sober?

Research supports them. A 2020 Cochrane review of 27 studies found that Alcoholics Anonymous and twelve-step facilitation led to higher rates of continuous abstinence than other established treatments. Studies of sober living houses also link 12-step involvement with lower alcohol and drug use, which is why many recovery homes build their culture around it.

Research & Sources

1. Foote, H. T. (2026). Vanderburgh Sober Living Operating Climate Index, 2026 edition. Vanderburgh Sober Living. https://www.vanderburghhouse.com/research/operating-climate-index-2026/
2. Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences. (n.d.). Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences. https://ctrecoveryresidences.org/
3. Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. (n.d.). Certified sober living homes. https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/divisions/behavioral-health-division/certified-sober-living-homes
4. Connecticut General Assembly, Office of Legislative Research. (2018). Public Act 18-171: An act concerning sober living homes [Public act summary]. https://prdext3.cga.ct.gov/2018/SUM/pdf/2018SUM00171-R02HB-05149-SUM.pdf
5. Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(3), CD012880. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2
6. Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R. A., Bond, J., & Galloway, G. (2010). Sober living houses for alcohol and drug dependence: 18-month outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 38(4), 356–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2010.02.003