The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a nonprofit organization that develops and promotes national standards for recovery residences across the United States. These standards are designed to support consistency, accountability, and quality in recovery housing.
Rather than directly certifying individual homes, NARR works through a network of state-level affiliate organizations. These affiliates apply the NARR Standard within their states and oversee certification processes for recovery residences.
Recovery residences themselves exist along a spectrum of support, ranging from peer-run housing to clinically integrated treatment environments. NARR’s framework organizes these residences into four levels, helping operators, families, and referral partners better understand the type of support provided.
About NARR
NARR was established to bring greater consistency and clarity to the recovery housing field. Its primary role is to define and maintain a national standard that recovery residences can follow, regardless of location.
Today, NARR focuses on several core functions:
- Establishing national standards for recovery residences
- Supporting education and training for operators
- Working through state affiliates to implement certification
- Promoting consistency and quality across recovery housing
- Supporting advocacy for recovery residence best practices
NARR’s approach is built on the idea that recovery residences should provide safe, structured, and ethical environments that support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
Across the United States, NARR reports:
- Operations in more than 30 states
- Over 7,000 certified recovery residences
- Hundreds of thousands of individuals served annually through certified housing
These figures reflect the scale of the affiliate-based model and its role in standardizing recovery housing nationwide.
NARR’s formation whitepaper states:
Harnessing the experience and diversity of Development Committee members best serves the many pathways to recovery. Our coalition’s sustained and unified voice is influential regarding other issues such as funding; program evaluation and quality improvement; offender reentry or restorative justice; and the employment and housing discrimination that affects the millions of people and families in recovery.
National Alliance for Recovery Residences’ Mission and Vision
Our mission is to support persons in recovery from addiction by improving their access to quality recovery residences through standards, support services, placement, education, research and advocacy. We envision all persons in recovery from addiction having access to the recovery support they need to live happier, healthier lives. NARR values hope, compassion, respect, honesty, responsibility, and fairness. NARR works with federal government agencies, national addiction and recovery organizations, with our state-level recovery housing organizations, and with state addiction services agencies in pursuit of better and more accessible recovery housing opportunities.
NARR State Affiliates
NARR operates through state-level affiliate organizations that implement the NARR Standard locally. These affiliates are responsible for certification, oversight, and ongoing support for recovery residences within their respective states.
Map of NARR State Affiliates
List of NARR State Affiliates
Below is a comprehensive list of current NARR state affiliates and the levels they certify:
| State | NARR Affiliate | Levels They Certify |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR) | Levels II–III (current certified-member registry shows Level 2 & 3 homes) |
| Alaska | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Arizona | Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Arkansas | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| California | California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Colorado | — Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) [designated] | Levels I–IV |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences (CTARR) | Levels I–III (CTARR does not certify Level IV) |
| Delaware | First State Alliance of Recovery Residences (FSARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Florida | Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) | Levels I–IV |
| Georgia | Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR) | Levels I–IV (Level IV are licensed treatment programs in GA) |
| Hawaii | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Idaho | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Illinois | Illinois Association of Extended Care (IAEC) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Indiana | Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences (INARR) | Levels II–IV (DMHA designation) |
| Iowa | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Kansas | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Recovery Housing Network (KRHN) | Levels I–IV |
| Louisiana | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Maine | Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Maryland | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) | Level II only |
| Michigan | Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR) | Levels I–IV |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (MASH) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Mississippi | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Missouri | Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Provider (MCRSP) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Montana | Recovery Access Montana (RAM) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Nebraska | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Nevada | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| New Jersey | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| New Mexico | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| New York | New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYARR) | Levels I–IV |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| North Dakota | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Ohio | Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Oregon | Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR) | Levels I–IV |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| South Dakota | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Alliance of Recovery Residences (TN-ARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Texas | Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Utah | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
| Vermont | Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR) | Levels I–IV |
| Virginia | Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Washington | Washington Alliance For Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) | Levels I–IV (NARR standard) |
| Wyoming | — (no NARR state affiliate listed) | — |
Not every state currently has an affiliate listed, and certification processes may vary depending on the organization responsible for that state.
What NARR Affiliates Do
NARR affiliates are responsible for implementing the NARR Standard at the state level. Their role is central to how recovery residences are evaluated, certified, and supported.
In practice, affiliates typically:
- Certify recovery residences that meet the NARR Standard
- Review applications and conduct approval processes
- Oversee renewals and ongoing compliance
- Provide training and education for operators and staff
- Address complaints or compliance concerns
- Promote quality recovery housing within their state
- Support partnerships with community stakeholders
This structure allows NARR to maintain a national standard while ensuring that certification and oversight are handled locally.
How NARR Certification Works
NARR does not directly certify recovery residences. Instead, certification is carried out by state affiliates.
The process generally involves:
- Applying through the appropriate state affiliate
- Meeting the requirements outlined in the NARR Standard
- Completing a review or inspection process
- Maintaining compliance for ongoing certification
Operators who want to certify a sober house with NARR must work through their state’s affiliate organization. Certification requirements and processes may vary slightly depending on the state, but all affiliates operate within the broader NARR framework.
Why NARR Certification Matters
NARR certification provides a structured way to evaluate recovery residences based on a recognized set of standards.
Key benefits include:
- Establishing consistency in operations and resident support
- Helping distinguish certified homes from unverified options
- Supporting accountability and transparency
- Strengthening credibility with families and community partners
- Helping operators build stronger referral networks with providers and stakeholders
Certification does not replace licensing where applicable, but it can complement existing regulatory frameworks and provide an additional layer of standardization.
The NARR Levels of Support
NARR recovery housing levels define the full spectrum of recovery residences, all of which provide alcohol- and substance-free living environments based on a social model of recovery. These recovery residence levels vary in staffing, governance, and the type of recovery support services offered. The framework is guided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and the terms “levels” and “types” are often used interchangeably.
Each level of recovery housing is designed to meet different needs, allowing individuals to move through the recovery housing continuum as their needs change.
Level I (Type P, Peer-Run)
Level I recovery residences are peer-run sober living environments such as Oxford Houses. These homes are alcohol- and substance-free and operate without paid staff, relying instead on democratic governance, shared house rules, and peer accountability.
This level of recovery housing is best suited for individuals who can maintain independence while benefiting from a structured, community-based living environment.
Level II (Type M, Monitored)
Level II recovery residences, commonly known as sober living homes or sober houses, provide a more structured environment while remaining alcohol- and substance-free. These homes include house rules, peer accountability, and oversight from a designated House Manager.
Many Level II sober living homes also offer recovery support services and life skills development. This level of recovery housing is often appropriate for individuals transitioning from treatment or those who need moderate structure and accountability.
Level III (Type S, Supervised)
Level III recovery residences offer a higher level of support, including structured programming, recovery support services, and life skills development. These homes are staffed by trained, supervised, or credentialed individuals, often with lived recovery experience.
This level of recovery housing is designed for individuals who need consistent structure and support, and may be subject to licensing requirements depending on the state.
Level IV (Type C, Clinical)
Level IV recovery residences combine housing with clinical addiction treatment services. These programs include licensed professionals alongside peer support staff and integrate both medical and social models of recovery.
Services may include clinical treatment, recovery support services, and structured programming within a therapeutic environment. Level IV recovery housing is typically licensed as a treatment program and serves individuals who require residential treatment alongside housing.
NARR Levels: A Comparison Table
For a quick comparison of NARR recovery housing levels, this overview highlights key differences in staffing, structure, and the types of residents each level is designed to support.
| Level | Type | Staffing | Key Features | Target Residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | P (Peer-Run) | None | Democratically governed recovery housing | Independent residents in early recovery |
| Level II | M (Monitored) | House Manager | Structured sober living with peer support | Residents needing mild oversight |
| Level III | S (Supervised) | Credentialed staff | Weekly programming and structured support | Individuals needing consistent supervision |
| Level IV | C (Clinical) | Clinical + peer staff | Treatment-integrated recovery housing | Individuals needing residential treatment |
Vanderburgh Sober Living and NARR
At Vanderburgh Sober Living, we have developed our recovery housing model based on the recommendations and best practices established by NARR. Many of our homes have been awarded certification through NARR-affiliated state organizations. We primarily operate Level II recovery residences—commonly known as sober homes—that provide peer-supported, structured, and substance-free environments. With homes in eight states and growing, Vanderburgh Sober Living is proud to be the largest network of NARR-affiliate certified recovery housing providers in the United States, and the nation’s largest operator of Level II certified sober homes.
Get Involved with Recovery Housing!
Continue your recovery journey!
Are you looking for a structured and supportive environment to continue your recovery journey? VSL Chartered Homes comply with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences’ (NARR) standards and are committed to providing exceptional recovery housing to our guests in recovery. VSL homes operate across the northeast, extending as far south as North Carolina and as far west as Illinois. If you or someone you know would benefit from our first-class structured and peer-focused sober living program, look no further than Vanderburgh Sober Living!
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Operate your own sober home!
Are you passionate about helping others in their recovery journey and interested in operating your own sober home? Become one of our Chartered Operators and unlock access to a support system that can help you grow your impact. Our Chartered Operators have three things in common: a passion for serving individuals in recovery, a desire to offer these individuals sober living, and the capacity to operate their own business and homes. If you or someone you know would like to join the Vanderburgh team as a Chartered Operator, reach out to us!
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