North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR)

How NCARR Certification Supports Effective Recovery Housing in North Carolina

The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) plays a vital role in enhancing access to quality recovery housing across North Carolina. As the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), NCARR is committed to upholding high standards for sober living homes, ensuring they provide environments conducive to long-term recovery. By certifying recovery residences throughout the state, NCARR helps create reliable and structured settings for individuals in recovery.

Vanderburgh Sober Living (VSL) is a network of independently operated recovery homes organized and supported by The Vanderburgh Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Foundation. Our Foundation collaborates with NCARR to operate VSL Chartered Recovery Homes that meet these high standards. Our commitment to upholding NCARR’s certification requirements ensures that every VSL home in North Carolina is a place where individuals can rebuild their lives and sustain their sobriety.

Sober House Certification in North Carolina

NCARR, as NARR’s state affiliate, offers a comprehensive certification process to ensure that recovery homes in North Carolina meet the rigorous standards established by NARR. The process includes several steps:

Application Submission: Prospective recovery residences must submit an application detailing compliance with NARR standards, including documentation on safety protocols, staff training, and resident rights.
On-Site Inspections: NCARR conducts regular on-site inspections to verify adherence to standards and ensure that homes maintain a quality environment for residents.
Ongoing Training and Support: Certified homes are encouraged to participate in NCARR’s educational opportunities–a great deal of them offered virtually–which help operators stay current on best practices and improve service delivery.

NARR plays a pivotal role in shaping recovery housing across the United States by setting the national standards that affiliates like NCARR implement. NARR’s mission is to improve access to quality recovery residences through these standards, education, and advocacy.

Read more about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), including it’s history, standards, and impact on recovery housing nationwide.

Unique NCARR Programs and Opportunities

NCARR provides several unique programs and resources to support recovery residences and the individuals they serve:

Educational and Training Programs: NCARR regularly offers educational workshops and training sessions designed to enhance the skills of recovery home operators and staff. These programs cover a range of topics, from understanding the NARR standards to managing day-to-day operations effectively, providing a continuous learning environment that promotes high standards across all certified residences.
Public Forums and Community Engagement: NCARR actively engages with the broader recovery community through public forums, where stakeholders can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions for improving recovery housing. These forums serve as a valuable networking and knowledge-sharing platform for operators, staff, and community members.
Legislative Advocacy: NCARR works with state legislators to advocate for policies that support recovery residences, aiming to improve regulations and funding opportunities for these homes. This advocacy helps ensure that the recovery housing sector in North Carolina continues to grow and thrive, providing more options for individuals in need.
Embracing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Recognizing the importance of diverse pathways to recovery, NCARR supports recovery homes that offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This program integrates medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, creating a more holistic approach to treating substance use disorders. By endorsing MAT-friendly homes, NCARR helps expand access to essential treatment services that can improve recovery outcomes.

Benefits of NCARR Certification

Certification through NCARR offers several benefits:

Credibility and Trust: Certification ensures that homes adhere to established standards, enhancing their credibility and attractiveness to potential residents and referral sources.
Access to Resources: Certified homes benefit from NCARR’s resources, including training, advocacy, and support services that help them maintain and improve their operations.
Community Involvement: Participation in NCARR’s public forums and community engagement activities helps certified homes stay connected with the broader recovery community and fosters a collaborative approach to solving common challenges.

If your dream is to operate recovery housing in North Carolina, or if you are a current sober living operator seeking guidance with the NCARR Certification process, our foundation provides comprehensive support for obtaining recovery residence certification at no cost, including expert guidance, documentation assistance, and ongoing compliance support. Schedule a consultation with VSL.

Finding Certified Sober Living in North Carolina

Vanderburgh Sober Living operates a number of homes in North Carolina that meet NCARR certification standards. These homes align with the rigorous criteria set by NCARR and provide structured environments to support long-term recovery. Tips for finding a certified sober house in North Carolina:

Location: Select a residence that is conveniently located near your support network or treatment services.
Services Offered: Look for homes that provide additional recovery support, such as peer-led groups or access to professional counseling.
Visit and Evaluate: Tour the residence, speak with staff and residents, and assess whether the home aligns with your recovery goals.
Check Certification: Ensure the home is certified by NCARR to guarantee it meets the required standards of care.

Start your recovery journey in a supportive environment

Apply to live in a Chartered NCARR Certified Home today!

Differences Between NCARR-Certified Recovery Homes and Oxford Houses

When choosing recovery housing in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the key differences between NCARR-certified sober living homes and Oxford Houses.

NCARR-Certified Sober Living Homes:

Professional Oversight: These homes are certified by the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) and adhere to strict standards set by NARR. Certification ensures that the home provides a structured, supportive environment with professional management and regular inspections.
Structured Environment: Certified homes offer a more controlled setting with clear rules, mandatory house meetings, and participation in recovery programs, all designed to support long-term sobriety.

Oxford Houses:

Peer-Managed: Oxford Houses operate on a peer-run model, where residents manage daily operations and make decisions democratically. There is no external certification, and residents share the responsibility of maintaining the house.
Autonomy and Responsibility: This model emphasizes personal responsibility and community governance, appealing to those who prefer more autonomy in their recovery environment.

Choosing the Right Fit:

NCARR-Certified Homes offer a more structured, professionally managed environment.
Oxford Houses provide a peer-led, autonomous approach to recovery housing.

Both options support recovery but cater to different needs and preferences.

NCARR Initiatives and Vision

NCARR remains committed to fostering quality recovery housing in North Carolina by offering a range of support services, educational opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Their mission is to create a consistent and reliable resource within the recovery community, ensuring that all certified residences uphold a standard of excellence that encourages productive, self-sufficient lives for individuals in recovery. To learn more about NCARR’s programs and initiatives, visit their website.

The Vanderburgh Foundation, Inc. is proud to work alongside NCARR in supporting recovery housing operators. As the largest network of NARR-Affiliate certified recovery homes in the United States, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, support, and effectiveness in sober living environments. Learn more about becoming a VSL Chartered Operator.