Sober living housing provides ongoing treatment and support for those recovering from substance abuse. Oklahoma has criteria that licensed providers must follow, to ensure the best possible assessment and treatment of residents.
Housing Standards
Oklahoma law limits sober living housing to single-dwelling buildings or as part of a larger substance abuse facility. For every eight residents, the center needs at least one bathing facility, lavatory and toilet. Housing must also provide a safe and "culturally/age appropriate atmosphere," according to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or ODMHSAS, and submit to yearly safety and fire inspections by a state fire marshal or other authority.
Support System
As part of the facility's support system, each home needs around-the-clock access to a licensed physician. The law also requires the ready availability of professional consultants and supervisors who specialize in substance abuse.
Staff
Staff members--required by the state to be 18 or older--must know the different aspects of substance abuse, as well as issues surrounding age, cultural and gender, and counseling theories and techniques.
Treatment
Sober living homes must provide scheduled treatment to residents, including family and individual counseling, group counseling, vocational resources, case management, and education. ODMHSAS also requires detailed documentation to record and assess individual cases.
Tags: substance abuse, also requires, living housing, treatment residents