Oxford House has been an important part of my recovery because it has given me something that important for long-term sobriety. It has given me the opportunity to learn how to live independently while being accountable to other people who understand recovery.

The self-run model is a major part of what makes Oxford House different. We are responsible for our house, our finances, our chores, our behavior, and maintaining an environment that supports recovery. Those responsibilities aren't just rules to follow but opportunities to practice the skills we need to successfully live independently outside of a structured treatment environment.

Having peers hold one another accountable has also taught me that recovery isn't supposed to mean having someone supervising every decision I make. It means learning to make healthy decisions for myself while knowing that my choices affect the people around me. The house gives us a real opportunity to develop that responsibility.

For me, Oxford House has been a bridge between treatment and independent living. I believe that distinction is extremely important. People leaving treatment need structure and accountability, but they also need the opportunity to gradually regain independence and learn how to manage real-life responsibilities. The self-governed model allows us to do that with support from people who are walking the same path.

Oxford House has given me stability, accountability, community, and an opportunity to rebuild my life in recovery. I believe the ability to govern ourselves is an important part of that process, and any changes to the model should carefully consider what could be lost by replacing peer accountability with 24-hour outside supervision.

Thank you for taking this into consideration.