Rules & Ethics

(FSARR Level II Recovery Residence)

Program Overview
Essentials Living operates on a social-model framework that emphasizes accountability, peer support, and personal growth.
Our mission is to provide a safe, structured, and recovery-focused environment where residents build the skills, relationships, and independence needed for long-term sobriety.

The Essentials Living Program Format follows a three-tier structure, beginning with high accountability and gradually increasing resident independence as they demonstrate consistency, responsibility, and recovery stability.

Advancement through the tiers is based on demonstrated behavior, not time alone.

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Social Model of Recovery Integration
Essentials Living operates under the belief that recovery happens in the community. Residents learn through shared experiences, peer mentorship, and accountability.

Core elements include:

• Peer Leadership: A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) lives on-site as the House Manager, modeling recovery behaviors and providing day-to-day guidance.

• Mutual Accountability: Residents hold themselves and one another accountable for maintaining sobriety, completing chores, and following house expectations.

• Community Engagement: Residents participate in external recovery and community activities to build recovery capital and strengthen support networks.

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Daily Structure
Residents follow a consistent routine that balances structure with independence:

• Completion of daily and weekly chores.

• Attendance at recovery meetings or treatment programming (minimum of five per week).

• Employment, education, or volunteer activity during daytime hours.

• Adherence to curfew and house expectations.

• Participation in weekly house meetings facilitated by the House Manager.

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Residents who are not employed or in school must engage in productive daytime activity, such as volunteering or job searching. Sleeping during the day is not permitted.

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Three-Tier Program Structure
Tier 1 – Orientation and Stabilization (First 2 Weeks)
Focus: Build foundation, stability, and accountability through structured peer support.

Curfew: Weekdays 10 p.m. | Weekends 11 p.m.
Requirements & Expectations

• Residents participate in the Buddy System for the first two weeks.

  •  The Buddy System requires the resident to be accompanied by another resident at any time they leave the property (for meetings, errands, etc.), promoting safety, accountability, and early peer connection.

•  Actively seek and secure employment or volunteer work.

• Obtain a sponsor and identify a home group.

• Attend one recovery meeting daily (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, etc.).

• Complete all assigned chores and remain in full compliance with house rules.

Progression
Residents who complete all requirements for two weeks, maintain sobriety, and remain fully compliant with chores and rules may progress to Tier 2 with House Manager approval.

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Tier 2 – Stability and Community Engagement (Next 30 Days)
Focus: Reinforce consistency, structure, and deeper community involvement.
Curfew: Weekdays 11 p.m. | Weekends 12 a.m.
Requirements & Expectations

• Maintain sponsor and homegroup involvement

• Obtain or maintain a service commitment at the home group.

• Attend at least five (5) recovery meetings per week.

• Maintain steady employment, schooling, or volunteer activity.

• Remain in full compliance with chores, rent, and house rule

Privileges   

• Eligible for curfew extensions with prior House Manager approval.

• May provide informal mentorship or support to new residents

Progression

Residents who meet Tier 2 expectations for at least 30 days and maintain full compliance may progress to Tier 3.

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Tier 3 – Leadership and Independence (Advanced Residency)
Focus: Develop independence, leadership, and readiness for sustained recovery.
Curfew: Same as Tier 2 (Weekdays 11 p.m. | Weekends 12 a.m.), with eligibility for approved extensions.
Requirements & Expectations

• Maintain active engagement with sponsor and homegroup, including a service commitment.

• Attend at least three (3) recovery meetings per week.

• Demonstrate stability through employment, education, or community involvement.

• Provide positive peer support and model responsible behavior for newer residents.

• Maintain 100 % compliance with chores, rent, and house rules.

Privileges

• Eligible for overnight passes with prior approval.

• May assist the House Manager in facilitating weekly house meetings and supporting peer accountability discussions.

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Community Integration
Residents are required to participate in at least three meaningful community activities, such as:

1. Recovery support meetings (AA, NA, SMART, Dharma Recovery, Celebrate Recovery).

2. Employment, education, or volunteer service.

3. Community or peer service commitments (mentorship, alumni involvement, house activities).

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These activities promote connection, service, and shared responsibility—the foundation of the social model of recovery.

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Successful Completion Criteria
A resident successfully completes the Essentials Living program by:
1.    Maintaining continuous sobriety.
2.    Meeting all financial, chores, and behavioral expectations.
3.    Remaining employed or engaged in school or volunteer work.
4.    Participating consistently in recovery and community activities.
5.    Demonstrating emotional stability and respect for peers and staff.
6.    Contributing positively to the household and mentoring new residents.

Graduates are recognized during a house meeting celebration to honor their achievements.