NARR Standards & Classifications
Comprehensive guide to recovery residence levels and types
Understanding NARR Standards
The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) has established comprehensive standards to ensure quality, safety, and effectiveness in recovery housing. These standards define four distinct levels of support and structure, allowing individuals to choose the environment that best meets their recovery needs. Each level builds upon the previous one, offering increasingly comprehensive support services and programming.
Purpose of Standards
- Ensure consistent quality across recovery residences
- Protect resident safety and rights
- Guide operators in service delivery
- Support evidence-based recovery practices
Key Components
- Administrative and operational protocols
- Recovery support service requirements
- Resident rights and responsibilities
- Facility and safety standards
Type I: Peer-Run
Key Characteristics
Type P (Peer Model)
- Drug screenings
- House meetings
- Self-help meetings
- Peer-run structure
Staffing
- Democratic leadership
- Peer-elected house leaders
- No paid staff
Admission Criteria
Willingness to participate in recovery community and follow house rules
No time limits
Type II: Monitored
Key Characteristics
Type M (Manager Model)
- House manager or senior resident
- Service hours provided
- Structured programming
- Clinical services utilized in outside community
Staffing
- Paid house manager
- Administrative oversight
- Service coordinator
Admission Criteria
Stable in early recovery, willing to participate in structured programming
Generally several months
Type III: Supervised
Key Characteristics
Type S (Supervised Model)
- Credentialed staff
- Clinical services provided in-house
- Life skills development
- Administrative oversight
Staffing
- Certified recovery staff
- Clinical supervision
- Case managers
Admission Criteria
May be early in recovery, needs structured support and clinical services
3-12 months typical
Type IV: Service Provider
Key Characteristics
Type C (Clinical Model)
- Clinical services and programming
- Licensed treatment services
- Medical services available
- Organizational hierarchy
Staffing
- Licensed clinical staff
- Medical professionals
- Recovery support staff
Admission Criteria
Requires clinical treatment and structured recovery environment
Based on treatment plan
| Feature | Type I | Type II | Type III | Type IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing | Peers only | House manager | Certified staff | Licensed clinicians |
| Drug Screening | Peer-managed | Staff-monitored | Clinical protocols | Medical oversight |
| Recovery Support | Peer-based | Service hours | Clinical services | Treatment program |
| Governance | Democratic rules | Structured rules | Supervised | Clinical governance |
Recovery Models Comparison
| Model Type | Description | NARR Level |
|---|---|---|
| Type P (Peer) | Democratically run, peer-managed housing | Level I |
| Type M (Manager) | Structured environment with house manager | Level II |
| Type S (Supervised) | Supervised housing with clinical services | Level III |
| Type C (Clinical) | Licensed treatment facility with recovery housing | Level IV |