About Oxford House – Wilmington
Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, this Oxford House is one of a few self-run, self-sufficient, nonprofit residential addiction treatment programs in the satte. These houses guarantee a sober and drug-free living space for all involved. This particular house is for men only.
The first Oxford House was founded in Silver Spring, Maryland in 1975. Since then, many like this one have sprung up as part of the umbrella network of Oxford Houses. They rely on mutual aid from organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and residents are expected to participate in these peer support groups as needed.
The Oxford House is self-run democratically by its residents who elect officers to serve for six months at a time, similar to in a sorority or fraternity. During their time here, residents in recovery can learn important life sills including budgeting and how to live ndependently. Residents are allowed to stay for as long as they’re sober and can pay their share of household expenses.
On average, most residents stay just over a year but some individuals choose to stay for several years at a time. As for admission, individuals need only fill out an application. If they’re shortlisted then members of the house will interview them. If 80% of the house is in agreement then the applicant will be accepted if there’s a vacancy.
Houses typically host around eight to 15 residents, who generally all tend to come in following the completion of a drug rehab or detox program or incarceration. There aren’t any resident counselors in Oxford Houses so individuals are expected to take part in an addiction treatment program in the local community while living at their house.