Oxford House - Buffalo Trail

511 Buffalo Trail Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Oxford House is a nonprofit organization that operates over 3,500 self-run, self-supported recovery homes across the United States, providing a community-based, supportive, and sober living environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
Founded in 1975 when a group of men in recovery took over a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, and established a democratically governed model emphasizing recovery, responsibility, and replication, Oxford House enables residents to live together without external authority, sharing household duties and expenses while maintaining strict abstinence from drugs and alcohol—any relapse results in immediate expulsion to protect the group's sobriety.
This evidence-based approach, supported by extensive research from DePaul University and recognized by SAMHSA, fosters long-term sobriety with success rates exceeding 80%, better employment outcomes, and reduced criminal involvement compared to usual care.
Oxford House, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entity, issues charters, provides technical assistance, and promotes expansion through chapters, associations, and field staff, serving diverse populations including men, women, veterans, those with co-occurring mental health issues, and families, while encouraging active participation in AA/NA and alumni involvement for sustained recovery and community impact.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

Oxford House - Buffalo Trail provides long-term sober living and critical aftercare support for individuals transitioning out of primary treatment. Rather than utilizing arbitrary time limits, residents are encouraged to stay as long as they need—provided they maintain strict abstinence and pay their share of expenses. This continuum is designed to securely bridge the gap between early recovery and independent living.

Sober Living Aftercare Support

Therapies

While traditional clinical therapies are not provided on-site, the model relies heavily on self-help and mutual accountability. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate actively in regular Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, utilizing these 12-Step frameworks alongside the house's built-in peer support to remain clean and sober.

Addictions

Built on a foundation of absolute abstinence, this residence supports individuals recovering from drug addiction and alcoholism. The strict zero-tolerance policy ensures that any member who returns to using alcohol or drugs is immediately expelled, protecting the group's sobriety and maintaining a safe environment for all.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

The peer-run model is tailored specifically for those managing a substance use disorder. By embracing a democratically governed approach without an outside house manager, residents relearn responsibility and rebuild self-efficacy as they navigate the daily challenges of long-term recovery together.

Issues

Many individuals entering the network come from backgrounds that include a history of incarceration, periods of homelessness, and severe job loss. The house directly addresses these challenges by helping members build a robust sober social network and relearn the values of responsible behavior, significantly lowering recidivism and improving employment outcomes.

Homelessness/Housing Insecurity Criminal Justice Issues Job Loss / Unemployment Sober Social Network / Community Building

Programs

The residence operates on an independently validated, evidence-based recovery community model that focuses heavily on peer support. Democratically self-run and completely abstinence-oriented, the house empowers residents to elect their own officers and vote on key decisions, providing a vital step-down bridge for extended care.

Abstinence Oriented Peer-Led / Recovery Community Model Evidence Based Extended Care (90+ days)

On-site

Amenities

Life at Oxford House - Buffalo Trail centers around a typical single-family home environment. Members maintain the household collectively, utilizing a shared kitchen for meals and typically residing in shared rooms to foster connection, combat isolation, and practice daily socialization within a supportive recovery family.

Shared Rooms

Coverage

Payment

Financial independence is a core pillar of the residential philosophy, meaning the home is entirely self-supporting through self-payment. Every member pays an Equal Expense Share (EES) on a weekly or monthly basis, dividing the total rent, utilities, and household staples evenly across the group.

Please contact the facility directly to verify insurance coverage and payment options. Many facilities offer free insurance verification.

Eligibility

Who We Serve

The system provides supportive housing for adults committed to a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle, operating exclusively in gender-specific environments. Welcoming diverse backgrounds, the model serves men and women who have completed detox or primary rehabilitation and are ready to embrace the accountability of a peer-led community in Indianapolis.

Genders Accepted

Men Women

Additional Services

Looking beyond just a bed, the facility offers a built-in alumni program where former members in good standing return to provide ongoing mentorship. The broader network also utilizes a proven system of housing assistance that champions total self-sufficiency and mutual aid.

Housing AssistanceAlumni Program

About

Facility Info

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oxford House - Buffalo Trail operates under the umbrella of a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The residence functions simply as an ordinary home seamlessly integrated into the local neighborhood, fostering community without the need for an onsite manager or external authority.

Credentials

Accreditations

Backed by decades of extensive academic study, the Oxford House system is recognized by SAMHSA and listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Independent evaluations from DePaul University continually validate the model's high standards and unmatched success rates.

Oxford House - Buffalo Trail