Oxford House - Forest Trails

Oxford House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that pioneered the Oxford House Model in 1975, providing peer-run, self-sustaining, and substance-free housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Founded when residents of a closing halfway house in Silver Spring, Maryland, took over the property and established a democratic, self-supported recovery residence, Oxford House has grown to over 3,500 homes across 47 states and internationally, housing more than 24,000 individuals annually.

The model emphasizes recovery through responsibility and replication, offering long-term, community-based sober living environments where residents elect officers, share expenses equally, and immediately expel any member who relapses to ensure 100% drug and alcohol freedom.

There is no outside authority or house manager; instead, houses operate autonomously under nine traditions that promote self-help, disciplined democracy, and financial self-support, while encouraging active participation in AA/NA for sustained sobriety.

This evidence-based approach, supported by extensive research from DePaul University and recognized by SAMHSA and the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, achieves unmatched success rates with over 80% of residents maintaining long-term sobriety, reducing criminal involvement, and improving employment outcomes.

Oxford House serves diverse populations including men, women, veterans, those with co-occurring mental health issues, and special groups like women with children or LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering leadership, responsibility, and a supportive network through chapters, state associations, and the World Council to expand access to affordable, effective recovery housing.

What we treat

Treatment & Programs

Levels of Care

At Oxford House - Forest Trails, the focus is on long-term sober living and ongoing aftercare support. Rather than a traditional step-down process, residents enter a peer-run environment with no set time limits on their stay. The average stay lasts about a year, though many members choose to remain for several years as they build a comfortable, lasting recovery.

Sober Living Aftercare Support

Therapies

Oxford House - Forest Trails does not utilize clinical therapists, medical staff, or formal counseling modalities. Instead, residents rely on the proven power of mutual support, shared responsibility, and regular participation in outside 12-step meetings.

Addictions

This democratically run home is dedicated to helping individuals recover from active drug addiction and alcoholism. The core requirement for every resident is a commitment to 100% abstinence. Under the model's strict but proven guidelines, any member who returns to drinking alcohol or using drugs is immediately expelled to protect the household's shared sobriety.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Conditions

The supportive environment here is built specifically for those overcoming substance use disorder. While the house does not provide clinical mental health treatment, the stable community structure helps residents manage the daily challenges of early recovery. Consistent routines and absolute accountability create a strong foundation for lasting behavioral change.

Issues

The peer-led community helps individuals navigate the practical life stressors of early recovery, from finding employment to rebuilding broken relationships. By sharing household responsibilities, residents slowly relearn the daily life skills often disrupted by chronic addiction.

Programs

Oxford House - Forest Trails operates on a highly structured, evidence-based recovery community model that is entirely peer-led. The program is strictly abstinence-oriented, relying on democratically elected house officers rather than outside managers or staff. Backed by extensive research from DePaul University, this self-supporting step-down system fosters deep personal responsibility.

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

On-site

Amenities

Operating as a standard single-family home in a residential neighborhood, the facility offers practical, shared living spaces rather than luxury features. Residents typically share a bedroom with a roommate, which actively discourages isolation and builds a strong sense of community.

Coverage

Payment

Every resident is financially responsible for themselves, utilizing a self-payment structure known as Equal Expense Share (EES). Members pool their funds transparently to cover rent, utilities, and basic household staples, ensuring the home remains completely financially self-sustaining.

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

Eligibility

Who We Serve

The broader network proudly serves a highly diverse population, supporting men, women, veterans, and Native American individuals across various community homes. While each rented house is strictly gender-specific, the overarching inclusive model expands to support LGBTQ+ adults, Latinos, deaf individuals, and women with children. Overall, Oxford House - Forest Trails embraces those from all backgrounds who are serious about doing the shared work to maintain their sobriety.

Genders Accepted

MenWomen

Populations Served

LGBTQ+Native AmericanVeterans

Additional Services

The backbone of this residence is intensive peer support, guided by the nine traditions of the broader organization. Members who leave the home in good standing are encouraged to join an active alumni program. These associate members frequently return to offer friendship, guidance, and a living example of long term success.

Alumni ProgramHousing AssistancePeer Support

About

Facility Info

Located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, this residence operates under the national charter of a recognized nonprofit organization. The home functions autonomously, governed entirely by the residents who live there without any outside corporate management or interference.

Credentials

Accreditations

As a peer-led residence rather than a medical facility, the home does not hold clinical accreditations. It instead operates under an official charter from Oxford House, Inc., ensuring strict adherence to their nationally recognized operational traditions.