Differences between Detox, Treatment, and sober living?
Detox:
Generally short term (1-2 weeks) place where a person goes to have medical attention during early stages of recovery from physical withdrawal in a facility with medical staff. Often 12 step based meetings are brought in by outside groups as clients must remain on site and generally have little to no access to computers, phones, etc.
Treatment:
A longer term facility (anywhere between 30 days and a year) where a person goes for secluded and intensive work on their sobriety. Generally the person will remain at the treatment center and not work (although there are some "work camp" style treatment facilities where the clients work to cover their room and board). Will undergo addiction workshops, counseling, etc. Treatment can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars per day and accept insurance.
Sober Living Home:
A home where alcoholics/addicts voluntarily choose to live together in a familial setting. Members submit to structure and accountability while learning and practicing the tools needed to remain permanently abstinent from alcohol and drugs while still having the freedom to work, have a vehicle, cell phone, and live life.
Generally short term (1-2 weeks) place where a person goes to have medical attention during early stages of recovery from physical withdrawal in a facility with medical staff. Often 12 step based meetings are brought in by outside groups as clients must remain on site and generally have little to no access to computers, phones, etc.
Treatment:
A longer term facility (anywhere between 30 days and a year) where a person goes for secluded and intensive work on their sobriety. Generally the person will remain at the treatment center and not work (although there are some "work camp" style treatment facilities where the clients work to cover their room and board). Will undergo addiction workshops, counseling, etc. Treatment can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars per day and accept insurance.
Sober Living Home:
A home where alcoholics/addicts voluntarily choose to live together in a familial setting. Members submit to structure and accountability while learning and practicing the tools needed to remain permanently abstinent from alcohol and drugs while still having the freedom to work, have a vehicle, cell phone, and live life.
What are your living standards?
- A clean, and comfortable home.
- Within walking/biking distance of plenty of jobs, AA meetings, and public transportation.
- Members are provided strong and healthy structure and accountability.
- Daily chores and weekly deep cleaning duties.
- Has an ABSOLUTE zero tolerance policy towards substance abuse.
- Fees cover all basic necessities except food, clothing, and toiletries.
- A max of two people per bedroom.
- A max of four people per bathroom.
- A max of four people per refrigerator.
- Effective rules that benefit and protect the health and sobriety of both the individual and the house.
- Observance of basic 'good neighbor' policies.
- Onsite house manager who actively engage and old those accountable living in the house.
- Regular visits, inspections, and oversight from off-site Into Action's Operational Manager to further insure the good and healthy operation of our houses.
- Mandatory weekly 14-panel drug and alcohol testing for ALL members (including house managers).
- No overnight 'guests'. (Guests are required to remain in common areas).
- Weekly verified minimum Sobriety Standards:
- Working with a sponsor
- Reading recovery literature.
- Progress on 12 step work
- Working with other alcoholics. (Sponsoring)
Any reason I would NOT be accepted?
(Financials are covered elsewhere in the FAQ)
Common Items that prevent people from being accepted include:
Common Items that prevent people from being accepted include:
- Sexual and arson based felony convictions.
- Violent felonies are treated on a case by case basis. Individuals with violent felony convictions will not be accepted. Those with "light" violent felonies will be looked at on a case by case basis and will require a house vote.
- Medications: We accept people who are in need of basic anti-depressants. However, we do not accept applicants in need of anti-psychotics or anti-schizophrenic medications (including if they're just being taken for sleep such as Seroquel).
- All incoming members must have a cell phone with data plan (for accountability). This is explained elsewhere in the FAQ.
- Individuals with attitudes that are not conducive to our structure will not be accepted.
- Those not willing to comply with house rules.
Do you accept insurance? Does this cost money?
No sober living in Oklahoma accepts insurance or is free that we are aware of. However, while treatment is closer to $500 - $1000/day, sober living is closer to $15-20/day. So it is actually cheaper to live in sober living than if you had your own apartment since everything is included except food, clothing, and toiletries.
In the FAQ below you will find a section that describes ways to move in using financial assistance if you are not able to afford the move in cost.
I'm broke. Will you work with me? (Financial Assistance)
Yes, we do offer financial assistance for those who qualify.
Our System
In our early days we accepted anyone at any amount in order to not turn someone away. However we quickly learned that most people who do not take sober living seriously unless they have "skin in the game". Instead, we found that most people would use the house for a place to live and rest up for their next relapse and oftentimes bring drama and chaos with them.
Therefore we altered our intake process to only allow for house credit PROVIDED the person qualified by having some sort of personal investment/risk/collateral in order to qualify first. This ensured that a member would have something to lose if they do not take our program seriously and thereby take it seriously. The results were both immediate and positive!
Because we provide a structured environment we quickly saw that this method weeded out those who were not truly serious. This has resulted in Into Action having the healthiest houses and the strongest sobriety in Oklahoma.
How It Works:
Step 1. Applicants determine if they qualify by selecting whichever one of the five options below is applicable. If they do this, we consider that their form of "risk" (aka "skin in the game). They pay nothing else until they get a job and begin collecting pay checks.
Step 2. Because it takes time to find a job, start a job, and begin collecting full pay checks, we do not care if it takes 4 weeks or 4 months to pay back what is owed PROVIDED the member keeps a good attitude and follows directions.
Step 3: Once the member obtains work and starts receiving paychecks, we work with members to budget for their needs (not wants) and the member begins paying off the debt.
OPTION A: Initial Payment
OPTION B: Physical Collateral
OPTION C: Detox / Treatment Collateral
OPTION D: Legal Collateral
- Have a Parole / Probation Officer you must report to regularly involving a drug related charge.
- Have a drug related court case with regular review hearings.
OPTION E: Sober Collateral
- You have no job, but have at least 90 days sober (verified by a sponsor who says you are active).
Repayment Requirements: (The "fine print")
Member will be required to do the following while having house debt:
What if I need financial assistance, but don't qualify under any of the previous options?
Unless you can come up with another form of "skin in the game" that we deem acceptable, then we will not be able to accept you until you qualify under one of the above methods. With that said, we've had men who did not qualify that then were so serious about getting sober that they figured out a way to take the actions necessary to get qualified and begin their life of sobriety. You can do the same. And once you do qualify and are accepted, you can rest easy knowing that your house mates all have gone through the same thing and chose to invest in themselves and their sobriety.
For example, if you're just coming off the street, then your body could use a detox first. So contact places like TRC and do what it takes to get in, then give us a call since then you'll qualify!
Our System
In our early days we accepted anyone at any amount in order to not turn someone away. However we quickly learned that most people who do not take sober living seriously unless they have "skin in the game". Instead, we found that most people would use the house for a place to live and rest up for their next relapse and oftentimes bring drama and chaos with them.
Therefore we altered our intake process to only allow for house credit PROVIDED the person qualified by having some sort of personal investment/risk/collateral in order to qualify first. This ensured that a member would have something to lose if they do not take our program seriously and thereby take it seriously. The results were both immediate and positive!
Because we provide a structured environment we quickly saw that this method weeded out those who were not truly serious. This has resulted in Into Action having the healthiest houses and the strongest sobriety in Oklahoma.
How It Works:
Step 1. Applicants determine if they qualify by selecting whichever one of the five options below is applicable. If they do this, we consider that their form of "risk" (aka "skin in the game). They pay nothing else until they get a job and begin collecting pay checks.
Step 2. Because it takes time to find a job, start a job, and begin collecting full pay checks, we do not care if it takes 4 weeks or 4 months to pay back what is owed PROVIDED the member keeps a good attitude and follows directions.
Step 3: Once the member obtains work and starts receiving paychecks, we work with members to budget for their needs (not wants) and the member begins paying off the debt.
OPTION A: Initial Payment
- Simply pay the initial move-in fee in full.
- Your personal risk/investment: You are at least paying something in the beginning and therefore risk losing that money if you leave early, relapse, etc.
OPTION B: Physical Collateral
- You are able to put up an initial form of personal property based collateral that is approximately equivalent to the first week’s balance. Upon getting caught up, you will receive your collateral back with no strings attached.
- Your personal risk/investment: Just like Option A, you are placing actual assets up as your risk to prove you are serious about doing what we do in our program.
OPTION C: Detox / Treatment Collateral
- You successfully discharge from a detox and/or treatment center and we are able to obtain a positive referral from your case worker.
- You go straight from detox / treatment to our house and remain sober in the process.
- Your personal risk/investment: You have proactively takensteps to show your serious about your recovery.
OPTION D: Legal Collateral
- Have one or more of the following:
- Have a Parole / Probation Officer you must report to regularly involving a drug related charge.
- Have a drug related court case with regular review hearings.
- We are able to confirm that the legal parties involved are willing to work with us on your accountability.
- Your personal risk/investment: If you do not take it seriously / relapse, then you risk going to prison.
OPTION E: Sober Collateral
- You either have:
- You have no job, but have at least 90 days sober (verified by a sponsor who says you are active).
- Your personal risk/investment: You have made the effort to reach some important initial milestones.
Repayment Requirements: (The "fine print")
Member will be required to do the following while having house debt:
- While members that are not on house debt are only required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, members who house debt must work + job hunt a minimum of 40 hours per week until they are out of house debt.
- Members in house debt must apply for any applicable state sponsored assistance ("food stamps" aka SNAP, etc)
- Follow an approved budget. (Budgets are turned in each week prior to payday for review / approval).
- Provide a copy of each paycheck.
- Use all extra money after approved budget items to pay off house debt.
- Loan Fee: Unfortunately occasionally members relapse. Sometimes those members still have house debt. So in order to be able to continue extending house credit, we must charge something as a way to cover the losses accrued by those who do not pay back what they owe. Therefore, we charge a one time loan fee in the amount of one week's rent that shall be added to the total house debt owed.
What if I need financial assistance, but don't qualify under any of the previous options?
Unless you can come up with another form of "skin in the game" that we deem acceptable, then we will not be able to accept you until you qualify under one of the above methods. With that said, we've had men who did not qualify that then were so serious about getting sober that they figured out a way to take the actions necessary to get qualified and begin their life of sobriety. You can do the same. And once you do qualify and are accepted, you can rest easy knowing that your house mates all have gone through the same thing and chose to invest in themselves and their sobriety.
For example, if you're just coming off the street, then your body could use a detox first. So contact places like TRC and do what it takes to get in, then give us a call since then you'll qualify!
Is this a "Flop House" (aka unhealthy dirty fake sober living)
It’s import to us that it is CLEARLY understood that Into Action houses are absolutely NOT what's known in sober living circles as a “flop house”. Our houses are serious recovery houses that are kept clean, comfortable, and accountable. We own the properties and take care of them as well as the men who reside there through accountability. This means we DO NOT overpopulate some nasty rent house with no structure and call it sober living. If you're looking for a place to simply not be homeless or to "do your own thing" or to "just hang around other sober people", "to satisfy drug court", or any similar reason then Into Action is not for you.
BUT... If you are truly at your bottom, are ready to listen and follow directions, are humbly at your bottom and desperately ready to learn how to live a permanently sober life, then you will be a good addition to our house. Sobriety is a life and death disease to us. We treat it as such and expect all our members to do the same.
BUT... If you are truly at your bottom, are ready to listen and follow directions, are humbly at your bottom and desperately ready to learn how to live a permanently sober life, then you will be a good addition to our house. Sobriety is a life and death disease to us. We treat it as such and expect all our members to do the same.
WHAT DO You PROVIDE?
You may use the search bar to help find what you're looking for. Still can't find what you're looking for? No problem, just give us a call or write:
Tel: 405-757-7671 Email: [email protected]
You may use the search bar to help find what you're looking for. Still can't find what you're looking for? No problem, just give us a call or write:
Tel: 405-757-7671 Email: [email protected]
POTENTIAL MEMBERS: PLEASE STUDY THE WEBSITE AND THIS FAQ THOROUGHLY AS THIS WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE.
First:
We ONLY provide sober living for men. However, if you click here, you will find a couple of women's houses that we know are healthy and safe women's houses.
Second:
In addition to reading this FAQ, we suggest you either check out our reviews on google (or you can find a link to them also on our home page). These reviews are by actual members. And they will help you get a better feeling for what life is like with us.
Third:
Potential members are required to thoroughly read through this website and FAQ (frequently asked questions). Why?
First:
We ONLY provide sober living for men. However, if you click here, you will find a couple of women's houses that we know are healthy and safe women's houses.
Second:
In addition to reading this FAQ, we suggest you either check out our reviews on google (or you can find a link to them also on our home page). These reviews are by actual members. And they will help you get a better feeling for what life is like with us.
Third:
Potential members are required to thoroughly read through this website and FAQ (frequently asked questions). Why?
- We want guys that are truly ready to do what it takes to remain sober permanently and are willing to put effort into their sobriety. For that to happen, we also need to know that they're willing to follow directions. So by spending a little time learning about us is a good way to verify that they are willing to follow directions and invest in their own future/sobriety rather than just blindly making the decision to move in with us.
- Because it gives you a good flavor of what we're about, how we are structured, what life will be like with us, and will help you decide if an accountable environment like ours is right for you. If after reading you think, "This sounds perfect", then you are probably a good fit for our program. However, if you read through it and have any reservations, then it is possible that you are not a good fit for our program. So take your time to decide if this is really what you're seeking.
I understand that Into Action requires house members to work the 12 steps?
When someone choses to live at an Into Action home, they're saying, "I need structure and accountability getting my life back together. Will you please provide that?" And in our experience, those who are actively working ALL 12 steps to the best of their ability are the ones who not only stay sober, but build a habitual sobriety based lifestyle, and reap the rewards of spiritual growth. Therefore, we require (and verify) that people attend minimum numbers of 12 step meetings, obtain a sponsor AND actually use that sponsor, make regular progress on the 12 steps, and eventually begin working with other alcoholics so that you can keep what you've got by passing it on.
Click the link for more about our 12 Step Requirements.
When someone choses to live at an Into Action home, they're saying, "I need structure and accountability getting my life back together. Will you please provide that?" And in our experience, those who are actively working ALL 12 steps to the best of their ability are the ones who not only stay sober, but build a habitual sobriety based lifestyle, and reap the rewards of spiritual growth. Therefore, we require (and verify) that people attend minimum numbers of 12 step meetings, obtain a sponsor AND actually use that sponsor, make regular progress on the 12 steps, and eventually begin working with other alcoholics so that you can keep what you've got by passing it on.
Click the link for more about our 12 Step Requirements.
Am I free to come and go? Or is it more like a treatment center or medical facility??
While we are definitely structured, it is absolutely not a treatment center or medical facility. You are free to come and go and you please provided it is within curfew limitations. Sober living is a family-like dwelling in which members live with other alcoholics / addicts who are absolutely committed to remaining sober and strengthening that sobriety. Provided you are fulfilling your duties and responsibilities you are free to come and go as you please within the curfew limitations.
While we are definitely structured, it is absolutely not a treatment center or medical facility. You are free to come and go and you please provided it is within curfew limitations. Sober living is a family-like dwelling in which members live with other alcoholics / addicts who are absolutely committed to remaining sober and strengthening that sobriety. Provided you are fulfilling your duties and responsibilities you are free to come and go as you please within the curfew limitations.
Do you accept gay people?
Into Action does not discriminate against anyone because of their sexual preference. However, just as we require our straight members (who are all men) to have male sponsors in order to stay clear of any potential issues with a female sponsor, we require gay members to either have a straight male sponsor or a female sponsor. Likewise, no inter-member relations, physicality's, or anything else in this area allowed, period between our members.
But how do the other members react to a gay member? Do they accept them the same way?
Our experience is that whether you're straight or gay, just respect everyone and they will respect you. With that said, we've had several gay members and have never had any issues with anyone feeling disrespected over sexual preferences, etc.
Into Action does not discriminate against anyone because of their sexual preference. However, just as we require our straight members (who are all men) to have male sponsors in order to stay clear of any potential issues with a female sponsor, we require gay members to either have a straight male sponsor or a female sponsor. Likewise, no inter-member relations, physicality's, or anything else in this area allowed, period between our members.
But how do the other members react to a gay member? Do they accept them the same way?
Our experience is that whether you're straight or gay, just respect everyone and they will respect you. With that said, we've had several gay members and have never had any issues with anyone feeling disrespected over sexual preferences, etc.
Are there rules?
Like any structured environment, there are rules for members. These serve as a way to help the individuals succeed and protect the safety and sanctity of the house. We do not list all house rules on our website, but our intention is to give you enough information to understand the "flavor" of structure that we utilize at Into Action so that you may make an informed decision. However, if you have concerns or questions about potential rules, you are welcome to contact us for more information.
Like any structured environment, there are rules for members. These serve as a way to help the individuals succeed and protect the safety and sanctity of the house. We do not list all house rules on our website, but our intention is to give you enough information to understand the "flavor" of structure that we utilize at Into Action so that you may make an informed decision. However, if you have concerns or questions about potential rules, you are welcome to contact us for more information.
How long until I can move in?
It could be as quick as the same day. It totally depends upon each perspective member's circumstances, time of day, availability of house managers to perform intakes, etc.
It could be as quick as the same day. It totally depends upon each perspective member's circumstances, time of day, availability of house managers to perform intakes, etc.
If I pay for someone else to get in, am I enabling?
It depends on each individual case's details. In some cases, it may be enabling. In some cases it won't be.
Here are some guidelines we feel are reasonable for anyone interested in helping someone our members financially:
It depends on each individual case's details. In some cases, it may be enabling. In some cases it won't be.
Here are some guidelines we feel are reasonable for anyone interested in helping someone our members financially:
- Don't force them into sober living. Simply make it crystal clear that you will only assist them one time. And if they wish for this to be that time, then great. If not, then that is fine also, but they're now on their own. Then if they decide to use their last "ticket" to get assistance, then you both know that this is the last time. Period. Then stick to it. Otherwise they know they can relapse and then come back to you again and again because you will always be there to clean up their mess and give them another chance.
- Only provide financial assistance one week at a time. We work with parents, friends, or whoever it is that is providing financial assistance to the member by giving weekly reports by phone. If the person is not taking it seriously, then stop assisting. If they are doing well, then keep assisting (but only for a limited time provided the member is following all directions).
- Financial assistance should be for a very limited time. Basically, it should only occur long enough for the member to obtain work and possibly for a couple of more weeks until the member is steady with their paychecks. But each instance is different as one person may be debt free, while another person is paying off fines to the state in order to stay out of jail. We can help guide you through that when the time comes.
What if I'm on disability and can't work?
With the exception of people on living with us on house credit, all members must "work" a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Here is what we consider to be "work":
Part of the strength in our house is due to our members being active. Part of it's strength is that everyone follows the same requirements. If we suddenly have everyone but one person being active while the one sits around the house all day, we're asking for a relapse, and one that will likely take others down with him.
With the exception of people on living with us on house credit, all members must "work" a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Here is what we consider to be "work":
- Part or Full Time job(s).
- School
- Community service / volunteer work.
Part of the strength in our house is due to our members being active. Part of it's strength is that everyone follows the same requirements. If we suddenly have everyone but one person being active while the one sits around the house all day, we're asking for a relapse, and one that will likely take others down with him.
I have to go to a meeting per day when I first move in?
Correct, all "Phase 1" members must attend a minimum of 7 meetings per week. (We also count church, temple, etc. as one meeting per week.) Meeting attendance is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. In fact, AA recommends 90 meetings in 90 days and most new members end up attending more than that in the beginning because they discover a whole new world in sobriety that they sometimes can't get enough of in the beginning.
With that said, the higher the phase you are, the fewer required meetings there are. For example, "Phase 5" requires 3 meeting per week.
Correct, all "Phase 1" members must attend a minimum of 7 meetings per week. (We also count church, temple, etc. as one meeting per week.) Meeting attendance is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. In fact, AA recommends 90 meetings in 90 days and most new members end up attending more than that in the beginning because they discover a whole new world in sobriety that they sometimes can't get enough of in the beginning.
With that said, the higher the phase you are, the fewer required meetings there are. For example, "Phase 5" requires 3 meeting per week.
Vehicles: Can I have a car? What if I don't have a car?
Yes, you are allowed to keep one vehicle at the house provided it runs, has insurance, is street legal, and provided you have a valid drivers license.
For those without vehicles, don't worry. Most people don't have one when they first enter. That is why our homes are specifically within walking distance of daily 12 Step meetings, plenty of job opportunities, and public transportation. Plus, we reward house members who offer rides to other members with reward points which they can spend on obtaining various privledges.
Yes, you are allowed to keep one vehicle at the house provided it runs, has insurance, is street legal, and provided you have a valid drivers license.
For those without vehicles, don't worry. Most people don't have one when they first enter. That is why our homes are specifically within walking distance of daily 12 Step meetings, plenty of job opportunities, and public transportation. Plus, we reward house members who offer rides to other members with reward points which they can spend on obtaining various privledges.
What happens if I can't afford to pay on time?
Unless you are receiving pre-authorized financial assistance from the house, the best case scenario is that you will be charged a late fee each day you are late. The worst case scenario (depending on the circumstances and how chronically you are late, you could have your membership terminated.)
Unless you are receiving pre-authorized financial assistance from the house, the best case scenario is that you will be charged a late fee each day you are late. The worst case scenario (depending on the circumstances and how chronically you are late, you could have your membership terminated.)
What do I need to bring with me?
Members must provide their own food, clothing, and toiletries. They will be given dedicated dry and refrigerated space for their food. For other personal items, members generally will have about enough space for 1-2 suitcases worth of possessions. And keep in mind that we provide all the other basic necessities, so please visit our What's Included page to help you decide what you want to bring.
Members must provide their own food, clothing, and toiletries. They will be given dedicated dry and refrigerated space for their food. For other personal items, members generally will have about enough space for 1-2 suitcases worth of possessions. And keep in mind that we provide all the other basic necessities, so please visit our What's Included page to help you decide what you want to bring.
Is there anything I should not bring?
Besides the obvious like drugs, weapons, etc. We do not allow members to bring furnishings, other large items, appliances, etc. We never want anything that could get mixed up with the house's property. Because if a member ever relapses or is terminated, they are not allowed to take any property with them other than their food, clothing, toiletries, and other pre-approved items.
Besides the obvious like drugs, weapons, etc. We do not allow members to bring furnishings, other large items, appliances, etc. We never want anything that could get mixed up with the house's property. Because if a member ever relapses or is terminated, they are not allowed to take any property with them other than their food, clothing, toiletries, and other pre-approved items.
Are there house managers? Or does everyone manage themselves?
Yes, there are house managers. Then there is a manager over the house managers that does not live on site, but visits the house weekly works with the house managers daily, and oversees any issues that arise above common day to day issues.
However with that said, our members are expected to require little management. We are not a rehabilitation center. We are sober living. Therefore our members are expected to follow house rules from the start and jumpstart their lives without having to be prodded to do it. So while we do have house managers as well as a staff manager. Their job is to keep the shipping running smooth and make sure the house remains healthy, not "babysit".
Yes, there are house managers. Then there is a manager over the house managers that does not live on site, but visits the house weekly works with the house managers daily, and oversees any issues that arise above common day to day issues.
However with that said, our members are expected to require little management. We are not a rehabilitation center. We are sober living. Therefore our members are expected to follow house rules from the start and jumpstart their lives without having to be prodded to do it. So while we do have house managers as well as a staff manager. Their job is to keep the shipping running smooth and make sure the house remains healthy, not "babysit".
Are you a treatment center? Do you provide counseling?
We are not considered a treatment or medical center, nor do we provide any counseling services that are considered professional. However we are also more than just a place to live around other people focusing on sobriety. While we are definitely in the realm of sober living, we are more like "Sober Living Plus" because of the expectations and requirements we have of our members.
We are not considered a treatment or medical center, nor do we provide any counseling services that are considered professional. However we are also more than just a place to live around other people focusing on sobriety. While we are definitely in the realm of sober living, we are more like "Sober Living Plus" because of the expectations and requirements we have of our members.
What if I do not have a job when I move in?
- All members are required to work at least 30 hours per week (40 hours if you are on house credit).=
- Members who do not yet have jobs, will be required to work 40 hours per week finding a job, going to bed early, getting up early, and looking for work from 8am - 5pm, and turning in a minimum of 10 job apps per day.
- Members will update their House Mentor throughout the day (and will do so often).
- Updates will be done with photo proof to ensure we know where you are and what you are doing.
How long can I live in an Into Action house?
As long as you like, provided you adhere to Into Action house requirements.
As long as you like, provided you adhere to Into Action house requirements.
How long do I need to live there? (The Three Commitments)
If we had to put a specific "minimum amount of time" on it, then we would recommend at least 1 year. With that said, we feel that telling people there is a "magic" length of time is a false premise as everyone is different.
If we had to put a specific "minimum amount of time" on it, then we would recommend at least 1 year. With that said, we feel that telling people there is a "magic" length of time is a false premise as everyone is different.
- Remaining until the member has completed there Goals List (will occur once in the house), and worked ALL 12 steps of AA with a sponsor as directed in the Big Book of AA (the instruction book).
- Taking someone else through all 12 steps.
- Having a core group of 3 or 4 people who you know provide wise counsel about your life (examples include pastor, mom/dad, counselor, sponsor, best friend, etc.) provided they know you well and that at least some of them understand addiction thoroughly. Then when that group unanimously agrees that it is time for you to move out, then it is likely time for you to consider moving out. However, before they all agree, you agree not to worry about moving out.
What if I relapse?
If you relapse while you are away from the house, then you will simply be terminated and given an opportunity to collect your property.
If you bring drugs and/or alcohol onto the property (or have paraphernalia of any kind), then Into Action will help facilitate you experiencing the full consequences of your actions. For example if you bring drugs onto the property, the police will be called and you will be prosecuted to the full extent allowable by law.
We do NOT mess around with people who are not serious and will protect our serious members to the best of our ability.
If you relapse while you are away from the house, then you will simply be terminated and given an opportunity to collect your property.
If you bring drugs and/or alcohol onto the property (or have paraphernalia of any kind), then Into Action will help facilitate you experiencing the full consequences of your actions. For example if you bring drugs onto the property, the police will be called and you will be prosecuted to the full extent allowable by law.
We do NOT mess around with people who are not serious and will protect our serious members to the best of our ability.
I have a court case or was referred to a sober living by my parole/probation office, is Into Action willing to work with my parole officer?
Absolutely! In fact, we prefer it. We also provide court reports as needed.
Absolutely! In fact, we prefer it. We also provide court reports as needed.
Will there be dangerous people living in the house?
To help ensure the safety and security of all members, we have a Safe Housemate policy in which we run a background check on all applicants prior to them moving in. In order to promote the highest level of safety and security, we do not accept felons with sexual or arson based convictions. Felons with cases that are considered "violent" are reviewed on a cases-by-case basis as their is a wide spectrum on what is considered violent. For example, we simply would not consider accepting a person convicted of murder. But if a 42 year old man had been convicted one time, back when he was 18, for a domestic case where he had gotten into a fight, then we would ask the person to interview with the other members of the house, then the house would vote.
To help ensure the safety and security of all members, we have a Safe Housemate policy in which we run a background check on all applicants prior to them moving in. In order to promote the highest level of safety and security, we do not accept felons with sexual or arson based convictions. Felons with cases that are considered "violent" are reviewed on a cases-by-case basis as their is a wide spectrum on what is considered violent. For example, we simply would not consider accepting a person convicted of murder. But if a 42 year old man had been convicted one time, back when he was 18, for a domestic case where he had gotten into a fight, then we would ask the person to interview with the other members of the house, then the house would vote.
Would I be considered a “Tenant”?
No. You are a member, not a tenant. As an alcoholic/addict you are considered legally disabled under federal law. As such, you may freely choose to live somewhere that assists with your disability. That, combined with an exclusions clause included in the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you are not legally considered "tenants" and therefore do not have the same rights as a tenant. (For example, we do not need to go through an eviction in order to have a member removed as your presence could be a danger to other members.)
No. You are a member, not a tenant. As an alcoholic/addict you are considered legally disabled under federal law. As such, you may freely choose to live somewhere that assists with your disability. That, combined with an exclusions clause included in the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you are not legally considered "tenants" and therefore do not have the same rights as a tenant. (For example, we do not need to go through an eviction in order to have a member removed as your presence could be a danger to other members.)
Visitors: Are women or minors allowed to live in Action House? How about visitors staying overnight?
Into Action only has men-only sober living. So no women or minors housing are available at this time. As for visitors, your ability to have visitors come to the house depends on your Phase. But regardless of what Phase you are on, you will not be allowed to have overnight guests. Nor will you be allowed to have female guests anywhere except common areas. All members have roommates and we do not wish to place a roommate in the awkward position of having to share a room with his roommate and girlfriend.
Into Action only has men-only sober living. So no women or minors housing are available at this time. As for visitors, your ability to have visitors come to the house depends on your Phase. But regardless of what Phase you are on, you will not be allowed to have overnight guests. Nor will you be allowed to have female guests anywhere except common areas. All members have roommates and we do not wish to place a roommate in the awkward position of having to share a room with his roommate and girlfriend.
What is the Safe Housemate policy / Background Check and why do you do this?
Many sober living houses in OKC perform no background checks. Therefore no one knows anything about the people living in the house, whether they're safe, etc. Into Action strives to provide a safe home for everyone who lives or may come to live in Action House. To help achieve this, we run thorough background checks on all House Guests prior to entry. Have a spotty past? Don’t worry. We expect it. After all, we’re an alcoholics/addicts right? That is why we do not run the check until we are sure that, based upon your interview, you will be approved. So provided you were honest in your interview, and assuming we've deemed your application acceptable, then there should be no reason why you will be turned down after we run the background check. Therefore, you aren't risking losing any money on the background check.
The check costs us $30 to run. Therefore we charge $30 to the applicant. This fee must be paid in advance as we cannot afford to chance paying for this ourselves should someone have lied on their app and then left us with the background check bill.
Many sober living houses in OKC perform no background checks. Therefore no one knows anything about the people living in the house, whether they're safe, etc. Into Action strives to provide a safe home for everyone who lives or may come to live in Action House. To help achieve this, we run thorough background checks on all House Guests prior to entry. Have a spotty past? Don’t worry. We expect it. After all, we’re an alcoholics/addicts right? That is why we do not run the check until we are sure that, based upon your interview, you will be approved. So provided you were honest in your interview, and assuming we've deemed your application acceptable, then there should be no reason why you will be turned down after we run the background check. Therefore, you aren't risking losing any money on the background check.
The check costs us $30 to run. Therefore we charge $30 to the applicant. This fee must be paid in advance as we cannot afford to chance paying for this ourselves should someone have lied on their app and then left us with the background check bill.
What is expected of me once I am there?
Recovery is our first priority. If you don't stay clean, sober, and into action, you don't stay – it’s that simple. Beyond that,
- Actively maintain and participate in a 12-step based recovery program by attending meetings.
- Maintain a sponsor/sponsee relationship.
- Work the steps.
- Have a job.
- Submit to random drug testing.
- Remain current with weekly lodging fee.
- Follow the rules.
- Complete daily household chores.
- Have a good attitude.
Recovery is our first priority. If you don't stay clean, sober, and into action, you don't stay – it’s that simple. Beyond that,
- Actively maintain and participate in a 12-step based recovery program by attending meetings.
- Maintain a sponsor/sponsee relationship.
- Work the steps.
- Have a job.
- Submit to random drug testing.
- Remain current with weekly lodging fee.
- Follow the rules.
- Complete daily household chores.
- Have a good attitude.
Do I have to go to treatment or detox before being accepted?
No. Treatment or other programs are not a direct prerequisite. However, we also do not act as a detox or treatment facility. So if you've been using recently you will likely not be accepted until your out of danger of going through withdrawals or until you go through detox.
No. Treatment or other programs are not a direct prerequisite. However, we also do not act as a detox or treatment facility. So if you've been using recently you will likely not be accepted until your out of danger of going through withdrawals or until you go through detox.
What's the curfew for Action House residents?
Our goal is to transition individuals to making their own decisions and is based upon a "Phase System". For example, Phase 1 members have a 10pm curfew. Whereas the curfew at Phase 5 is 2am. At the same time, that does NOT mean that a Phase 5 can stay out till 2am every night. Rather, it means that because you've been making good, trustworthy, and wise decisions for some time, that you will be trusted with the freedom to occasionally stay out late if you desire provided you're remaining accountable.
Jobs / Curfews: We are a daytime house and therefore don't want everyone sleeping during the night except for one guy who sleeps all day. It just doesn't work out well. So you will be expected to obtain a job that gets you BACK TO THE HOUSE BEFORE midnight, REGARDLESS of what Phase you are.
Our goal is to transition individuals to making their own decisions and is based upon a "Phase System". For example, Phase 1 members have a 10pm curfew. Whereas the curfew at Phase 5 is 2am. At the same time, that does NOT mean that a Phase 5 can stay out till 2am every night. Rather, it means that because you've been making good, trustworthy, and wise decisions for some time, that you will be trusted with the freedom to occasionally stay out late if you desire provided you're remaining accountable.
Jobs / Curfews: We are a daytime house and therefore don't want everyone sleeping during the night except for one guy who sleeps all day. It just doesn't work out well. So you will be expected to obtain a job that gets you BACK TO THE HOUSE BEFORE midnight, REGARDLESS of what Phase you are.
Can I stay away from the house overnight?
Overnight passes are allowed for those who are at a qualifying Phase level.
Overnight passes are allowed for those who are at a qualifying Phase level.
Can I have visitors?
Yes, but the restrictions (or lack of restrictions) are based upon your Phase level.
Yes, but the restrictions (or lack of restrictions) are based upon your Phase level.
Are telephones allowed?
They are not only allowed, but are actually required. Photo based texting is our primary method for holding new members accountable. Therefore, you must have a phone with a data plan. If you do not have a telephone, we will help direct you on how to obtain a government issued cell phone, but you will still be responsible for making sure you have the appropriate amount of data on the phone in order to be able to send photo texts as required by house management.
They are not only allowed, but are actually required. Photo based texting is our primary method for holding new members accountable. Therefore, you must have a phone with a data plan. If you do not have a telephone, we will help direct you on how to obtain a government issued cell phone, but you will still be responsible for making sure you have the appropriate amount of data on the phone in order to be able to send photo texts as required by house management.
Do you provide TV / Computer / Internet?
Yes, yes, and yes! We provide everything from hi speed wi-fi, to Roku and Playstations which provides over 1500 channels including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO (which we pay for all three). For more information, please see our Ammenities page.
Yes, yes, and yes! We provide everything from hi speed wi-fi, to Roku and Playstations which provides over 1500 channels including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO (which we pay for all three). For more information, please see our Ammenities page.
Tell me a little more about your drug testing policies.
Unfortunately most sober living homes do not test regularly (if they test at all). If they do some testing, they often only use 5 or 8 panel tests.
Into Action Sober Living not only tests everyone in the house at least once per week (including house managers so that no one is "above the law", but our tests are 14 panel tests. We also perform random breathalyzers throughout the week. Further, we are an "at will" testing house. That means that ANY member, regardless of Phase, may test ANY other member, including testing house managers. If anyone refuses to test immediately at the time of request, then they are instantly terminated.
Unfortunately most sober living homes do not test regularly (if they test at all). If they do some testing, they often only use 5 or 8 panel tests.
Into Action Sober Living not only tests everyone in the house at least once per week (including house managers so that no one is "above the law", but our tests are 14 panel tests. We also perform random breathalyzers throughout the week. Further, we are an "at will" testing house. That means that ANY member, regardless of Phase, may test ANY other member, including testing house managers. If anyone refuses to test immediately at the time of request, then they are instantly terminated.
Will I have a room mate? / Are their private rooms?
Yes, all new members will have a room mate. Private rooms are reserved for house managers and those who are doing especially well.
Yes, all new members will have a room mate. Private rooms are reserved for house managers and those who are doing especially well.
Are past Into Action Alumni able to visit Action House Sober Living after they move out?
Yes, but only if they have stayed active and in touch with the house and have remained sober. For those people, it is highly encouraged.
Yes, but only if they have stayed active and in touch with the house and have remained sober. For those people, it is highly encouraged.
Our Phase System:
Into Action does not base merit on the amount of time one has been a member. Rather, it is based on action! As such, we have a 5 level phase system which grants new privileges (and in some case responsibilities) for those who have accomplished the items neccesary to advance to a higher phase.
The "big" limitations of Phase 1 are the following:
- 10 PM curfew
- Must go to a minimum of seven meetings per week.
- Must have a sponsor within one week of moving in and be using that sponsor a minimum of 4 times per week.
- No visitors allowed other than approved immediate family. (Approved wives, kids, etc.)
- You will not receive the codes to the television or wi-fi until Phase 2.
How do I phase up?
For the most part, a member phases up by working the 12 steps and doing a Big Book study (The "Big Book" is the primary text book used in 12 step meetings.
Here is an example of the requirements to phase up from Phase 1 to Phase 2:
- Must listen to an audio based Big Book study from the beginning through Step 3.
- Must complete steps 1 - 3 with a sponsor.
- Must receive approval from house manager for a written goals list.
- Must have a job.
How do I phase up and what are the benefits?
The lower the phase, the higher the structure and accountability. The higher the phase, the more freedom, trust, and privilege a member enjoys. Our philosophy is that the steps is where the "magic" happens. So a person phases up primarily through working the 12 steps. So as they work more steps they mature more spiritually. As they mature more spiritually, they are ready to make more of their own decisions. Eventually leading to them being ready to move out on their own.w
Example Comparing Phase 1 to Phase 5
PHASE 1 LIMITATIONS:
Actions required to move to Phase 2:
- Have a job.
- Listen to Big Book study from the beginning through Step 3
- Work steps 1-3 with a sponsor.
- Not be under any house restrictions or house demerits.
COMPARE TO PHASE 5
Verified actions required to remain at Phase 5
Into Action does not base merit on the amount of time one has been a member. Rather, it is based on action! As such, we have a 5 level phase system which grants new privileges (and in some case responsibilities) for those who have accomplished the items neccesary to advance to a higher phase.
The "big" limitations of Phase 1 are the following:
- 10 PM curfew
- Must go to a minimum of seven meetings per week.
- Must have a sponsor within one week of moving in and be using that sponsor a minimum of 4 times per week.
- No visitors allowed other than approved immediate family. (Approved wives, kids, etc.)
- You will not receive the codes to the television or wi-fi until Phase 2.
How do I phase up?
For the most part, a member phases up by working the 12 steps and doing a Big Book study (The "Big Book" is the primary text book used in 12 step meetings.
Here is an example of the requirements to phase up from Phase 1 to Phase 2:
- Must listen to an audio based Big Book study from the beginning through Step 3.
- Must complete steps 1 - 3 with a sponsor.
- Must receive approval from house manager for a written goals list.
- Must have a job.
How do I phase up and what are the benefits?
The lower the phase, the higher the structure and accountability. The higher the phase, the more freedom, trust, and privilege a member enjoys. Our philosophy is that the steps is where the "magic" happens. So a person phases up primarily through working the 12 steps. So as they work more steps they mature more spiritually. As they mature more spiritually, they are ready to make more of their own decisions. Eventually leading to them being ready to move out on their own.w
Example Comparing Phase 1 to Phase 5
PHASE 1 LIMITATIONS:
- House Votes: The group will hear your input, but you will not have a house vote.
- May use TV/Wifi/Computer when a higher phase is present, but does not receive codes to these items until Phase 2.
- No visitors except approved immediate family.
- No overnight passes.
- Curfew: 10pm
- Must follow instructions provided by higher phased members. (if you feel an instruction is not proper, see the house manager)
- Must attend 7 meetings per week.
- Must have a sponsor within 1 week of moving in.
- Must have a job or work full time finding a job.
- No choice in which room you will stay in.
- Will update activities throughout the day until house manager removes this requirement.
Actions required to move to Phase 2:
- Have a job.
- Listen to Big Book study from the beginning through Step 3
- Work steps 1-3 with a sponsor.
- Not be under any house restrictions or house demerits.
COMPARE TO PHASE 5
- Curfew: 2am when used in a responsible and accountable way.
- May have female house visitors even when no other member is present (but only in common areas).
- Has authority (and responsibility) to hand out between 1 to 5 points as reward or demerits as discipline as you see fit.
- Overnight Pass: 2 per week. May save up to 6 days worth. (must use accountability plan if gone for more than 1 night.)
- 3 meetings per week minimum.
- Special considerations / requests / favors may be approved for those who are specifically going above and beyond.
Verified actions required to remain at Phase 5
- Consistently
- Reading recovery literature.
- Working with sponsor.
- Progressing on your 9th Step.
- Progressing on steps 10-12. *Step 10 shall include a regular written inventory (not just "mental" ones).