What Is a Level 1 vs Level 4 Sober Living Home?

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 4 sober living homes?

Level 1 homes are peer-run with no paid staff, while Level 4 homes provide clinical addiction treatment with licensed professionals.

The biggest difference is who's in charge. According to the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, Level 1 homes are democratically governed-residents manage daily operations and house rules together with minimal outside oversight. Oxford Houses are a well-known example of Level 1 homes. No staff. No house manager. Just residents supporting each other.

Level 4 homes operate like treatment centers. They're usually state-licensed and run by organizations or corporations with higher staff levels. You'll get group therapy, individual counseling, and medical management-services that Level 1 homes simply don't offer.

Both require full-time residential commitment. Level 1 homes do not include clinical services, whereas Level 4 homes do. Level 4 homes offer the most intensive care and structure if you need extra support early in recovery, according to Vanderburgh House.

The choice depends on where you are. Ready for peer support? Level 1 works. Need clinical care while you stabilize? Level 4 gives you both housing and treatment under one roof.

Sources

• ORIGINAL RESEARCH BRIEF
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
• Vanderburgh House