Shapiro Administration Announces Milestone in Number of Licensed Recovery Houses

Joins Recovery House Residents for ‘Thanks and Gratitude’ Yoga

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced today more than 300 recovery houses are now licensed throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians are supported through all steps of their recovery journey,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Everyone’s recovery journey is different; but for many, one of the critical stops following treatment is moving into a recovery house. Recovery houses provide direct connections to others in recovery, mutual support groups, and support services that help residents lift each other up. I encourage recovery houses across the Commonwealth to become licensed.”

Since the licensure program began, DDAP has provided hands-on technical assistance to recovery house owners and continues to work individually with applicants to ensure accurate submissions when applying. DDAP developed and now offers a new provider workshop that has helped to increase accuracy of applications, which further streamlines and expedites the licensure process.

The purpose of DDAP’s recovery house licensure program is to help empower sustained recovery for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses across the Commonwealth. Currently, 312 recovery houses in Pennsylvania have obtained a license.

Secretary Davis-Jones made the announcement while visiting Community Yoga Space in Harrisburg, which offers innovative and recovery-focused yoga classes. While there she participated in a Yoga of 12-Step Recovery class in partnership with Gaudenzia, Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit provider of treatment for people with substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions. “In order to best help individuals with substance use disorder, we need to provide evidence-based treatment addressing the needs of the whole person,” said Dr. Dale Klatzker, Gaudenzia President and CEO. “By addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual needs through a full continuum of care, individuals are more likely to remain in treatment. Options like Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, support groups, individual counseling, other innovative therapies, and recovery housing are essential in providing the support needed to achieve long-term recovery to help individuals with SUD live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Area recovery house residents and owners, staff from the Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, and others also participated in the class. The class was themed “Thanks and Gratitude” with a focus on self-care and wellness heading into the traditional holiday season. It was held to serve as a reminder to Pennsylvanians that resources are available during the holiday season for individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health disorders.

Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, DDAP is prioritizing the improvement and expansion of access to high-quality SUD treatment and recovery programs. The aim is to bridge divides in services by prioritizing health equity, while implementing evidenced-based and data-driven prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies as part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the overdose crisis.

The recovery house licensing regulations contain a number of provisions designed to protect residents in the areas of health and safety, finances, and resident rights, some of which include:

• Staff training on administering naloxone, CPR, first aid and requirement of naloxone on the premises;

• Notification of emergency contact as a result of resident hospitalization, death, or not returning within 12 hours of expected time;

• Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check for all staff and volunteers;

• Nondiscriminatory practices based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression; and

• Documentation of all financial transactions with residents and establishment of a written agreement before assisting in any management of resident funds.

Since the licensure program began, DDAP provides hands-on technical assistance to recovery house owners and works individually with applicants to ensure accurate submissions when applying. DDAP has developed and offers a new provider workshop that has shown to increase accuracy of applications, which further streamlines and expedites the licensure process.

Individuals can find a listing of licensed recovery houses on the DDAP website. Recovery houses can find more information regarding the licensing application process on the DDAP website.

Individuals seeking SUD resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.

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