PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has recently announced that more than 300 recovery houses are now licensed across the Commonwealth. Since the inception of the licensure program, DDAP has offered hands-on technical assistance to recovery house owners and has worked individually with applicants to ensure accurate submissions.
In a bid to streamline and expedite the licensure process, DDAP has developed and now offers a new provider workshop aimed at increasing the accuracy of applications.
The main objective of DDAP’s recovery house licensure program is to empower sustained recovery for individuals grappling with substance use disorder (SUD). The program ensures a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses throughout the state. Currently, 312 recovery houses in Pennsylvania have obtained a license.
Secretary Davis-Jones announced this development during a visit Tuesday to the Community Yoga Space in Harrisburg. The yoga space offers innovative, recovery-focused yoga classes. Secretary Davis-Jones also participated in a Yoga of 12-Step Recovery class in collaboration with Gaudenzia, Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit provider of treatment for people with SUD and co-occurring conditions.
The event was attended by area recovery house residents and owners, staff from the Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, among others. Themed “Thanks and Gratitude,” the class was focused on self-care and wellness, serving as a reminder of the available resources for individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health disorders during the holiday season.
DDAP is focusing on improving and expanding access to high-quality SUD treatment and recovery programs. This includes prioritizing health equity and implementing evidence-based and data-driven prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies to tackle the overdose crisis.
The recovery house licensing regulations include provisions to protect residents in areas of health and safety, finances, and resident rights. These include staff training on administering naloxone, CPR, first aid, and requiring naloxone on the premises. Other provisions include a Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check for all staff and volunteers and non-discriminatory practices based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression.
DDAP continues to provide technical assistance to recovery house owners and work with applicants to ensure accurate submissions. Individuals can find a list of licensed recovery houses on the DDAP website.
For those seeking SUD resources for themselves or a loved one, help is available through 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 who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.
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