About Us

The Michigan Association of Recovery Residences, Inc. (MARR) is the Michigan statewide affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, Inc. (NARR)   

The term “Recovery Residence” was adopted by NARR and refers to standards-based recovery housing. As the sole Michigan NARR Affiliate, MARR certifies provider compliance with the NARR standards and code of ethics. The standard is based upon the Social Model of Recovery Philosophy (Social Model) which emerged in California some 70 years ago, attracted science – based academic researchers over the following decades which, in turn, led to Social Model expanding nationwide in the late 60’s. Recovery – oriented housing founded on Social Model principles continues to be studied academically due to its proven effectiveness in promoting and sustaining long-term recovery.

MARR’s objectives are to:

• Certify Michigan recovery residences to the NARR standards.
• Publish a directory of certified recovery residences in Michigan.
• Provide trainings in the NARR standards.

Each level implements the social model  to varying degrees and offers distinctly different service intensities.

Level 4 residences are state-licensed treatment providers who blend the “Medical Model” and” Social Model” to create a relatively more supportive environment for the person in recovery. 

Level 3 residences offer a paid staff supportive environment that offers life skills training and peer-based recovery supports. 

Level 2 residences have unpaid staff who monitor resident participation in individual and community recovery activities. 

Level 1 residences are democratically run homes where the residents self-govern by a set of “house rules” and share monthly expenses.

In contrast to a rating system (e.g. one star versus four-star), the NARR Levels distinguish between types (categories) of recovery residences, which differ in the kind and intensity of services and supports they provide. One Level of support is not better than another, just different. Diversity within the continuum is important, because recovery is a process. Individuals need various types and levels of support at different stages of recovery. Matching an individual with the appropriate level of support is both recovery supportive and cost-effective. 

The standards were Initially developed through an intensive collaboration between regional, state, and  local organizations supporting recovery residences nationwide. 

The initial NARR standard for recovery residences was first introduced in 2011, and following similar collaborative processes, the NARR standards have been refined over the years and have been compiled into the NARR Standards Version 3.0. 

This set of standards has been adapted by MARR and reflects the consensus of NARR affiliates that the Social Model, implemented in varying degrees, is the foundation for all four support levels.