The Basics
Located about an hour southeast of Columbus in the hills of Athens, Ohio The John W. Clem Recovery House was founded in 2007. The facility provides sober living for men in recovery. Named for John W. Clem, a recovering alcoholic who later became a benefactor to the community, the mission of the house is to introduce residents to the 12-step way of life while providing a safe and structured environment that is free of drugs and alcohol.
Accommodations and Amenities
The John W. Clem Recovery House consists of a two-story structure that accommodates 11 men. It includes a ramp for those requiring wheelchair access. Rooms are typically shared between two clients and include a bunk bed and shared closet space. Windows surround the rooms and provide plenty of sunlight. Fresh linens and laundry facilities are provided.
The house includes a dining room, spacious kitchen, common area with a television and computer, and an outdoor covered patio area with a picnic table used for barbeques. Smokers are allowed to smoke on the patio. Residents acquire food stamps and the benefits are given to the house. Clients take turn cooking meals and the men dine together family-style in the sunny dining room area. A live-in house manager resides on the premises.
Rules and Regulations
The normal length of stay is three months. After that, the house manager must approve those desiring a longer stay. Weekly requirements include attending a minimum of five off-site 12-step meetings, and being present at five house meetings. The house meetings are from 7:15 am to 8:15 am, Mondays through Fridays, and include a morning meditation, a shared discussion and a chance for clients to express any concerns. Those desiring a supplementary faith-based approach can substitute one church service for one AA/NA meeting.
Other obligations include acquiring a sponsor within three weeks of admission, working the steps, getting a job or regular volunteer work and performing all assigned household chores. Residents undergo random drug and alcohol testing. A client who is found under the influence is subject to immediate eviction.
The use of medication-assisted treatment such as Suboxone is not allowed in the house. The house manager dispenses all other prescribed medications. The curfew is 11 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Lights are to be out at 10:30 pm Sundays through Thursday, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Extras
The men meet with the house manager, executive director and the business manager on an individualized basis throughout the week. With the help of the executive director, the men work on establishing an exit strategy that includes goals such as securing affordable housing and a plan for their ongoing recovery maintenance.
In Summary
While The John W. Clem Recovery House offers many resources for newly clean and sober men. However, those requiring medication-assisted treatment or dual diagnosis support may want to consider an alternative. For those opposed to the 12-step approach, this probably won’t work either. But for those with a little more time under their belt and a desire to learn about the steps, this is a great choice.
The John W. Clem Recovery House
8044 Dairy Ln
Athens, OH 45701
The John W. Clem Recovery House Cost: $500 (30 days). Reach The John W. Clem Recovery House by phone at (740) 593-3797 or by email at director@clemhouse.org. Find The John W. Clem Recovery House at Google+ and Facebook
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Photo courtesy of ClemHouse
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
