Crisis Lines & Immediate Help
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises, substance use emergencies, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm — these lines are free, confidential, and available right now. No insurance needed. No judgment.
Sober Living & Recovery Housing
Stable housing is the foundation of recovery. Sober living homes (SLHs) provide alcohol-and-drug-free environments with built-in peer accountability, structure, and community — bridging the gap between treatment and independent living. Many accept residents with no prior treatment requirement.
NARR — National Alliance for Recovery Residences
The gold standard for sober living certification. Their national directory lists thousands of NARR-certified homes with quality standards, peer accountability, and transparent pricing. The first place to start your search.
narronline.org →SAMHSA Treatment Locator
The federal government's official treatment and recovery housing locator. Search by zip code, service type, payment option (including Medicaid/Medicare), and special populations including women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals.
findtreatment.gov →Oxford Houses
Self-supporting, democratically run sober homes for people in recovery. Over 3,000 houses nationwide. No time limits. Residents govern themselves — a proven, low-cost model with strong outcomes.
oxfordhouse.org →VA — Veterans Housing Programs
The HUD-VASH program provides housing vouchers + case management for homeless veterans. SSVF offers rapid re-housing grants. Contact your local VA or call 1-877-4AID-VET.
va.gov/homeless →Women's Sober Living & Shelters
Soberlink, Women in Recovery, and many state programs offer women-only sober housing — including programs for mothers with children. Domestic violence shelters also connect to sober housing pathways.
domesticshelters.org →HUD Emergency Housing
If you need emergency housing right now, call 211 or visit HUD.gov. Your local Continuum of Care can connect you to emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and transitional housing with or without sobriety requirements.
hud.gov →Reentry Housing & Second Chance Homes
Many sober living homes accept residents with criminal records. The National Reentry Resource Center and RentBureau maintain lists of "felon-friendly" sober housing by state. See also: Reentry section below.
nationalreentryresourcecenter.org →Denver ROAD to Recovery
Denver-area sober living network with sliding-scale fees, Medicaid acceptance, and reentry-friendly policies. Connects to Colorado's statewide recovery housing registry.
Colorado BH Resources →NYC Housing Recovery Support
NYC's Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) maintains a certified recovery housing registry and can connect residents to subsidized sober housing. Call 1-877-8-HOPENY.
oasas.ny.gov →How to Find the Right Sober Home
Search NARR or SAMHSA's locator
Start at narronline.org or findtreatment.gov — filter by zip code, cost, special population, and amenities. Prioritize NARR-certified homes.
Call 211
Dial 211 (available in most US areas) to reach a local social services specialist who can refer you to housing in your specific city or county — including emergency options.
Ask about fees and rules upfront
Costs typically range $400–$1,200/month. Ask about: curfews, chore requirements, program requirements, visitation policy, and what happens if you relapse.
Verify certification and safety
Look for NARR certification or your state's equivalent. Check that the home has a written resident agreement, house manager availability, and a clear grievance process.
Know your rights
Sober living homes are protected under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you are in recovery. See the Legal Aid section for more.
Employment, Jobs & Workforce Development
Employment is one of the strongest protective factors against relapse. Finding a job in recovery — especially with a criminal record — requires knowing the right programs and your legal rights. These resources help bridge that gap.
American Job Centers
Federally funded one-stop employment centers in every state. Free services include résumé help, job search, skills training, apprenticeship referrals, and support for people with criminal records. Walk in — no appointment required at most locations.
Find your AJC →Registered Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn — apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, tech, culinary, and manufacturing pay real wages from day one. Many programs welcome justice-involved applicants. The DOL's apprenticeship finder covers all 50 states.
apprenticeship.gov →Honest Jobs
Job board specifically built for people with criminal records — employers have opted in and are committed to fair hiring. Search by location, industry, and record type. One of the most effective tools for reentry employment.
honestjobs.com →Ban the Box & Fair Chance Employers
Over 35 states and 150+ cities have "ban the box" laws limiting when employers can ask about records. The National Employment Law Project tracks which states protect you and maintains a list of fair-chance employers.
nelp.org →Hire Heroes USA — Veteran Jobs
Free employment support for veterans and military spouses. Resume writing, interview coaching, and direct employer connections. Especially effective for veterans in recovery navigating the civilian job market.
hireheroesusa.org →Online Skills Training — Free & Low Cost
Google Career Certificates, Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer free and low-cost credentials in IT, project management, data analytics, and more. Many can be earned in under 6 months — no prior experience needed.
Google Certificates →Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative (RFW) certifies employers committed to supporting workers in recovery. Active networks in NH, MA, TN, OH, and expanding. Searchable employer registry by state.
recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com →Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal tax incentive for employers who hire people with felony convictions, long-term unemployment, or participation in government assistance programs. Understanding WOTC makes you a more attractive hire — share this with potential employers.
dol.gov/wotc →Fidelity Bonding Program
Free federal bonding for job applicants with criminal records, past substance use, or poor credit — covering theft, forgery, or larceny. Makes employers more comfortable hiring you. Apply through your American Job Center.
dol.gov/bonding →"My record was my biggest fear going into the job search. What changed everything was learning which employers specifically wanted to hire people like me — and knowing the law was on my side."
— Forum Community Member, Sober CentricAddiction Counseling & Treatment
Professional addiction counseling is one of the most effective tools in recovery. Whether you need inpatient detox, outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or peer counseling — affordable and free options exist in every state. No insurance is not a barrier.
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
The definitive national database of over 14,000 treatment facilities. Filter by: substance type, treatment level (outpatient, residential, detox), payment (free, sliding scale, Medicaid), and populations served. Available in English and Spanish.
findtreatment.gov →Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medications that dramatically reduce cravings and overdose risk. MAT combined with counseling is the gold standard for opioid and alcohol use disorder. Use SAMHSA's locator to find MAT providers.
samhsa.gov/mat →Open Path Collective
Connects people to therapists offering sessions at $30–$80 — significantly below typical market rates. Specializes in matching clients with therapists who have addiction, trauma, and recovery experience.
openpathcollective.org →Community Health Centers (FQHC)
Federally Qualified Health Centers provide addiction counseling, mental health services, and MAT on a sliding-scale fee based on income — many offer completely free care. Find one at hrsa.gov/find-health-center.
hrsa.gov →SMART Recovery Meetings
Free, evidence-based group support meetings — in-person and online, daily. Not 12-step. Uses cognitive-behavioral tools. No labels, no sponsors required. Especially effective alongside professional counseling.
smartrecovery.org →VA Substance Use Treatment
Veterans can access free addiction counseling, MAT, inpatient programs, and peer support through the VA — regardless of discharge status in many cases. Call 1-877-4AID-VET or visit any VA facility.
va.gov →Drug Courts & Diversion Programs
Drug courts offer treatment instead of incarceration for eligible individuals. If you're currently in the justice system, ask your attorney or public defender about drug court eligibility — it can be life-changing.
nadcp.org →Peer Recovery Support Specialists
Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PRSS) are people in long-term recovery who provide free one-on-one support, resource navigation, and community connection. Find one through your state's behavioral health agency or SAMHSA.
samhsa.gov/peers →Reentry Support & Second Chances
Coming home from incarceration while also managing recovery is one of the hardest things a person can do. You are not alone — and there are real resources specifically designed for this moment. This section is for you.
The first 72 hours after release carry the highest overdose risk of any period in a person's life. Please reach out for support immediately if you need it.
⚠ Overdose Risk After Release
Your tolerance drops significantly during incarceration. Using the same amount you used before carries a high risk of fatal overdose. If you or someone you know is at risk: Narcan (naloxone) is free at most pharmacies without a prescription in most states. SAMHSA's helpline can connect you to resources immediately: 1-800-662-4357.
National Reentry Resource Center
The most comprehensive reentry resource hub in the country — covering housing, employment, benefits, education, ID, and family reunification. State-by-state guides and a directory of local reentry organizations updated regularly.
nationalreentryresourcecenter.org →Getting Your ID After Release
Without ID, almost nothing else is possible. The ReentryOne ID program and many state DMVs have expedited ID processes for people exiting incarceration. Many states allow facilities to provide an ID letter usable at the DMV. Your state's Dept of Corrections may have an ID program — ask your case manager before release.
ID Resource Guide →Reinstating Benefits After Release
Many federal benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, housing assistance) can be reinstated or newly applied for after release. Apply on your first day out — processing takes time. Legal Aid can help if you were wrongly denied.
benefits.gov →Education & Pell Grants After Incarceration
The Second Chance Pell Experiment restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. Enroll in community college or vocational training — tuition may be fully covered.
studentaid.gov →Reentry Council & Local Organizations
Over 3,000 community-based reentry organizations operate across the US — many founded by formerly incarcerated people. They provide mentorship, housing referrals, job training, and advocacy. Find local orgs at the Reentry Council directory.
reentrycouncil.org →Family Reunification Services
The Family Justice Center Alliance, Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, and many state programs help restore family relationships disrupted by incarceration — including child custody support and parenting classes.
familyjusticecenter.org →Transportation After Release
Many states provide a bus ticket home at release. Local reentry organizations often have emergency transportation funds and bus pass programs. Lyft and Uber have reentry discounts in some markets. 211 can connect you locally.
Reentry Hotlines by State
Many states operate dedicated reentry hotlines staffed by people with lived experience. A few examples: Pennsylvania CARES: 1-800-221-6343; California: 1-800-300-9986; Texas: 1-800-575-2841. Search "[your state] reentry hotline".
Denver Rescue Mission Reentry
The Denver Rescue Mission operates a dedicated reentry program including sober housing, job training, legal ID assistance, and long-term case management. No fees. Open to all genders.
denverrescuemission.org →First 7 Days After Release — Priority Checklist
Day 1: Get your ID and report to supervision
If you don't have a state ID, go to the DMV with your release paperwork. Report to your parole or probation officer. Call 211 if you need emergency housing tonight.
Day 1–2: Apply for Medicaid and SNAP
Apply at your state's benefits portal or local DHHS office. Medicaid gives you immediate access to addiction counseling and MAT. SNAP provides food immediately in most states.
Day 2–3: Connect with a reentry case manager or peer mentor
Your local reentry organization can help navigate every step that follows. Find one at nationalreentryresourcecenter.org or ask at your parole office.
Day 3–5: Find or confirm stable housing
Use NARR's directory for sober living, or ask your reentry case manager for local options. Do not delay — stable housing is the most critical variable in long-term recovery outcomes.
Day 5–7: Connect with recovery support and job resources
Find a meeting, a SMART Recovery group, or a peer specialist. Visit your American Job Center and register for workforce services. You don't have to do this alone.
Legal Aid & Record Relief
Your past does not have to define your future. Expungement, record sealing, licenses restoration, and fair housing rights can open doors that feel permanently closed. Free legal help is available in every state.
Legal Aid Society & Law Help
Legal Aid organizations in every state provide free civil legal help — including housing, benefits, family law, and record relief — to people who cannot afford a private attorney. Find your local Legal Aid at lawhelp.org.
lawhelp.org →Expungement & Record Sealing
Record sealing or expungement is available in all 50 states — eligibility depends on charge type, time elapsed, and conduct since conviction. The Clean Slate Initiative and Restoration of Rights Resource track state-by-state eligibility in real time.
ccresourcecenter.org →Fair Housing Rights in Recovery
The Fair Housing Act protects people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction as people with disabilities. Landlords cannot deny housing solely because of addiction history. If you've been denied housing unfairly, file a complaint with HUD.
hud.gov/fairhousing →Employment Rights & ADA Protections
The ADA protects people in recovery from discrimination in employment. Employers cannot fire you solely for being in a treatment program, and must provide reasonable accommodations in many cases. EEOC enforces these rights for free.
eeoc.gov →Restoring Voting Rights
In most states, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. In many, you can vote while on parole or probation. The Sentencing Project's map shows exactly what your state's law is.
sentencingproject.org →Driver's License Restoration
Many states have programs to restore driver's licenses suspended for DUI or inability to pay fines. Legal Aid and state DMV offices can explain your specific eligibility. License restoration dramatically expands employment options.
Public Defender & Pro Bono Legal Clinics
Law school clinics, bar association pro bono programs, and Volunteer Lawyers Projects offer free legal consultations and representation. Many specifically serve people in recovery and those with justice involvement.
probono.net →Know Your Rights — Common Questions
- SNAP (food stamps): Most states have eliminated the lifetime ban for drug felonies. Check your state's current policy at cbpp.org.
- Medicaid: Generally available to eligible people regardless of conviction history.
- SSI/SSDI: Available if you meet disability criteria.
- Federal student aid (Pell Grants): Now available for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people via Second Chance Pell.
- Public housing: PHAs have discretion. Many have reformed policies — ask your local housing authority.
- Check your state's eligibility at ccresourcecenter.org
- Obtain your criminal history record from your state's DOJ or State Police
- File a petition with the court (forms often available at the courthouse or online)
- Attend a hearing if required
- If granted, notify background check agencies
- If your record has been expunged or sealed, you generally may legally answer "no" to conviction questions on most applications
- In "ban the box" jurisdictions, employers cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer
- Some professions (healthcare, education, law enforcement) have stricter disclosure requirements
- Federal jobs have specific rules — consult OPM guidelines
Financial Recovery & Benefits
Addiction and incarceration often leave financial devastation in their wake — debt, destroyed credit, unpaid child support, court fines, and lost assets. Recovery includes rebuilding financial stability. These resources help you start where you are.
Government Benefits & Assistance
- Benefits.gov — Find all federal benefits you qualify for
- Medicaid — Free/low-cost healthcare including addiction treatment
- SNAP — Food assistance (apply same day as release)
- SSI/SSDI — Disability benefits if addiction caused disability
- VA Benefits — Comprehensive support for veterans
- LIHEAP — Help with utility bills (apply at your local CAP agency)
- WIC — Nutrition support for pregnant women and young children
- 211 — Dial 211 to find emergency financial assistance locally
Debt, Credit & Court Fines
- CFPB — Free guidance on debt, credit rights, and collectors
- Court fines: request payment plans or waivers — you have the right to ask
- Child support: courts can modify arrears for people in recovery or reentry
- Free credit report at annualcreditreport.com (all 3 bureaus)
- Secured credit cards can rebuild credit with no credit history
- Credit unions often offer "second chance" checking accounts
- Nonprofit credit counseling: NFCC.org — free debt management advice
- Bankruptcy: Legal Aid can help determine if Chapter 7 is an option
Emergency Financial Help
- Local community action agencies — utility shutoff prevention, rent help
- Salvation Army — emergency financial assistance by location
- Catholic Charities — assistance regardless of faith background
- United Way 211 — connect to emergency funds by ZIP code
- Mutual aid networks — community-funded emergency help, no eligibility requirements
- Recovery-focused nonprofits often have small emergency funds for clients
- Churches and faith communities — many maintain discretionary funds for neighbors in need
Banking & Building Credit
- Open a bank account: many banks and credit unions offer "second chance" accounts for people with ChexSystems history
- Prepaid debit cards as a stepping stone to traditional banking
- Credit builder loans through CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions)
- Free financial coaching: NFCC.org and local credit unions
- CDFI locator at cdfifund.gov for affordable small loans
- fico.com/en/ways-to-get-credit — building credit from zero
Mental Health & Trauma Support
Substance use disorders almost always co-occur with mental health conditions — depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma are among the most common. Treating both together ("dual diagnosis" or "co-occurring disorder" treatment) dramatically improves outcomes. You deserve care for your whole self.
NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness
The nation's largest mental health advocacy organization. Free helpline (M–F 10am–10pm: 1-800-950-6264), peer-to-peer support groups, local chapter events, and the NAMI Warmline for non-crisis emotional support. Explicitly affirming of recovery and reentry.
nami.org →Co-Occurring Disorders — Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Treatment that addresses both addiction and mental health simultaneously has far better outcomes than treating either alone. Use SAMHSA's locator with the "co-occurring disorders" filter to find integrated care programs near you.
findtreatment.gov →BetterHelp & Telehealth Therapy
Online therapy platforms connect you with licensed therapists within days. Financial aid available — BetterHelp offers income-based pricing. Effective for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction recovery support. No waiting lists.
betterhelp.com →Veterans Crisis Line & PTSD Resources
Veterans: call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. The VA's PTSD treatment programs are among the most evidence-based in the world — and free. The National Center for PTSD has a complete resource directory at ptsd.va.gov.
ptsd.va.gov →Trauma-Informed Care
Many addiction and recovery issues are rooted in unprocessed trauma. Trauma-informed therapists use EMDR, somatic therapy, and other approaches specifically for trauma survivors. Find one at EMDRIA.org or through your FQHC.
emdria.org →Free Mental Health Apps
Woebot (CBT-based chatbot), Mindshift (anxiety), Headspace (meditation, free for people in recovery), and IntelliCare are free or heavily discounted digital mental health tools as a supplement to professional care.
Warmlines — Non-Crisis Emotional Support
Warmlines offer peer emotional support for when you're struggling but not in crisis — staffed by people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The National Warmline Directory lists lines available 24/7 in your state.
warmline.org →Family, Relationships & Reunification
Addiction and incarceration strain or sever family bonds — but rebuilding those relationships is possible, and doing so is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery success. These resources support both the person in recovery and the people who love them.
For People in Recovery
- Family Justice Center — family reunification support post-incarceration
- Family therapy through your FQHC or treatment program — ask your counselor
- Parenting classes — court-required or voluntary; many offered free through community agencies
- COPA — Children of Prisoners Advocacy (supporting your kids)
- Child custody legal aid — many Legal Aid orgs specialize in reentry custody cases
- Family mediation services — often free through community dispute resolution centers
- Al-Anon & Nar-Anon resources to share with family members: al-anon.org
- Letters of apology — therapists can help facilitate restorative communication
For Family Members & Loved Ones
- Al-Anon — support for families affected by someone's drinking
- Nar-Anon — support for families affected by addiction
- SMART Recovery Family & Friends — evidence-based support
- CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) — proven method to help you help your loved one; find a CRAFT therapist at motivationandchange.com
- NAMI Family Support Groups — free and peer-led, for families of those with mental illness and addiction
- Learn about enabling vs. supporting — a therapist or Al-Anon can help clarify the difference
- Self-care is not selfish — you cannot pour from an empty cup
- Children's programs: Alateen and SMART Recovery Youth both support kids of people with addiction
"My family didn't trust me — and I understood why. It took two years of consistent action, not words, before things really began to heal. Every step was worth it."
— Forum Community Member, Sober CentricKnow Your Rights — Quick Reference
A condensed reference of the most important legal protections for people in recovery, those with criminal records, and those navigating reentry. When in doubt, call Legal Aid.
Housing Rights
- Fair Housing Act protects people in recovery as people with disabilities
- Cannot be denied housing for past substance use if you're currently in recovery
- HUD complaint: 1-800-669-9777 or hud.gov
- Sober living homes cannot arbitrarily evict without notice
- You have the right to request reasonable accommodations
Employment Rights
- ADA protects people in recovery from employment discrimination
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for treatment
- EEOC complaint: 1-800-669-4000 or eeoc.gov
- Ban the box laws protect you in 35+ states from early record questions
- Expunged records generally do not need to be disclosed
Benefits Rights
- Medicaid: available regardless of most conviction histories
- SNAP: most states no longer ban for drug felonies — verify your state
- You have the right to appeal any benefits denial
- Wrongful benefit denial: contact Legal Aid or benefits.gov
- Social Security: disability benefits available if addiction caused disability
Supervision & Reentry Rights
- You have the right to treatment while on parole or probation
- Participation in MAT cannot be a parole violation in most states
- You have the right to an attorney if facing revocation
- Police must have reasonable suspicion to search you on supervision
- Contact your public defender immediately if facing any legal issue
The First 30 Days — Survival Toolkit
Whether you're leaving treatment, leaving incarceration, or starting over from where you are right now — the first 30 days set the tone. This toolkit puts the most critical resources in one place. Print it, bookmark it, share it.
Save These Numbers Right Now
988 — Crisis · 211 — Local Services · 1-800-662-4357 — SAMHSA · 1-800-950-6264 — NAMI · 1-877-4AID-VET — Veterans
Week 1 — Foundation
- Get or confirm your photo ID (DMV or state ID)
- Apply for Medicaid and SNAP at benefits.gov or local DHHS
- Secure stable housing — NARR.org or call 211
- Report to supervision if required
- Contact a peer support specialist or reentry case manager
- Locate Narcan (naloxone) at a pharmacy — free in most states
- Find one meeting or recovery group this week
Week 2 — Health & Stability
- Schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor via your FQHC
- Ask about MAT if appropriate for you
- Connect with a counselor or therapist
- Register at your American Job Center (workforce services)
- Open a bank account (ask about "second chance" accounts)
- Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com
- Tell one person you trust what you're working toward
Week 3 — Employment & Legal
- Visit your American Job Center for job search and training resources
- Research expungement eligibility at ccresourcecenter.org
- Contact Legal Aid if you have housing, employment, or benefits issues
- If you have a record: research Ban the Box laws in your state
- Start or continue skills training (free options at your AJC)
- Apply for the Fidelity Bonding Program through your AJC
Week 4 — Community & Connection
- Attend a sober social event or activity group (see Sober Social directory)
- Reach out to one family member when you're ready
- Volunteer somewhere — it builds connection and routine
- Set one 90-day goal and write it down
- Share your story if and when you're ready — in a forum, meeting, or with a peer
- Celebrate 30 days. This is real. You are doing it.
"Recovery is not a destination. It is the daily practice of choosing yourself — and then choosing it again tomorrow."
— Sober Centric Community