Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to communicate the alcohol/drug free stance for Next Steps Housing and the drug screening/toxicology policies for the house.
Scope
This policy applies to all residents of Next Steps Housing.
- Drug and Alcohol Free Environment
Next Steps Housing is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment for individuals in recovery. Our sober living house operates with a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illicit drugs, or misused prescription medications.
Maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment is essential to our residents’ recovery journey, community integrity, and personal accountability. This policy supports our mission to foster long-term sobriety, peer support, and personal growth in a structured setting.
Violation of this policy is considered a serious breach of trust and will result in immediate intervention and possible eviction to protect the safety and sobriety of all residents. - Policies and Procedures for Drug Screening / Toxicology
- Screening Methods
- Urine drug screens are the primary method of toxicology testing.
- Tests may screen for (but are not limited to): alcohol, THC, cocaine, opioids, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, and synthetic substances.
- Breathalyzer tests may be administered for suspected alcohol use.
- Frequency
- Intake Screening: Every new resident must pass a drug screen before admission.
- Random Testing: Conducted at random intervals, with or without cause.
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Initiated when staff observe behavioral or physical signs of possible substance use.
- Post-Relapse: Following any admission of use or relapse, testing is mandatory if continued residency is considered.
- Resident Expectations
- Residents must comply fully with all testing requests.
- Refusal to test, tampering with samples, or providing false samples will be treated as a positive result and grounds for immediate consequences.
- All test results are handled confidentially but may be shared with referring professionals (e.g., probation officers, counselors) as needed.
- Positive Results
- A positive drug screen may result in immediate discharge depending on severity, safety concerns, and house policy.
- In some cases, the resident may be offered re-entry after:
- Leaving the property for detox/treatment.
- Submitting negative test results from an approved provider.
- Reassessment by house leadership.
- Documentation
- All screenings are documented, including date, time, type of test, and results.
- Signed consent forms are kept in each resident’s file authorizing drug/alcohol screening as a condition of residency.
- Screening Methods
- Prescription and Non-Prescription medication Usage and Storage
- All medications must be disclosed at intake and approved by house management.
- Prescription medications must be in the original labeled container, prescribed to the resident.
- Over-the-counter medications must be reported if they contain ingredients that can impair judgment or cause intoxication.
- Storage:
- All medications must be stored securely in a locked area or personal medication lockbox.
- Residents are not permitted to share medications.
- Misuse of medication is considered a relapse and may result in discharge.
- Search protocol (Contraband, Hazardous, or Illegal Substances)
- To maintain safety, the residence reserves the right to conduct the following:
- Room Searches may occur:
- With reasonable suspicion
- Following a report from another resident or staff
- During random compliance checks
- Room Searches may occur:
- Personal Belongings Searches may include bags, furniture, or locked containers, with the resident present when possible.
- Confiscated Items:
- Illegal items will be reported to law enforcement.
- Hazardous or unauthorized items will be disposed of or returned depending on severity and risk.
- Consent to Search is signed at intake and is a condition of residency.
- Confiscated Items:
- To maintain safety, the residence reserves the right to conduct the following:
- Protocol for When a Resident Returns to Alcohol/Drug Use
- When a resident chooses to use substances:
- Immediate Safety Action: The resident may be required to leave the premises.
- Referral to Services: Next Steps Housing may assist with referrals to detox, treatment, or crisis services.
- Reentry Consideration:
- Must include negative toxicology results
- A reentry interview and behavior contract
- Possible increase in accountability measures
- Peer Safety First: Decisions will prioritize the safety and recovery of all current residents.
- When a resident chooses to use substances:
- Naloxone/Narcan Protocol
- Next Steps Housing maintains Naloxone (Narcan) on-site and staff/residents are trained in emergency overdose response.
- Availability: Narcan is kept in accessible common areas and first aid kits.
- Training: Staff and residents are offered Narcan training and overdose education.
- Response Protocol:
- Call 911 immediately in any suspected overdose
- Administer Narcan as trained
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- Non-punitive response: Life-saving efforts are the priority. Residents who experience an overdose will be treated with dignity and referred for medical care and stabilization.
- Next Steps Housing maintains Naloxone (Narcan) on-site and staff/residents are trained in emergency overdose response.
- Relapse Prevention Strategy
- Daily structure: Chores, curfews, and routines create consistency.
- Mandatory support meetings: Minimum 3 per week (AA/NA, SMART, IOP, etc.).
- Peer accountability: Regular house meetings include discussions on resident support.
- Relapse education: Resources and workshops are provided to help identify triggers and develop coping skills.
- Individualized recovery plans: Residents work with staff to create and follow personal goals.
- Early intervention: Behavioral signs of relapse (isolation, missed meetings, mood shifts) are addressed early with increased support or testing.