We use the term “recovery residence” deliberately, and we think it’s worth explaining what it actually means — especially if you’re researching this for the first time on behalf of someone you love.
What a Recovery Residence Is
We define a recovery residence as substance-free housing for people actively working on their recovery, built around structure, peer support, and accountability. It’s not a treatment facility — we don’t provide clinical services, medical detox, or therapy on-site. Residents continue outpatient treatment elsewhere while living with us.
Why the Terminology Matters
We avoid the word “rehab” because it isn’t accurate to what we do. A recovery residence supports the work happening in treatment; it doesn’t replace it. Getting this distinction right matters both for setting the right expectations and for finding a program that actually matches what your loved one needs next.
What to Look For
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| State certification (like CTARR in Connecticut) | Confirms the home meets a recognized standard, not just its own claims |
| NARR-trained staff | Means house managers are trained recovery professionals, not just landlords |
| Clear, enforced house rules | Shows the structure is real, not just written down |
| Requirement to continue outpatient treatment | Confirms the home supports ongoing care rather than standing in for it |
How Springtime Living Fits This Definition
We’re a CTARR-certified recovery residence with NARR-trained staff at both our Hartford and New London homes. We hold every resident to the same zero-tolerance structure while giving them a genuinely comfortable place to live — never bunk beds, never more than two residents per room.
Have questions about whether this is the right next step? Call us at (860) 337-1029, or read how a recovery residence differs from a halfway house if you’re still sorting out terminology.