Arkansas NARR State Affiliate | Recovery Housing Certification Guide

Arkansas NARR State Affiliate Status

As of January 2026, Arkansas does not have an official NARR (National Alliance for Recovery Residences) state affiliate. This means there is no state-level organization specifically designated to certify recovery residences under NARR standards in the Natural State.

Arkansas has been working to address its substance use disorder challenges, but a formal NARR affiliate has not yet been established to provide standardized certification for recovery housing.

What This Means for Recovery Housing Operators in Arkansas

The absence of a state NARR affiliate does not prevent Arkansas recovery residence operators from providing quality housing or working toward certification. Here’s what you should know:

Current Landscape

• No mandatory state certification: Arkansas does not currently require recovery residences to be certified
• Growing recovery community: The state has seen increased interest in quality recovery housing
• Opioid crisis response: State initiatives are expanding addiction treatment and recovery services

Benefits of Pursuing Certification Anyway

Even without a state affiliate, pursuing NARR standards offers significant advantages:

1. Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to quality care
2. Referral partnerships: Treatment centers prefer certified or standards-compliant homes
3. Operational framework: NARR standards provide proven best practices
4. Competitive advantage: Stand out in the Arkansas recovery housing market

Certification Options for Arkansas Recovery Residences

Option 1: NARR National Direct Certification

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences provides resources for operators in states without affiliates:

• Access to the NARR Standard 3.0 documentation
• Training resources and educational webinars
• Guidance on implementing quality standards
• Connection to the national recovery housing community

Contact NARR National: narronline.org

Option 2: Adopt NARR Standards Independently

Even without formal certification, Arkansas operators can:

• Implement NARR’s four-level recovery residence model
• Follow the NARR Code of Ethics
• Adopt safety and operational standards from the NARR Standard 3.0
• Document compliance for potential future certification

Option 3: Explore Regional Partnerships

Some operators establish relationships with neighboring state affiliates:

• Missouri Association of Recovery Residences: May offer training resources
• Tennessee Recovery Housing Association (TROHN): Regional training opportunities
• Oklahoma affiliates: Potential for cross-state networking

When Will Arkansas Get a NARR Affiliate?

NARR state affiliates typically form through grassroots efforts by recovery housing operators, advocacy groups, and state agencies. Here’s what’s needed:

Requirements for Forming a State Affiliate

1. Coalition building: Operators, advocates, and stakeholders must unite
2. Nonprofit formation: Most affiliates operate as 501(c)(3) organizations
3. NARR application: The coalition must apply to NARR for affiliate status
4. Training requirements: Leadership must complete NARR affiliate training
5. Sustainable funding: Affiliates need resources to operate certification programs

How You Can Help

If you want to see a NARR affiliate established in Arkansas:

• Connect with other operators: Build relationships with recovery housing providers statewide
• Engage advocacy groups: Work with Arkansas recovery community organizations
• Contact NARR: Express interest in forming an Arkansas affiliate
• Attend NARR conferences: Network with affiliate leaders from other states
• Partner with state agencies: Engage with the Arkansas Department of Human Services

Arkansas Recovery Housing Regulations

While there’s no NARR affiliate, Arkansas operators should understand existing requirements:

State-Level Considerations

• Fair Housing Act protections: Recovery residences are protected as housing for persons with disabilities
• Local zoning ordinances: Requirements vary by city and county
• Business licensing: Standard registration requirements apply
• Health and safety codes: Local building and fire codes must be met

Best Practices for Unregulated Markets

Operating without mandatory certification means self-regulation is essential:

1. Develop comprehensive house rules and resident agreements
2. Implement consistent drug testing protocols
3. Maintain proper liability insurance
4. Create and practice emergency procedures
5. Document all policies and resident interactions

Related Resources

For Arkansas recovery housing operators, these resources provide additional guidance:

• Opening a Sober Living Home in Arkansas - Startup guide for Arkansas operators
• Peer Support Services in Arkansas - Medicaid reimbursement information
• Grants for Recovery Homes - Funding opportunities
• NARR National Website - Standards and resources

Stay Updated

We’ll update this page when Arkansas establishes a NARR state affiliate. In the meantime:

1. Subscribe to NARR updates: Stay informed about national developments
2. Join recovery housing networks: Connect with operators in Arkansas and neighboring states
3. Explore Sober Living App: Our software helps operators maintain quality standards and documentation

---

Last Updated: January 2026

Note: This page will be updated when Arkansas establishes a NARR state affiliate. Check back regularly for the latest information on recovery housing certification in Arkansas.