Georgia NARR State Affiliate (GARR) | Complete Guide

Georgia NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to GARR Certification

Introduction

The Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR) serves as Georgia’s official NARR affiliate, providing certification and quality standards for recovery residences throughout the state. Founded in 1987 by seven residential recovery programs, GARR is one of the longest-standing recovery housing organizations in the country, dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers with everything needed to understand GARR certification requirements, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Georgia.

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Table of Contents:

1. About Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR)
2. NARR Certification Levels
3. How to Get Certified
4. Benefits of GARR Certification
5. Compliance and Best Practices
6. Contact Information and Resources

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About Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR)

History and Mission

GARR was founded in 1987 when seven residential recovery programs came together to establish high-quality standards, ethical operating principles, and third-party oversight for recovery housing in Georgia. This makes GARR one of the earliest recovery housing organizations in the United States, predating NARR itself. As Georgia’s official NARR affiliate, GARR serves as the advocate and authority for quality recovery residences across the state.

GARR pledges to serve as “the model for integrity and competence” in Georgia’s recovery residences sector, providing members with frameworks to incorporate quality standards, advocacy, ethics, and education into their operations.

Mission Statement

GARR’s mission is to:

• Serve as the advocate and authority for quality recovery residences in Georgia
• Uphold high standards of ethics and best practices across all certified homes
• Provide education, advocacy, and support for recovery housing operators
• Ensure residents have access to safe, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery

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NARR Certification Levels

GARR certifies recovery residences according to NARR’s four nationally recognized levels of support:

Level 1: Peer-Run Recovery Residences

• Democratically operated by residents
• No paid staff on-site
• Peer-based support and accountability
• Residents manage house operations collectively
• Most affordable option for residents

Level 2: Monitored Recovery Residences

• House manager or senior resident provides oversight
• Regular monitoring of house activities
• Structured environment with established house rules
• Connection to recovery support services
• Drug testing and accountability measures

Level 3: Supervised Recovery Residences

• 24/7 staff presence
• Paid staff providing direct support
• Structured programming and recovery services
• Service coordination with treatment providers
• Higher level of accountability and structure

Level 4: Service Provider Recovery Residences

• Clinical services integrated into housing
• Credentialed clinical staff
• Intensive support for residents with complex needs
• Licensed treatment facility standards may apply
• Comprehensive programming and case management

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How to Get Certified with GARR

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, familiarize yourself with NARR Standard 3.0, which covers:

• Administrative and fiscal management
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Health, safety, and wellness protocols
• Recovery support programming
• Ethical practices and good neighbor policies

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through GARR’s website at thegarrnetwork.org. The application requires:

• Detailed organizational information
• Policies and procedures documentation
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Staff qualifications and training records
• Financial and operational information

Step 3: Site Inspection

A GARR representative will conduct an on-site inspection based on NARR standards. Inspectors will:

• Tour the facility and assess physical safety
• Review resident files and operational logs
• Interview staff and residents
• Verify compliance with all standards

Step 4: Staff Training

All individuals who interact with residents must:

• Read and sign the NARR Code of Ethics
• Complete required training modules
• Understand HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
• Demonstrate competency in recovery support

Step 5: Certification Decision

Upon completion of the review process, GARR will issue:

• Full Certification: Valid for two years when all standards are met
• Conditional Approval: Minor deficiencies must be corrected within a timeframe
• Deferred Approval: Significant issues require corrective action before certification

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain certification through:

• Re-certification every two years
• Regular communication with GARR
• Continuous quality improvement processes
• Implementing resident feedback systems

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Benefits of GARR Certification

Credibility and Trust

• National recognition through NARR affiliation
• Demonstrates commitment to quality standards
• Builds trust with referral sources and families
• Distinguishes your residence from non-certified facilities

Access to Referrals

• Healthcare providers prefer certified facilities
• Treatment centers seek certified referral partners
• Georgia courts and probation programs recognize GARR certification
• Insurance companies value certified recovery residences

Operational Excellence

• Clear guidelines for running a quality program
• Access to training and education resources
• Connection to a network of certified operators across Georgia
• Support from GARR staff for compliance questions

Resident Outcomes

• Better outcomes for residents in certified homes
• Structured environments promote long-term recovery
• Peer support models enhance accountability
• Quality standards ensure resident safety and dignity

Funding Opportunities

• Some grant programs require NARR certification
• Opioid settlement funding may be available to certified homes
• State and county funding programs prefer certified residences
• Enhanced credibility for fundraising efforts

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Compliance and Best Practices

Key Compliance Requirements

HIPAA Compliance

• Protect all resident health information
• Train staff on confidentiality requirements
• Implement secure record-keeping systems
• Follow proper procedures for information disclosure

Fair Housing Act

• Ensure non-discriminatory admissions policies
• Provide reasonable accommodations when required
• Understand protected class requirements
• Maintain compliant marketing materials

Safety Standards

• Meet all fire safety requirements
• Maintain adequate first aid supplies
• Develop emergency response plans
• Ensure proper medication storage

10-Point Compliance Checklist

1. Maintain current GARR/NARR certification
2. Train all staff on HIPAA regulations
3. Conduct regular internal audits
4. Communicate with local health authorities
5. Keep accurate records of resident progress
6. Ensure adequate insurance coverage
7. Stay current on legislative changes affecting Georgia recovery housing
8. Foster an inclusive environment
9. Review and update policies regularly
10. Implement continuous quality improvement

Using Technology for Compliance

Streamline your operations and maintain compliance with Sober Living App, which helps you:

• Track resident information securely
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Document house meetings and activities
• Generate reports for certification reviews
• Maintain organized records for inspections

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Contact Information and Resources

Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR)

Website: https://thegarrnetwork.org

Address: 5456 Peachtree Blvd. Suite 415, Atlanta, GA 30341

Phone: 404-513-5640

Email: todd@thegarrnetwork.org

NARR Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/georgia-association-of-recovery-residences/

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

For additional information about substance use treatment and recovery services in Georgia, visit the Georgia DBHDD.

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

Website: https://narronline.org

Access NARR Standard 3.0 and other resources through the national organization.

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Related Resources

For more information about recovery housing regulations affecting Georgia, see our guide: NARR News and Regulations Updates for Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina Sober Living Homes

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Conclusion

GARR certification demonstrates your commitment to providing quality, ethical recovery housing in Georgia. With a legacy dating back to 1987, GARR brings decades of experience in setting and enforcing standards that protect residents and elevate the recovery housing industry. By meeting NARR’s nationally recognized standards, you position your residence as a trusted resource for individuals seeking a supportive environment for their recovery journey.

Ready to streamline your recovery residence operations? Sober Living App provides the tools you need to manage residents, track compliance, and maintain the documentation required for GARR certification.

Last Updated: February 2026