West Virginia NARR State Affiliate (WVARR) | Complete Guide

Introduction: What is WVARR?

The West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR) is the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) in West Virginia. Established on September 18, 2018, WVARR became the 29th state affiliate of NARR, bringing nationally recognized quality standards to recovery housing in the Mountain State.

WVARR is a non-profit entity contracted by West Virginia’s Office of Drug Control Policy to develop, implement, and maintain a certification process for the state’s non-treatment recovery residences. The organization ensures that certified homes meet best-practice standards and ethical principles established by NARR.

About the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences

Mission Statement

WVARR’s mission is to ensure and promote access to safe, high-quality recovery housing for people with substance use disorders through certification, training, technical assistance, and advocacy.

History

• September 18, 2018: WVARR established as the 29th NARR state affiliate
• State Contract: Contracted by WV Office of Drug Control Policy
• Present: Administering certification and supporting recovery residences statewide

Key Functions

• Certification: Implementing NARR-based certification for recovery residences
• Grievance Process: Managing formal complaint and resolution procedures
• Training: Providing education and technical assistance to operators
• Advocacy: Promoting recovery housing and supporting policy development
• Data Collection: Gathering information to support recovery housing initiatives

For more information, visit the official WVARR website or their NARR affiliate page.

NARR Certification Levels

WVARR certifies recovery residences based on NARR Standards, which define four levels of support based on the type, intensity, and duration of support offered:

Level I - Peer-Run

• Democratically self-governed homes
• No paid staff on-site
• Residents share all responsibilities equally
• Peer accountability and support
• Minimal external structure

Level II - Monitored

• House manager provides oversight and accountability
• Peer-led environment with structured rules
• Regular house meetings
• Residents expected to participate in recovery activities
• Common model for sober living homes

Level III - Supervised

• Paid staff provides on-site supervision
• Structured programming and support services
• Life skills training and development
• Higher level of accountability measures

Level IV - Service Provider

• Licensed clinical treatment component
• Professional clinical staff on-site
• Highest level of structure and clinical support
• Integration with formal treatment services

The NARR Standards define minimum services for each Level of Support, but additional services may be provided at each level.

How to Get Certified in West Virginia

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, familiarize yourself with NARR’s nationally recognized standards. Key areas include:

• Safety and physical environment requirements
• Administrative and governance standards
• Recovery support services
• Good neighbor policies
• Ethical practices and resident rights

Visit WVARR’s NARR Standards & Code of Ethics page for detailed information.

Step 2: Determine Your Level of Support

Assess your residence to determine which NARR level best fits:

• Staffing model (peer-run, monitored, supervised, or service provider)
• Services and programming offered
• Level of structure and accountability
• Clinical components (if any)

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather comprehensive documentation including:

• Organizational policies and procedures
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Emergency response protocols
• Fire safety and building inspection certificates
• Financial management documentation
• Staff qualifications and training records

Step 4: Submit Application to WVARR

Complete the WVARR certification application:

• Access the application through WVARR’s Certification page
• Submit all required documentation
• Pay applicable certification fees

Step 5: Complete Inspection Process

WVARR conducts inspections to verify:

• Physical safety and cleanliness
• Compliance with fire and building codes
• Recovery-supportive environment
• Operational practices align with policies
• Documentation accuracy and completeness

Step 6: Receive Certification and Maintain Compliance

Upon successful review:

• Certification granted at appropriate NARR level
• Ongoing compliance with NARR standards required
• Participation in WVARR training and updates expected
• Regular inspections ensure continued quality

Benefits of WVARR Certification

For Operators

• State Recognition: Certification recognized by WV Office of Drug Control Policy
• Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to national quality standards
• Referral Access: Inclusion in state-recognized referral networks
• Training Resources: Access to WVARR technical assistance and education
• Professional Network: Connection to other certified operators

For Residents

• Quality Assurance: Homes meet rigorous NARR standards
• Safety: Verified compliance with safety requirements
• Recovery Support: Guaranteed recovery-focused environment
• Grievance Process: Formal procedures for addressing concerns
• Ethical Treatment: Code of ethics protects resident rights

For Healthcare Partners

• Trusted Referrals: Confidence in quality housing placements
• Continuity of Care: Structured environments support treatment outcomes
• Accountability: Certification ensures ongoing compliance
• State Coordination: Integration with WV recovery services

West Virginia State Context

State Partnership

WVARR operates under contract with West Virginia’s Office of Drug Control Policy, providing official state recognition for certified recovery residences. This partnership ensures:

• Coordinated approach to recovery housing quality
• Integration with state substance use disorder services
• Support for policy development and implementation

Opioid Crisis Response

West Virginia has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, making quality recovery housing essential. WVARR certification helps ensure that individuals leaving treatment have access to safe, supportive environments that promote sustained recovery.

Recovery Housing Guide

WVARR provides a comprehensive Recovery Housing Guide to help individuals and families understand what to expect from certified recovery residences and how to choose appropriate housing.

Resources Available

WVARR offers several resources for operators and the public:

• Certification Information: Application process and requirements
• NARR Standards & Code of Ethics: Ethical guidelines and standards
• Recovery Housing Guide: Information for residents and families
• Resources Page: Additional tools and information

Contact Information

West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR)

• Website: wvarr.org
• Certification: wvarr.org/certification
• Code of Ethics: wvarr.org/code-of-ethics
• Resources: wvarr.org/resources
• NARR Affiliate Page: narronline.org/affiliate/west-virginia-alliance-of-recovery-residences

Managing Your WVARR-Certified Residence

Operating a certified recovery residence requires careful attention to documentation, compliance tracking, and resident management. Sober Living App provides comprehensive software designed specifically for recovery residence operators, helping you:

• Track resident progress and accountability
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Maintain compliance documentation for certification
• Streamline billing and rent collection
• Generate reports for WVARR inspections

Related Resources

• Your Questions About Opening a Sober Living Home in West Virginia Answered
• NARR Affiliate Updates for Recovery Residences in Nebraska, Idaho, and West Virginia
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences
• NARR Standards

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance related to recovery residences and certification requirements.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026