Being an active member of a positive peer group is one of the main reasons that Reality House works.

When living in an environment with older adults, young men have a tendency to hide out. Living solely among their age group, day in and day out, there is no hiding. As a result, each day is filled with change and this anticipation of change replaces the urge to use drugs and alcohol. The guidance and direction young men were given prior to coming to Reality House has not been incorrect, the problem is they didn’t listen to the guidance or take the direction. Here they share a common experience with members of their own peer group and become motivated to listen. Peer grouping is a powerful process, it is the magic of Reality House and the reason we have so many success stories.

The Structure

The structure at Reality House is based on living the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous on a daily basis. Instilling self-esteem in the young men we work with is one of the most important components of the Reality House program and the ability to live a structured and responsible life creates self-esteem. Drugs and alcohol serve as a temporary solution to a lifelong problem. Ultimately, people drink and use drugs in excess when they are trying to stop feeling the way they are feeling. Building self-esteem, character and integrity is the firm foundation for a positive and healthy solution. Unless the attitude and behavior of an individual do not change, he will only be able to progress so far. Through years of experience, we have created a structure proven to be effective in aiding alcoholics and addicts achieve long-term sobriety.

Our structure consists of:

• Morning Meditation. Each morning, house members read from a 12-step daily meditation book and share about how it relates to their lives today, what the reading means to them and what they are looking forward to that day.
• Daily Chores. Every person is responsible for a chore inside of the house. This not only teaches a work ethic, but also the importance of living in a clean house. The more effort one puts into the house, the more pride he gains. Miracle House is not just a program to those in it; it’s their home.
• Eleven o’clock Meeting. This meeting is designed to evaluate the house member’s attitudes throughout the morning. It is also designed to bring up any house concerns and to address those concerns.
• Noon Book Study. Every weekday at 12:30, the residents read from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and share about how they related to the chapter and how it pertains to their lives today. Every Monday, a different activity is set up and once a week, a 12-step outside of the house is attended in lieu of Noon Book Study.
• Study Hour. Study hour takes place between 2:00 – 4:00 PM. These hours are strictly dedicated for house members to complete assigned schoolwork. The staff and alumni serve as tutors and aid house members in completing any work they may need help with.
• Family Meeting. This is the most important house meeting of the day. Every evening the management facilitates a meeting where the focus is on three orders of business:
  • Personal Business. The house members set up their plans and appointments for the following day in advance. The purpose of this is to get into the habit of proper planning as well as managing their time and responsibilities according to their schedules.
  • Attitude Checks. The house members write anonymous “bring-ups” – both positive and negative actions or attitudes – that focus on the other members in the house.
  • Family Business. This is an essential part of the house when we address any issues or concerns regarding individuals inside the house. This gives an individual the opportunity to learn about how his actions and attitudes affect his life, why he should change and what solutions are available to him to do so.
• 12-Step Meetings. House members are required to attend one 12-step meeting daily. Morning, noon and evening meetings are available to accommodate those working or attending school.
• One-on-Ones. The management works with all the house members on an individual level for daily “check-ins”, and to discuss any concerns that have been brought up. The management is involved with all activities and schedules for each individual house member.
• Thursday Evening Meeting. Every Thursday night, the Director facilitates a house meeting. Serious house issues are addressed and individual goals are set up. This is a mandatory meeting for the house members and the alumni return to participate in it.
• Saturday Lunch. Saturdays are set aside so that house members may spend quality time with their family and attendance is encouraged! This informal setting is an ideal place to begin to mend broken relationships and it’s a great way for the newer families to meet other house members and their families.