A Sober Living Perspective Maryland: Rethinking MDRN Funding for Lasting Recovery
As someone who has dedicated years to building a successful sober living community—running eight houses that have helped countless individuals rebuild their lives—I’ve watched the landscape of recovery support evolve, especially with the introduction of Maryland RecoveryNet (MDRN) funding. My journey began long before MDRN existed, and my experience has given me a unique vantage point on what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to fostering long-term sobriety. Today, with MDRN funding paused as of March 31, 2025, due to fiscal year 2025 exhaustion, I see an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Let me share my story, my concerns, and my hope for a system that truly empowers those in recovery.
My Journey: A Model That Works
Years ago, I ran an amazing sober living LLC, a system born out of necessity and compassion. Residents, fresh from 30 days of inpatient treatment, received support from smaller nonprofits—typically 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes extending if they were actively seeking jobs and meeting expectations. After that, they paid a modest $150 weekly rent, a structure that kept the community growing while instilling accountability. This wasn’t just about providing a roof; it was about restructuring how individuals intersect with society, clean and sober, with a clear path to self-sufficiency. The results spoke for themselves: residents who embraced the process often achieved lasting recovery, free from laziness or dependency.
When MDRN funding emerged, I watched as the dynamics shifted. With guaranteed rent money for two months—and later extensions and multiple funding periods throughout the year—sober living homes began to resemble state-run entities. While this ensured financial stability for providers, it introduced challenges. Residents could live rent-free for extended periods without the same drive to work or rebuild their lives. Worse, state involvement imposed restrictions: we couldn’t discharge residents for relapse, drug use in the house, or threats, even when it jeopardized the safety of others. I learned it often took multiple reported incidents before action could be taken—a policy that, while well-intentioned, diluted the accountability that had been the backbone of my success.
Why I Stepped Away from MDRN
After my boss passed away, I started my own sober living LLC, determined to maintain control over our standards. I chose not to apply for MDRN funding, a decision rooted in principle. Today, my eight non-MDRN houses stand as a testament to an alternative approach—one that holds people accountable and produces remarkable results for those truly committed to change. Yet, I’m often viewed as “bad” or non-compliant because I’m not state-certified under MDRN. It’s a frustrating irony: my model works, but it doesn’t fit the state’s framework.
The Pause on MDRN Funding: A Chance for Change
The recent announcement from the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), dated February 28, 2025, reveals that MDRN funding is paused due to exhaustion of FY 2025 resources. No new authorizations or provider applications will be processed after March 31, 2025, as the BHA undertakes a review of current practices and funding allocation. This pause, while disruptive, might be a blessing in disguise. The funding—likely a mix of state and federal grants, including support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—has run dry, possibly due to increased demand from extended stays and multiple funding cycles. My concern is that this flexibility has enabled a cycle of dependency, where some residents relapse, lose funding, and re-enter the system, especially during extreme weather periods like mid-winter and mid-summer.
But here’s where I see hope. The BHA’s review could be an intentional step to identify the best places to allocate money—shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to one that prioritizes accountability and outcomes. I believe MDRN can continue, but it needs a rethink. I propose a short-term limit of 4 weeks at most per year, mirroring the structure that worked so well in my early days. This would provide a safety net for those transitioning from inpatient care, while encouraging self-reliance through rent contributions and clear expectations. The focus on patient-centered outcomes, as outlined in the BHA’s notice, gives me optimism that this pause could lead to a more effective system—one that balances support with responsibility.
A Vision for the Future
Canceling or pausing MDRN funding doesn’t have to be the end; it can be a new beginning. I’ve seen firsthand how a structured, accountable environment can transform lives. My hope is that the state will learn from providers like me—those who’ve succeeded outside the MDRN framework—and integrate those lessons into a revised program. Imagine a system where funding supports initial stability, but residents are empowered to take ownership of their recovery, avoiding the pitfalls of prolonged dependency. With the BHA’s review underway, there’s a real chance to create a model that works for everyone—residents, providers, and the community at large.
To my fellow recovery advocates and those affected by this pause, let’s stay engaged. The Maryland Department of Health’s upcoming decisions will shape the future of sober living, and your voices matter. I’m confident that with the right adjustments, MDRN can be a force for good, helping people rebuild their lives without losing the accountability that makes recovery stick. Here’s to a hopeful, productive evolution—together.
RIP Molly & Josh to my two best friends. I am forever continuing our legacy in Baltimore.