After residential treatment
For people who want to rebuild their lives after completing treatment.
For people who need a new environment to rebuild their lives after treatment
Who we support
Nova House supports people with addiction and mental health challenges who, after completing residential treatment, need a new environment in which to continue their recovery and rebuild their lives.
Background
A safe step towards a new environment
Most clients are between 25 and 45 years old. After completing residential treatment, they do not return to their previous community, where relationships and memories from the past may hinder their recovery.
They commit to Nova House’s intensive programme to build a new life in recovery, connect with peers through mutual-aid groups, and work towards an independent, self-reliant life.
18 to 70 years old
Most clients, however, are between 25 and 45 years old.
A new environment
Not returning to their previous community, where relationships and memories may hinder recovery.
Intensive programme
Committed to recovery, connecting with peers, and building an independent, self-reliant life.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission
The following requirements must be met before admission to Nova House.
Residential treatment completed
Applicants must have successfully completed a 12-Step Minnesota Model residential treatment programme before being admitted to Nova House.
Sponsor and 12-steps
Applicants must be willing to work with a Sponsor and complete the 12 Steps during their stay at Nova House.
90 meetings in 90 days
Applicants must be willing to attend 90 recovery meetings in their first 90 days.
Admission immediately after discharge
Admission to Nova House takes place immediately following discharge from the treatment centre.
Substance use disorder diagnosis
Applicants must have a DSM-5 diagnosis of substance use disorder.
Treatment abroad
If an applicant has completed residential treatment abroad, Nova House will collect them from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on arrival.
Exclusion Criteria
Clear boundaries for safety and recovery
Before moving into Nova House, clients read and sign the house rules. If a client's circumstances change in a way that meets the exclusion criteria, they will no longer be able to stay at Nova House.
Zero tolerance
The use or possession of alcohol, drugs or other prohibited substances, possession of weapons, aggression, and intimidation are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate exclusion from the programme.
Urine testing
Refusing a urine test will also result in immediate exclusion, as Nova House considers refusal to be a positive test result.
No exceptions
The admission requirements are absolute and cannot be waived under any circumstances.
DSM-5 contraindications
A diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is considered a contraindication for admission to Nova House.
Amsterdam contraindication
Nova House is located in Amsterdam. Men who are part of the Amsterdam crystal meth scene cannot be admitted, as returning to this environment may hinder their recovery. They are therefore advised to seek a recovery residence outside Amsterdam.
Rules
Nova House has clear house rules designed to support safety and recovery. These rules are consistently applied to ensure a safe living environment for everyone.
Referral & Intake
Referrals are made through the client's treatment provider.
Clients are referred by their treatment provider while still in residential treatment. The treatment provider also provides all the necessary information and documentation, including the house rules and admission requirements, which must be read, signed and returned before moving into Nova House.
01
Documents in advance
All necessary information and documentation is provided during residential treatment, including the terms and conditions, house rules, programme overview and referral documents.
02
Introduction and intake interviews
An introductory interview and an intake interview are conducted by video call to establish mutual expectations and gather the information needed before admission.
03
Negative urine test
Following a negative urine drug screen, the client is admitted to Nova House.
04
Welcome and move into the home
After handover to the client's personal counsellor and a review of the welcome pack, the client is shown to their room and officially welcomed to Nova House.