Sharpen Recovery

This week, ONDCP hosted a special convening of the Emerging Threats Committee to tackle the problem of polysubstance use and polydrug mixtures – combinations of illicit drugs such as fentanyl, orphines, co***ne, m**h, or others – head-on so we can save American lives. Thanks to all the federal, state, local, and Tribal representatives, as well as our medical, law enforcement, toxicology, and private sector partners who participated and helped move this critical work forward.

Wednesday night was special as we celebrated the completion of our third Recovery House Launch Cohort — the Summer 2026 Cohort!

Nearly 20 men and women spent the past several months learning, preparing, and taking seriously the calling to open or expand quality recovery housing across Greater Houston.

We’re grateful for the Sharpen Recovery participants, family and friends of our cohort members, and community supporters who joined us to celebrate this milestone.

Each member of this cohort has invested significant time and energy into becoming better equipped to serve people in recovery. Sharpen has the honor of playing a part in that preparation, and we look forward to seeing the fruit of their work in the lives of individuals, families, and communities across our city.

Congratulations to the Summer 2026 Recovery House Launch Cohort!

Using the Fletcher Group Economic Calculator, one person in recovery for one year or more yields $75,106 in economic benefits for each year that the person is in recovery. This value of $75,106 in economic benefits per year is calculated to account for direct cost savings (avoided healthcare, productivity and criminal justice costs) as well as reduced premature mortality risk.

The Economic Calculator (developed by Dr. Madison Ashworth and her colleagues at Fletcher Group, Inc) quantifies the economic benefits of recovery. It uses a cost-benefit model that calculates the costs, benefits, net benefits, and return on investment of a recovery program and it a great tool to help recovery homes and other recovery organizations gain the crucially important support of stakeholders, funders, community members and government officials. Return on investment (“ROI”) calculations also contribute to better decisions regarding potential financial outlays.

Thank you Dr. Ashworth for sharing this important tool with our Recovery Housing Accelerator cohort last week! What a resource!

Citation: Ashworth M, Johnson D, Meyer G, Thompson R. Fletcher Group Economic Calculator. Fletcher Group, Inc.; 2023. https://www.fletchergroup.org/economiccalculator

Our quarterly team outing took us to Topgolf this time! We had a great time stepping away from the day-to-day, having some fun, and connecting as a team.

We’re incredibly grateful for the important work we get to do together and for opportunities like this to strengthen our relationships and grow closer as a team.

Grateful for this crew and the mission we get to serve together!

A Big Sponsor Shoutout to Sharpen Recovery! 🙌💙

Sharpen Recovery is dedicated to helping people move beyond addiction and toward lives filled with strength, purpose, hope, and lasting recovery.

We’re grateful to have Sharpen Recovery supporting the Houston Rally For Recovery and standing with individuals and families throughout their journey.

Thank you, Sharpen Recovery, for helping people sharpen their future and discover a new way forward! 💜

SAMHSA recently brought together partners from across the country—including national groups, state agencies, recovery housing providers, and federal agencies—for an inspiring two-day meeting on making recovery housing even stronger and safer. Dr. Timothy Westlake, SAMHSA's Chief of Staff, kicked things off by reminding us that quality recovery housing is about more than just having a place to stay—it's about creating safe, supportive spaces where people can thrive on their recovery journey. Participants shared ideas and worked together on solutions to prevent fraud and abuse, all while highlighting the importance of community and collaboration. As we celebrate , we’re excited to keep building on this momentum and help make recovery possible for everyone!

A milestone worth celebrating!

Join us on September 23 as we recognize the Summer 2026 Recovery House Launch Cohort and celebrate participants who are preparing to launch recovery homes or strengthen the vital work they are already leading in our community.

September 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM
The Council on Recovery
303 Jackson Hill St, Houston, TX 77007

RSVP at HRRN.org/connect

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What an incredible Houston Recovery Residence Network (HRRN) gathering we had on Wednesday night as we explored how and why to create a culture of celebration in recovery homes!

It was energizing to watch recovery home operators and residents put those principles into practice right there in real time.

These pictures highlight just some of the significant moments...

- Dinner and worthwhile conversation - special thanks to Mia’s Table
- Performance by guest vocalist Meme Johnson
- Spotlight on our current Recovery House Launch Cohort
- Keynote speaker Lance Lang, Founder and CEO of Hope is Alive
- Expert panel featuring therapist Dr. Crystal Collier

Learn more about HRRN, featured HRRN guests, upcoming Houston-area recovery events, and more at hrrn.org/connect!

Are you or someone you know in recovery from alcohol or drugs?

Sharpen Recovery spearheads the Houston Recovery Residence Network (HRRN), and our next gathering, on August 12, is not only for recovery home operators and their housing participants but for anyone in recovery!

If you live in or near Houston, join with many others on the journey of recovery as we celebrate the courage of those living in recovery housing while encouraging and equipping current and future recovery home operators.

Admission is FREE and dinner is FREE—a delicious meal catered by Mia’s Table!

RSVP required: HRRN.org

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