Samaras establishes new recovery residence for men in Connecticut

A former executive with a Connecticut recovery residence organization that earned a national reputation with its phased community reintegration for young men in recovery is back in the sober-living industry. Al Samaras formally announced last week that he has established Westport House, a program for males located near downtown Westport, Conn.

Samaras is the former vice president of Turning Point, an organization that grew from a local sober-living services provider in the New Haven area to a nationally influential provider of both recovery support and treatment services. His description of Westport House's approach illustrates that he is applying much of what was learned about continuing care at Turning Point to this new venture.

“We don't keep men sober at Westport House. Instead, we lead by example, showing them how we learned to develop a sober lifestyle and teaching them how to do the same for themselves,” Samaras wrote in an announcement to colleagues. “That means learning (or re-learning) the skills of self-care, time management, mindfulness, accountability, community living, and moderation—and practicing, practicing, practicing.”