The length of stay at Foundation House is flexible and based upon the individual’s needs; they generally range from 3 months to 1 year. If needed a resident is welcome to stay for two years. Once residents are stabilized and thinking clearly and able to establish a practical educational or career plan, they can, if they desire, transfer to the second stage house. It is our hope that, upon leaving the VIARS houses, residents will have established themselves in an alcohol and drug free lifestyle and be prepared to continue in a productive life-style. Ideally this would include continuing involvement in a 12 Step Program, a solid support network of non-using friends, productive leisure activities, effective stress coping skills, a strong sense of personal responsibility for their recovery process and long term education and career goals.