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I think we can all agree that there is a big problem with drugs and drug rehabilitation in this area. I was very worried when I heard an Oxford House was moving into the subdivision where I live. I had never heard of the organization. Research on the internet and a conversation with an Oxford House resident taught me:

* People completing the Oxford House program returned to substance abuse less frequently than those in traditional programs.

* Nearby neighbors liked the house and many further away didn’t know it existed.

* Housing values were not affected.

* Courts ruled that Oxford House is “a special sort of family where all the residents work together toward the common goal of becoming comfortable with sobriety without relapse.

* Oxford Houses are rented houses, democratically run by members without staff.

* Members are responsible for rent, utilities, food, and maintenance.

* New members apply to join, are interviewed and must receive the votes of 80% of the existing membership to be admitted.

* All members must have jobs, do chores in the house and must abstain from alcohol and drugs.

* Most attend twelve-step meetings.

* There are usually between 6 and 12 residents in a house (all of the same sex).

* When admitted to the house most have completed their detox treatment.

* Several Oxford Houses join in a chapter to support each other and provide outside control.

City of Vienna ordinances allow up to twelve residents in a group house. The house on Greenmont Circle is large — four bedrooms, three baths. The planned occupancy of ten satisfies the ordinance. There are seven Oxford Houses scattered about Wood County — two in Vienna and five in Parkersburg — one directly across from Parkersburg Catholic High School.

After completing treatment, a man complained his first residence was in an area where he was offered drugs daily. He pleaded, “I had to get out of there if I was to have a chance.” Now a resident of an Oxford House, he is 29 months sober and very proud of his two-year pin, and his job. He feels that his neighbors welcome the house residents.

I understand there is great opposition to the Oxford House and I confess that I would feel queasy if it were next to mine. But this also smacks of the deed restrictions that existed before the sixties, which excluded Jews, blacks, and other minorities. Vienna has a well-trained, responsive police force that can handle complaints if necessary.

I am disappointed that the town has not announced a public information meeting before an uninformed campaign against the Oxford House was launched. A meeting would allow neighbors to learn about Oxford House, meet some residents and have questions answered. In return the Oxford House could learn of objections and try to make accommodations. I have read that one of the problems in rehabilitating people is the NIMBY syndrome.

Instead the issue will be on the agenda of the Nov. 13 Vienna City council meeting and people can sign up at 6 p.m. to speak at the beginning of the council meeting. These statements will be declarative with no questions asked or answered. This seems to be a format to inflame emotions and not an attempt to find solutions.

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Judith Peascoe is a Vienna resident.