Strength in Healing, Hope in Recovery.

At Varetto Recovery, we believe recovery is a journey of strength, compassion, and transformation. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where people can rebuild their lives, rediscover purpose, and thrive beyond addiction.

Recovery Looks Different for Every Man

At Alan’s House, we believe recovery should fit your life, not the other way around.

Some of the men who walk through our doors are students finding their footing again. Some are fathers balancing work, family, and healing. Others have served their country or communities and now need a place that understands the weight they carry. And some simply need space to breathe, to rediscover who they are without judgment or pressure.

Our historic two-story home in the Drake neighborhood offers both structure and comfort; a safe, substance-free environment where you can rebuild on your own terms. Every bedroom is thoughtfully arranged for privacy, every shared space built for connection. Essentials are provided, from cookware and towels to Wi-Fi and a place at the table. What you bring is yourself; ready to grow, reconnect, and move forward.

 

OUR VALUES:
Recovery, Respect, Accountability, Community and Growth.

Together, they shape everything we do and how we support the men who call this place home.

Recovery: A Place to Rebuild What Matters

Daily Structure and Sense of Purpose Every day here is an opportunity to rebuild what addiction tried to take;  purpose, pride, and peace of mind. Mornings might start early for work or class; evenings often end with a shared meal or quiet time in the gym downstairs. Each Wednesday, residents come together to cook, talk, and check in during the weekly house meeting.

The structure isn’t about rules; it’s about rhythm. Restoration happens when life feels steady again, when you wake up knowing what comes next and go to bed knowing you’re not alone.

Accountability: Take Responsibility For Your Actions and Grow From Your Mistakes

When We Own Our Choices, We Shape Our Future. Being honest about our choices leads to taking charge of our lives. This means following through on promises made and adhering to the rules in place to keep residents of the program safe. When we are accountable, we learn to look at our own actions, fix our mistakes, and build a strong, honest path forward. Being accountable supports growth and long term recovery.

Community: Belonging That Lasts Beyond the House

Trust and Connection

Community is the heart of recovery. Here, respect and accountability create the foundation for real connection. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violence, discrimination, or hate speech because safety and belonging come first.

Residents often describe Alan’s House as a brotherhood — men from all walks of life, lifting each other up and staying connected long after they’ve moved on. Outings, shared meals, and weekly gatherings remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens together.

Respect: Respect for Every Path to Healing

MAT and Harm Reduction There’s no single formula for recovery. For some men, total abstinence is essential. For others, healing includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or harm-reduction strategies. We support both with the same respect and care. All medications are safely stored, and our staff works closely with residents to maintain accountability while honoring personal dignity.

At Alan’s House, respect means meeting you where you are — not where someone else thinks you should be.

Growth: Recovery That Works With Your Life.

Flexibility for Work, School, and Family

Recovery doesn’t mean putting life on hold. Whether you’re clocking in for a shift, attending classes, or rebuilding your career, we’ll help you find a rhythm that works. Residents are encouraged to work, study, or volunteer at least 20 hours a week, creating structure without losing freedom.

Each man defines progress in his own way: showing up for work sober, calling his kids, or finishing that class he thought he’d never pass. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about movement, one day at a time.

Varetto Recovery

Our Mission

At Varetto Recovery, we believe that recovery is a journey of strength, compassion, and transformation. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where people can rebuild their lives, rediscover their purpose, and thrive beyond addiction.

Start Your Journey With Dignity

Contact Us

At Varetto Recovery, our mission is simple; to meet you where you are and help you take the next right step.
Strength in Healing. Hope in Recovery.

    We believe recovery is a journey of strength, compassion, and transformation.  Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where people can rebuild their lives, rediscover purpose, and thrive beyond addiction.

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    [email protected]    Drake Neighborhood, Des Moines, Iowa 50311    515-207-5039

    If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for dispatch to local resources.
    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 911
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