Researching the Interaction of Mental Health and Social Support on Drug Relapse in Recovery Homes

Sober living houses (SLHs) offer an alcohol- and drug-free living environment to people with substance use disorders, and are becoming increasingly important as the addiction field continues to emphasize long-term services in communities that can facilitate sustained recovery over time.

A study led by PHI’s Alcohol Research Group, “An Evaluation of Sober Living Houses” found that people who entered SLHs who were homeless or in unstable living arrangements improved their housing status over 18 months, and also showed improvement in psychiatric health. Housing status and psychiatric problems each independently predicted substance use outcomes. Social support also predicted better substance use outcomes for the entire sample—but it had the strongest, most consistent impact on persons with lower levels of psychiatric symptoms.

See more on sober living houses on ARG’s website.