Examining Recovery Program Participants by Gender: Program Completion, Relapse, and Multidimensional Status 12 Months After Program Entry

Abstract

This study examined individual-level characteristics and factors associated with program completion, relapse, and multidimensional status at follow-up for 213 men and 248 women who entered one of 17 peer-led recovery programs and who completed a follow-up interview 12 months later. Study results found that although there were some significant gender differences at program entry among participants entering Recovery Kentucky, there were few gender differences at follow-up. In addition, although participants had significant psychosocial problems, polysubstance use patterns, and severe substance use disorder (SUD), the majority of both men and women reported completing the program (80.3%), a small minority reported relapse (9.5%), and about one third had worse multidimensional status about 12 months after program entry. Lower quality of life rating at program entry was associated with program completion and with better multidimensional status at follow-up. Study results suggest the recovery program provides an important option for some of the most vulnerable individuals with SUD.

Examining Recovery Status and Supports before and after Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Among Clients Who Experienced Lifetime and Recent Firearm-Related Threats

“…The lack of safe and stable housing increases the risk of substance use and involvement in the criminal justice system as well as (re)victimization (Chavira & Jason, 2017; Cusack & Montgomery, 2017; Polcin, 2016). The overlap between firearm victimization among those with unsafe or unstable housing may make maintaining SADT program participation and recovery more difficult (Jason, Olson, Ferrari, & Lo Sasso, 2006; Logan et al, 2020; Milby, Schumacher, Wallace, Freedman, & Vuchinich, 2005; Polcin, Korcha, Bond, & Galloway, 2010a, 2010b; Reif et al, 2014; Shaham, Shalev, Lu, De Wit, & Stewart, 2003). Further, economic vulnerability in childhood has been associated with increased adverse childhood experiences and negative health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood (Fabio, Tu, Loeber, & Cohen, 2011; Finkelhor, Shattuck, Turner, & Hamby, 2013; Males, 2015; Walsh, McCartney, Smith, & Armour, 2019).…”

“…Another limitation of the study is the lack of contextual factors associated with understanding firearm threats, including age of victimization, repeat victimization, and whether firearm threats were made in the context of other victimization (e.g., robbery, assault, and rape) and/or how firearm victimization intersects with illicit drug or problem alcohol use involvement. Also, firearm threats vary (e.g., witnessing, and indirect threats) and this study measured threats more narrowly (Logan et al, 2020). Further, analyzing associations of firearm threats by kind of treatment received may yield varying results.…”

“…However, recovery extends beyond the use of substances to include enhancements in physical health, mental well-being, quality of life, and community reintegration, and these goals can often be met even when there are minor relapses (Kaskutas et al, 2014; Laudet & White, 2008; Richardson et al, 2019; White & Kurtz, 2005). Further, recovery supports such as economic resources, social support, and positive health and mental health are needed to maintain SADT program engagement and to facilitate recovery efforts (Laudet & Humphreys, 2013; Laudet & White, 2010; Logan, Cole, & Walker, 2020). Thus, individuals exposed to firearm victimization have significant risks, but how firearm victimization exposure may or may not be associated with relapse and recovery status after SADT program entry has not been previously examined.…”

Examining Recovery Status Trends over 7-Years for Men and Women Clients of a Substance Use Disorder Recovery Housing Program

“…Recovery Kentucky provides supportive housing that promotes education, personal and community accountability, vocational support, and an emphasis on 12-step mutual-help participation in 17 programs throughout the state (Logan et al, 2020). There are several unique features of Recovery Kentucky programs (Logan et al, 2020). More specifically, Recovery Kentucky is a joint collaborative with the Department for Local Government, The Department of Corrections, and the Kentucky Housing Corporation, which developed and built facilities solely devoted to the program model.…”

“…To address the needs of vulnerable adults with SUD, Kentucky implemented a recovery housing program called Recovery Kentucky, which is similar to a modified Therapeutic Community (TC) or sober living home (Fitzpatrick-Lewis et al, 2011; Leon, 1995; Logan et al, 2020; Vanderplasschen et al, 2013). Recovery Kentucky provides supportive housing that promotes education, personal and community accountability, vocational support, and an emphasis on 12-step mutual-help participation in 17 programs throughout the state (Logan et al, 2020). There are several unique features of Recovery Kentucky programs (Logan et al, 2020).…”