Social anxiety and communal living: the influence of social anxiety on men and women in substance abuse recovery homes

Abstract

Research has demonstrated high rates of co-occurrence among anxiety and substance use disorders. However, few studies have specifically examined the relationship between substance use and social anxiety among individuals who are in substance abuse recovery. The present study examined social anxiety as a predictor of substance use among a sample randomized to a soberliving home versus usual aftercare. Given the social nature of many substance abuse treatment and aftercare programs, it was also hypothesized that high levels of social anxiety would reduce the length of stay in the sober-living home and negatively influence participation in self-help groups. Results suggested that social anxiety was a significant predictor of relapse at one time point, and that social anxiety decreased the likelihood for remaining in a sober-living house for six months or more. No significant relationship between social anxiety and participation in self-help groups were found. Implications for further research and substance abuse treatment are discussed.

Establishing Quality and Outcome Measures for Recovery Housing: A Tiered Approach Supporting Service Evolution

“…These factors such as intrinsic factors (e.g., mental health, craving, trauma, etc.) and non-specific environmental factors (e.g., therapeutic alliance) have all been found to impact an individuals’ engagement with recovery care (Boddapati et al, 2014 ; Dass-Brailsford & Myrick, 2010 ; Fatseas et al, 2018 ; Rübig et al, 2021 ). Assessing these factors periodically (i.e., intake, 1 month, and every three months until exit), may help staff ensure that residents’ needs are being met.…”

Context Matters: Home‐level But Not Individual‐Level Recovery Social Capital Predicts Residents’ Relapse

“…A few recovery home studies have begun to examine these types of individual-and group-level dynamics (Jason, Light, Stevens, & Beers, 2014). For example, individuals who have more trouble fitting in socially due to social anxiety are more likely to leave a supportive communal living environment and subsequently relapse (Boddapati, Hunter, Jason, & Ferrari, 2014). Future studies addressing the nature of these individual-and group-level dynamics in more detail would help to more concretely identify how different elements of recovery capital are accessed and how such access might be maximized in recovery home environments.…”