Recovery Home Environment Characteristics Associated With Recovery Capital

• Date: 01 April 2021
• DOI: 10.1177/0022042620978393
• Author: Elizabeth Mahoney,Amy A. Mericle,Douglas L. Polcin,Jane Witbrodt
• Published date: 01 April 2021
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0022042620978393

Journal of Drug Issues

2021, Vol. 51(2) 249 –263

© The Author(s) 2020

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DOI: 10.1177/0022042620978393

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Article

Recovery Home Environment

Characteristics Associated With

Recovery Capital

Douglas L. Polcin1, Elizabeth Mahoney1,

Jane Witbrodt2, and Amy A. Mericle2

Abstract

Recovery capital refers to internal and external resources that facilitate recovery from alcohol

and drug disorders. Examples include support from friends and family, access to health and

other services, stable housing and finances, and internal assets, such as self-esteem and

motivation. Recovery capital is receiving increased emphasis as an integral component of

addiction services. However, there are a limited number of studies assessing recovery capital in

different settings. The current study assessed recovery capital among 363 individuals entering

sober living (recovery) houses (SLHs) and showed how recovery capital was associated with

individual and social environment characteristics of the houses. Individual characteristics were

assessed shortly after residents entered the house (M = 17 days, SD = 9 days). Approximately

1 month later, individuals were interviewed about their perceptions of the social environment

within the household. We hypothesized residents’ perceptions of social model characteristics

within the household would be associated with higher recovery capital. Study findings showed

individual characteristics associated with recovery capital included motivation, support from

friends and family, and 12-step involvement. Perceptions of the social environment assessed by

four subscales on the Community Oriented Program Evaluation Scale and a measure of social

model characteristics were correlated with recovery capital. Regression analyses controlling for

individual characteristics showed modest but consistent associations with recovery capital. Even

after relatively short periods of time in SLHs, resident perceptions of the social environment

show associations with recovery capital. Additional research is needed to understand causal

dynamics of this relationship and associations with outcome.

Keywords

recovery capital, sober living house, recovery home, social model, recovery environment

Over the past decade there has been increasing recognition that for many individuals, recovery

from alcohol and drug disorders requires more than acute care interventions (McKay et al., 2009).

In an effort to understand broader, potentially longer-term influences on recovery, researchers

have examined the role of recovery capital (Cloud & Granfield, 2008). The term recovery capital

1Behavioral Health and Recovery Studies, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA

2Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA, USA

Corresponding Author:

Douglas L. Polcin, Behavioral Health and Recovery Studies, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA, 4383 Fallbrook

Road, Concocrd, CA 94521, USA.

Email: dlpolcin@aol.com

978393JODXXX10.1177/0022042620978393Journal of Drug IssuesPolcin et al.

research-article2020