Gender Differences in the Association Between Romantic Relationships and Relapse Among Individuals in Early Recovery in Oxford House

ABSTRACT

Although clear gender differences exist in the effect of romantic relationships on substance use, little empirical evidence is available about whether romantic relationships affect recovery differently for men and women. To test potential gender differences in associations of romantic partner relationships with relapse among Oxford House residents. Self-reported presence or absence of a romantic relationship among Oxford House residents ages 18–59 (N = 306) in early recovery was assessed at baseline and 4 months later, beginning in 2001. Odds of relapse over 8 months was assessed by the interaction of presence of romantic relationship at each occasion and gender. Relapse was most common among men in a relationship at baseline and follow-up and women not in a relationship at either occasion, occurring with significantly greater odds than women in a relationship at both times, after adjusting for days of sobriety at baseline (adjusted odds ratio [OR_adjusted] = 3.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.29, 9.51]; OR_adjusted: 3.35; 95% CI [1.24, 9.10]). These findings provide initial empirical understanding of gender differences in the influence of romantic relationships in early recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• recovery
• substance use
• relationship
• drug use
• mutual help
• gender differences

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Ken Maton for his contributions to this study.