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Abstract
An environmental survey was conducted regarding substance abuse recovery supports and services (RSS) delivered across California, where these services are offered, and by whom. Inquiries were made regarding RSS measurement efforts, funding mechanisms, and technical assistance needs. A survey was disseminated to all 57 administrators of county alcohol and other drug or behavioral departments. Results indicate that 62% (23 of 37) of responding counties offer RSS. Overall, certified addiction counselors (CACs) were the staff most utilized to provide RSS, followed by peers, clinicians, and volunteers. Among recovery-community organizations (RCOs), peers, volunteers, and CACs were the most utilized staff. Sober living homes were the most prevalent type of RCO, followed by recovery centers, faith-based/recovery ministries, and recovery schools. Forty-five percent of counties reported funding RSS; 37.8% collect data. RSS may provide valuable support services for individuals recovering from alcohol/drug use; however, the field must further define RSS and develop measurement strategies to justify RSS funding.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, contract No. 09-00115. We are extremely appreciative of the feedback by UCLA staff members Stella Lee and Alison Ober, along with administrators at Mariposa, San Bernardino, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties for their feedback during the pilot testing of our survey. We also acknowledge Bill White and Alexandra Laudet for their responsiveness to our queries about the measurement of recovery supports and services outside of California.