Recovery from addiction in two types of sober living houses: 12-Month outcomes

Abstract

Objective: Sustained abstinence for many alcohol- and drug-dependent persons might be enhanced by providing an alcohol- and drug-free living environment that supports recovery. Sober living houses (SLHs) are alcohol- and drug-free living environments for individuals attempting to maintain abstinence. Costs are covered by resident fees and residents can stay as long as they wish.

Method: The present study examined 300 individuals who entered: (1) SLHs associated with an outpatient treatment program (N = 55) or (2) freestanding SLHs not affiliated with formal treatment (N = 245). A repeated-measure design examined alcohol, drug, and other problem areas at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Mixed model regressions were used to assess how problems changed for individuals within each type of SLH over the 3 time points.

Results: Residents in both types of houses made significant reductions in the maximum number of days of substance use per month between baseline and 6 months and these reductions were maintained at 12 months. On Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scales that assessed alcohol, drug, employment, and legal problems residents either made significant improvement or maintained low baseline severity of problems at 6 and 12 months. On other measures, residents entered the houses with moderately high severity that did not improve (ASI Medical and Family/Social severity) or improved modestly (psychiatric symptoms on the Brief Symptom Inventory).

Conclusion: Addiction recovery systems should recognize the potential utility of SLHs and examine the types of houses that are feasible in specific communities.

• Housing
• sober living houses
• residential treatment
• recovery houses

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by NIAAA grant R01AA14030.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.