Current and Previous Residents of Self-Governed Recovery Homes: Characteristics of Long-Term Recovery.

Environmental and social factors are increasingly recognized as critical aspects of recovery from alcohol/other drug abuse over the long-term. This study surveyed with quantitative and qualitative methodology current (n = 79) and previous (alumni) adult residents (n = 29) of self-governed, mutually supportive recovery homes for alcohol/other drug abuse. Both groups perceived their recovery environment positively, maintained stable employment, and experienced improvements in their family relationships since being in the recovery homes. Alumni and current residents tended to stay very involved in recovery activities. Alumni also were highly involved in their previous recovery communities, and were in more beneficial circumstances than current residents based on survey results. Implications for future research were discussed.