title: Challenges and Rewards of Conducting Research on Recovery Residences for Alcohol and Drug Disorders.
abstract: Although research shows treatment for alcohol and drug problems can be effective, persons without stable housing that supports recovery are at risk for relapse. Recovery residences (RRs) for drug and alcohol problems are a growing response to the need for alcohol- and drug-free living environments that support sustained recovery. Research on RRs offers an opportunity to examine how integration of these individuals into a supportive, empowering environment has beneficial impacts on substance use, housing, and other outcomes, as well as benefits for the surrounding community. Research can also lead to the identification of operations and practices within houses that maximize favorable outcomes for residents. However, research on RRs also presents significant obstacles and challenges. Based on our experiences conducting recovery home research for decades, we present suggestions for addressing some of the unique challenges encountered in this type of research.
authors.affiliation: Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Avenue, Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608-1010.
authors.forename: Douglas L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Polcin
authors.affiliation: Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Avenue, Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608-1010.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mericle
authors.affiliation: DePaul University, Center for Community Research, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-3504 990.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.affiliation: DePaul University, Center for Community Research, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-3504 990.
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.affiliation: DePaul University, Center for Community Research, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-3504 990.
authors.forename: Leonard A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jason
keywords: Oxford House; Recovery Home; Recovery Residence; Sober Living House
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