Chapter 11

Abstract

This study explored the sense of community among women (n = 21) and women with children (n = 30) living in Oxford Houses, with emphasis on how the presence of children might affect the household. Sense of community did not vary between participants with more or less than three months residence. Residents reported very high levels of satisfaction with the home, possibly because of a ceiling effect of little room for increases in their sense of community over time. Participants reported that they were getting along with the children in the home, that mothers could count on babysitting help, and that the children had a positive effect on the household and their own recovery process. This effect did not differ between mothers and non-mothers, suggesting that non-mothers might view the children in the home with a sense of responsibility and sensitivity comparable to that of the mothers. Implications are discussed.

Sense of Community Among Individuals in Substance Abuse Recovery

“…Studies by Olson, Curtis, Jason, Ferrari, Horin, and Davis (2003) and d’Arlach, Olson, Jason, and Ferrari (2006) found average PSCS scores were higher among women who lived in Oxford Houses. A study by Alvarez, Adebanjo, Davidson, Jason, and Davis (2006) found that a matched sample of deaf and hearing participants scored similarly on PSCS scores.…”

Reciprocal Responsibility and Social Support among Women in Substance Use Recovery

“…The finding that social support contributes to recovery brought about novel continuum of care options, including therapeutic communities, halfway houses, and sober living housing (Polcin et al, 2010; Yablonsky, 1989). However, d'Arlach, Olson, Jason, and Ferrari (2006) found that few recovery houses in the United States are specifically designed for women with substance use problems. Although there is growing research on gender specific treatment for substance use problems, there is little research on housing for women.…”

“…For example, d'Arlach and colleagues (2006) studied the effects of the presence of women with children on the other women in the house who did not have children. Residents in this study reported that having children in the household had positive effects on their recovery by enabling them to feel useful.…”

“…Residents in this study reported that having children in the household had positive effects on their recovery by enabling them to feel useful. A by-product for mothers was having help with childcare readily available (d'Arlach et al, 2006). Additionally, Brown, Davis, Jason, and Ferrari (2006) examined women's experiences in the Oxford House as it relates to stress and coping.…”

Relationship Themes Present between Parents and Children in Recovery Homes

“…Findings indicated that children in the house supported the recovery of house members and on improving parent–child relationships. In general, studies on these OHs have shown high levels of parent reports of child satisfaction (d’Arlach, Olson, Jason, & Ferrari, 2006), but children living in these settings had not been directly interviewed. Similarly, houses with parents and children have been shown to foster assertiveness and self-confidence in the women residents, which are important aspects of the recovery process specifically faced by females (Davis et al, 2006; Timpo et al, 2014).…”