The Emergence, Role, and Impact of Recovery Support Services

Abstract

Various community recovery support services help sustain positive behavior change for individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders. This article reviews the rationale, origins, emergence, prevalence, and empirical research on a variety of recovery support services in U.S. communities that may influence the likelihood of sustained recovery. The community recovery support services reviewed include recovery high schools, collegiate recovery programs, recovery homes, recovery coaches, and recovery community centers. Many individuals are not provided with the types of environmental supports needed to solidify and support their recovery, so there is a need for more research on who may be best suited for these services as well as when, why, and how they confer benefit.

Strategies Adopted by Addiction Facilities during the Coronavirus Pandemic to Support Treatment for Individuals in Recovery or Struggling with a Substance Use Disorder: A Scoping Review

“…Some residential treatment programs in residential facilities/residential communities restricted the personal visits of family members to only when the pandemic was in the worst phase, maintaining social distance, and the use of PPE during the meeting, which resulted in some dropouts from the program [43]. Some recovery programs chose to adopt certain rules of conduct to improve the experience in the place, such as substance use [16]; Jason et al showed that other rules can help to improve the living in recovery housing, as fulfilling the division of responsibilities among residents, motivating them to remain sober and, thus, avoiding the use of alcohol and other illicit drugs during the treatment period at home [78]. For those who received visits without authorization or violated institutional rules, quarantine and COVID-19 tests were performed for the safety of others [79].…”

Is peer support a tipping point for the opioid use disorder crisis in Appalachia? Research holds the answer

“…While emerging research suggests that recovery support services positively impact individuals, families, and communities [ 33 ], there is a significant gap in conducting and disseminating research to inform the content, practice, and long-term efficacy of these services. Standards for MOUD are well-defined, yet there is much to learn regarding the type, frequency, and duration of supplemental recovery support services [ 34 ].…”

Identifying and Treating Incarcerated Women Experiencing Substance Use Disorders: A Review

“…To more fully address the needs of women with SUD, studies have pointed to the role of community recovery support services during re-entry in achieving positive behavior change, as these services can improve access to needed social and environmental supports. 148 For those reentering the community following incarceration, peer support specialists appear to be especially beneficial because of their lived experiences with navigating the challenges of reintegrating into society following incarceration, including understanding the demands for those with community correction requirements. 149,150 Furthermore, peer support specialists serve as a source of accountability during reentry 151 while also providing clients support in addressing basic needs such as employment, transportation, and housing.…”