An exploratory study of male recovering substance abusers living in a self-help, self-governed setting

J Ment Health Adm. 1997 Summer;24(3):332-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02832666.

Abstract

Adult men (n = 132; 92% of the population) with histories of alcohol/drug use disorders were interviewed upon their entry to 11 Oxford Houses located in the state of Illinois. Individuals still in residence at a six-month follow-up (n = 48) were reinterviewed; prior to the follow-up interview, 42 men had left voluntarily and 42 men had been evicted for abuse or disruptive behavior. The men remaining in residence tended to be older (M age = 37 years), were disproportionately African American (56%), and were less pessimistic about their future. At the intake interview, individuals who would be evicted reported a lower expectation for abstinence social support from the other residents in Oxford House. The Oxford House model of social support for recovery from alcohol and drug dependence appears to help some residents maintain sobriety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Group Homes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Illinois
  • Male
  • Patient Dropouts* / psychology
  • Patient Dropouts* / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self-Help Groups / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Support*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome