By Heather Howard, MSW, Ph.D., LICSW (MA,RI), LCSW-QS, Associate Professor, Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University
Peer navigators with similar lived experiences and access to affordable housing were found to be key factors in helping individuals stay on track with their recovery goals and reduce stressors that often lead to a return to use.
These results from our recent study (Howard, et. al, 2024) of a group of individuals involved in the criminal/legal system in South Florida and also having substance use disorders (SUDs) align with existing research showing that combining substance treatment with post-release support lowers recidivism.
Our study explored how stable housing, peer support, and social networks impacted 97 participants over 90 days to evaluate the effectiveness of a recovery program based on a "recovery capital" framework. This approach focuses on the social, personal, and cultural resources that help individuals sustain recovery and avoid reoffending.
The U.S. prison population has grown significantly due to drug-related offenses, with many individuals experiencing SUDs. Traditional punitive responses, such as incarceration, have proven ineffective at reducing recidivism. In fact, nearly 77% of people incarcerated for drug offenses are rearrested within five years of release (Alper, et al, 2018). Researchers have identified the need for a more rehabilitative approach, which emphasizes recovery services and harm reduction rather than punishment.
The study used a model called Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), which connects people with community services to improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on the criminal/legal system. The program offered housing vouchers, peer support, care coordination, and financial assistance for essentials like court fees or clothing.
"Recovery capital" refers to the personal, social, and cultural resources that help people maintain recovery (Whitesock, et al, 2018).
The researchers hypothesized that building these forms of capital would improve participants' ability to maintain housing, avoid harm and reduce recidivism.
The study tracked participants' progress through surveys using the Recovery Capital Index (RCI). This tool measures improvements in social and personal well-being over time. Participants received support from peer navigators (individuals with lived/living experience), care coordinators, and housing specialists. The program also provided financial help for rent and other necessities, reducing immediate stress and barriers to recovery.
Participants were recruited from multiple sources, including jails and community reentry programs. Data collection spanned 90 days, with follow-ups at 30-day intervals to monitor personal capital, housing stability, and rearrest rates. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were: 80% identified as male and 20 % identified as female. Eighty-one percent of the participants were single, 12 % divorced, and 7 % married. Fifty-three percent of the participants were white, 27 % identified as Black, and 20% identified as Hispanic.
The results were promising:
The study confirms that focusing on recovery capital is an effective strategy for promoting long-term recovery and reducing recidivism. Stable housing and peer support emerged as critical components of success. Having access to affordable housing reduces the stress that often leads to a return to use. Additionally, peer navigators, who share similar lived experiences, foster trust and motivate participants to stay on track with their recovery goals.
The results align with existing research showing that combining substance treatment with post-release support lowers recidivism. For example, earlier studies (Bahora, et al, 2020; Mitchell, et al, 2012) found that individuals who completed both in-prison treatment and aftercare were less likely to have a rearrest than those who received no treatment.
The study highlights the need for policies that prioritize recovery-oriented care over punitive measures. Specifically, the following recommendations emerge:
The findings also suggest the importance of adopting trauma-informed approaches in treatment and reentry programs. Justice professionals and service providers should focus on building safe and supportive environments that foster community connections and personal well-being.
While the study demonstrates the effectiveness of recovery capital interventions, it has some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study only measured outcomes over 90 days. Future research could explore the long-term impact of recovery capital beyond this initial period. Additionally, expanding similar programs to other regions would help determine whether these findings are applicable in different contexts.
This study supports the idea that recovery is not just about abstaining from substance use but involves building a foundation of personal and social stability. Programs that integrate housing support, peer mentoring, and care coordination offer a practical way to reduce recidivism and promote well-being among justice-involved individuals with SUDs. By shifting from punitive approaches to recovery-oriented care, communities can better support individuals in breaking the cycle of addiction and incarceration.
Alper, M., Durose, M., & Markman, J. (2018, May). 2018 update on prisoner recidivism: A 9-year follow-up period (2005-2014). Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/2018-update-prisoner-recidivism-9-year-follow-period-2005-2014
Bahora, M., Hanafi, S., & Thompson, C. (2020). Evaluating the impact of in-prison therapeutic community treatment and postrelease aftercare on recidivism rates. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 110, 45–53.
Howard, H., Skinner-Osei, P., Mitchell, C., & Jones, E. (2024). Peer work and recovery: a relationship approach. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2024.2308271
Mitchell, O., Wilson, D. B., & MacKenzie, D. L. (2012). The effectiveness of incarceration-based drug treatment on criminal behavior: A systematic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 8(4), 451–476.
Whitesock, David & Zhao, Jing & Goettsch, Kristin & Hansen, Jessica. (2018). Validating a Survey for Addiction Wellness: The Recovery Capital Index. South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association. 71. 202-212.