There is a general consensus among alcohol and drug researchers that providing support services for persons recovering from substance use disorders is one of the most effective ways to increase success. Despite the importance of support and guidance to a successful recovery, many community peer-support agencies have not been rigorously evaluated. The research that does exist suggests that strong recovery support increases the likelihood of continued abstinence and wellness.
The proposed research is designed to examine factors related to maintenance of sobriety and recovery tools by women with children in the community. The goal of the research is to provide evidence of the impact of the Bridging the Gap program for women with young children at the agency, Communities for Recovery in Austin, Texas. Services provided to the participants include the following: Peer Recovery Coaching and Support Services, progress assessments, resource provision (e.g., clothing closet, computer lab, socialization in on-site café), and child care.
Women participants’ consist of mothers in recovery living in the Austin/Travis County area. Data is being collected using the Recovery Measures paper/online program. Research measures include the Recovery Capital Scale which assesses participant recovery resources, as well as the Quality of Life Measure (QOL), the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) which evaluates readiness to change as outlined in the Transtheoretical Model, and as evidenced by sobriety, attendance at Bridging the Gap recovery support activities, and functional life skills.