Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
1-1-2026
Journal
Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment
DOI
10.1016/j.josat.2025.209830
PMID
41175976
PMCID
PMC12997081
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-19-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Introduction: This paper provides an in-depth examination of examines four recovery residences, that serve individuals prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The study has two primary aims: first, to deepen understanding of how recovery residences adopt and operationalize Social Model of Recovery principles; and second, to identify gaps in staff integration of residents receiving MOUD-gaps that may either support or undermine the integrity of the social model within these settings.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 residents receiving MOUD living in four participating recovery homes. The interviews were conducted between August 2022 and January 2024 using a semi-structured interview guide designed to explore residents' experiences upon entering and living in the recovery home. Qualitative software was used to organize and qualitatively analyze transcripts through multiple rounds of coding. Themes were discussed across the research team and grouped across each of the various principles of the Social Model of Recovery.
Results: Residents reported feeling supported in safe, structured environments that promoted accountability and community, while staff with lived experience played a central role in fostering trust and modeling long-term recovery. Structured programming, peer coaching, and access to essential resources further reinforced recovery-supportive conditions. However, inconsistent staff attitudes toward MOUD revealed underlying stigma, which some residents found intrusive or isolating.
Conclusion: This study addresses key gaps in recovery science by offering qualitative insights into Level 3 recovery residences, emphasizing the perspectives of residents navigating staff relationships, organizational policies, and recovery programming. Despite increasing MOUD acceptance, recovery homes rarely address MOUD-related stigma formally, creating tension between medical and social models of recovery and contributing to judgment or marginalization of MOUD recipients. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based MOUD integration strategies, staff education, and stigma reduction efforts to ensure that recovery homes fully support all residents' recovery pathways.
Keywords
Humans, Opioid-Related Disorders, Male, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Recovery housing, Medication for opioid use disorder, Stigma
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Dewey, Jodie M; Gallardo, Kathryn R; Subbaraman, Meenakshi S; et al., "“If He Did It, I Can Do It, Too. I Can Change My Life Around”: The Social Model of Recovery Within the Context of Recovery Homes Accepting Residents Prescribed Medications for Opioid Use Disorder" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 1440.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthsph_docs/1440