Recovery housing plays a significant role in the continuum of treatment for those in the initial and ongoing stages of recovery. They provide a structured living environment, peer support, and essential possibilities for people to build long-term recovery resources.
There is a very strong connection between the recovering person and their environment. Simply put, you cannot isolate the individual and disregard their circumstances, and expect to effect real change for the person. In fact, this is the reason why recovery houses can be such a positive influence on long-term recovery outcomes.
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) calls safe housing for its consumers “severely limited in all regions and communities across the state” and “the greatest barrier to treatment and ongoing recovery from mental illness” in most Connecticut regions.
The limited availability of safe, affordable, sober housing options continues to be an issue throughout the country, and fuels the urgency for additional resources and support at both the local and federal levels nationwide.
As we think about the intricacies of what the road to long-term recovery involves, it is useful to keep in mind the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) four major dimensions that support a stable and fulfilling life:
Health: Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms by making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being
Home: Having a safe and stable place to live
Purpose: Conducting meaningful daily activities such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking or creative endeavors. Having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society
Community: Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope
Most recovery homes were once distressed properties in need of some serious renovations. This is in line with how Recovery Community Development works to expand the number of spaces they provide within the community. But they take it a step further by incorporating applicable skill-building opportunities for residents along the way by offering the ability to participate in the renovation process.
Sustaining Recovery
There is still a vast amount of stigma attached to substance use. The term “recovery capital” serves as the primary measurement for tracking progress and is important to the concept of sustained recovery.
The complexity and diversity of personal and external resources that can be employed to start and maintain recovery from addiction are referred to as recovery capital. Recovery capital is classified into three elements: personal, social, and communal capital.
These three components—which are considered as continuously linked—are explained below. It is a useful perspective because it creates a roadmap for building and sustaining recovery beyond the accessibility of acute treatment interventions designed primarily for the short-term assessment of addiction.
Personal Capital
Personal capital, otherwise known as human capital, refers to a person’s skills, good health, ambitions and aspirations, and personal resources that they can use to succeed.
Social Capital
The availability of information, social networks, and reciprocal assistance through the creation or development of helpful relationships are all examples of social capital.
In short, healthy relationships can promote healing. Being a member of a community that shares similar pro-social goals is good for both physical and mental well-being.
Community Capital
Public resources, such as events and transportation options, organizations and facilities, and rehabilitation organizations – in addition to non-stigmatizing sentiments within the community, can be seen as community capital.
Microassets within the community can be used to enhance effective community cohesiveness as well as personal and social reintegration by recognizing and utilizing them. It is expected that when people in the early stages of addiction treatment are connected to helpful community resources, their personal, social, and communal capital increases.
Renovation Helps Recovery
Renovating old buildings and properties is an excellent method of helping individuals on the road to recovery gain recovery capital. Not only do renovation projects provide the right environment to help individuals learn necessary skills, time management, quality control, teamwork, and hard labor, but they also create additional spaces in safe, affordable, sober environments. Or, a great source of community capital alongside personal and social. This kind of approach offers a holistic route to sustained recovery solutions.
RCD’s current project, The Brooks Street House, has offered a lot of opportunities for residents, with the end goal being additional space for residents once the renovations are completed.
With a community that continues to rise to the challenges thrown its way, we have just finished the renovations to the third floor! That is only possible because of all of the individuals who have put in the time and energy to see this project through! We are closer to the finish line because of our residents, our board, and our supporters in the community.
By providing the opportunity for sober housing residents to get involved in the renovation process, they gain a multitude of useful skills like drywall prep and installation, framing, door installations, basic carpentry, and painting techniques. It gives individuals on the road to recovery a means of contributing to their community and engaging with their peers in a healthy and productive way. It can give back a sense of purpose and drive while in recovery.
These renovation projects also provide residents with skills they can use to build a career for themselves which has a positive effect on their ability to sustain long-term recovery. Ventures and opportunities like this can go a long way in helping to rebuild lives. Skills developed as a resident in one of RCD’s sober houses provide people with the fundamentals they need to pursue full-time employment – which can often be a major hurdle in the recovery process.
Want to help RCD improve long-term recovery outcomes? Donate today.
Addiction can make a person feel helpless and hopeless. One of the best methods to teach people how to meaningfully re-engage with their community throughout addiction recovery is via effective treatment and a safe, supportive environment, which focuses on helping to create sustainable, healthy situations that support their recovery journey.
Recovery Community Development currently employs its residents on an hourly schedule to help wherever possible while performing off-site remodeling work in nearby houses and businesses. Click here to learn more.