Using Recovery Capital to Predict Retention and Change in Recovery Residences in Virginia, USA

Abstract

Interest in recovery capital has been growing and there have been increased attempts to quantify this concept. The current paper uses the REC-CAP, a standardized assessment of recovery capital, to predict retention across multiple recovery residence settings and quantify changes in recovery capital and barriers to recovery over the initial period of residence. The REC-CAP was administered by peer navigators at admission and at 90-day intervals thereafter in recovery residences in Virginia, US. Strong effects predicting retention, changes in barriers and recovery capital growth were reported based on risk-taking and addressing acute housing concerns. The strongest effects predicting retention in recovery residences were for people not using substances and not being Black or African American. Reducing barriers to recovery and to improving recovery capital focused on avoiding ongoing substance use, lack of support needs around accommodation, higher psychological wellbeing and measures associated with social support and quality of life. There is a need to develop a holistic, tailored package of support for people in recovery residents to address these core concerns.