Social networks illustrate harm reduction mechanisms in recovery homes

Recovery homes can provide critical support for individuals taking Medications for Opiate Use Disorders (MOUD). However, some abstinence-based self-help groups and organizations have expressed skepticism toward this harm-reduction strategy. One abstinence-based organization that has welcomed those on MOUD is Oxford House. With over 3,000 self-run recovery homes in the US, many individuals on MOUD currently live in these settings. This study examined how Oxford House residents interact and support those on MOUD. We examined these community-based recovery settings with a resident on MOUD over four months. Findings indicated that within Oxford Houses with a resident on MOUD versus those without a resident on MOUD, more positive changes occurred for friendship, advice-seeking, and loaning social network variables. It appears that residents in Oxford Houses where a resident is on MOUD experience positive transformations in their social networks, illustrating how recovery communities can welcome and support those using this harm reduction strategy.