Recovery capital outcomes associated with an access to recovery program

The primary aims of state Access to Recovery (ATR) programs are to provide client choice among substance use disorder (SUD) clinical treatment and recovery support service (RSS) providers, increase access and linkage to a comprehensive range of clinical treatment and recovery support options, and increase SUD treatment and recovery support capacity. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Kentucky ATR (KATR) program in building recovery capital over time through participant utilization of RSSs such as recovery housing, transportation support, and basic needs (including employment support).

KATR study participant data was collected at four time points: 1) intake (0 months); 2) KATR service completion (∼3-6 months); 3) 3 months after service completion (∼5-8 months); and 4) 12 months after study intake. Mixed random effects regression models were used to examine the impact of RSSs voucher utilization on key outcomes including recovery capital as measured by the Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital (BARC-10), employment, and resumption of substance use.

BARC-10 scores (p < 0.01), and rate of employment (p < 0.001) were significantly higher for participants who used recovery housing vouchers compared to participants who did not use recovery housing vouchers at all follow-up time points. After controlling for the effects of other RSS utilizations, there was no significant difference in measured recovery outcomes between those who used basic needs vouchers compared to those who did not utilize basic needs vouchers. Participants who used transportation vouchers had higher BARC-10 scores (p < 0.05) and lower resumption of substance use (p < 0.05) at follow-up time points than participants that did not use transportation voucher services.

The KATR program was associated with improved recovery among persons in SUD treatment and/or early recovery. This study shows that utilization of a self-selected voucher-based program that provides access to recovery housing and transportation supports is associated with improved SUD long-term recovery as measured by validated recovery capital instruments.