Reciprocal associations between interpersonal dynamics and recovery outcomes in the first year following an alcohol use disorder recovery attempt

Theoretical models of alcohol use disorder recovery highlight the importance of the social environment, but there is a dearth of longitudinal empirical research investigating bidirectional associations between interpersonal dynamics and outcomes. The present study used longitudinal models to examine between- and within-person associations between both negative (perceived hostility and rejection) and positive (friendship and emotional support) interpersonal dynamics in relation to recovery outcomes (alcohol problems, percent heavy drinking days, percent days abstinent, and quality of life).

Adults reporting a new alcohol use disorder remission attempt (N = 501, M_age = 41.42, 57.50% female) were assessed at baseline and 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. Bivariate latent curve models with structured residuals were used to investigate between- and within-person associations over time.

Reductions in negative interpersonal dynamics were associated with reductions in alcohol problems. Greater reductions in negative interpersonal dynamics over time were associated with a greater increase in percent days abstinent. Greater increases in percent days abstinent over time were associated with declines in perceived hostility over time. Most models did not support the inclusion of cross-lagged associations.

These results highlight that interpersonal dynamics, particularly negative interpersonal dynamics, may change dynamically alongside recovery outcomes, and that perceived hostility may be a critical process that precedes changes in recovery outcomes. Studies using greater temporal resolution (e.g., ecological momentary assessment) may be better suited for establishing cross-lagged associations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).