Effect of social support on substance abuse relapse in a residential treatment setting for women

Abstract This study looked at the influence of family functioning, activities of friends, and substance abuse by spouses or significant others on women's substance abuse relapse within 6 months following residential treatment. Data were from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment's national cross-site evaluation of 6-month residential treatment programs for women with children and pregnant/postpartum women (RWC/PPW). At treatment admission 1758 RWC/PPW clients were interviewed, and 1181 were followed up 6 months after discharge from treatment. Relapse was defined as any use of alcohol or drugs other than nicotine. Positive activities such as families getting along and helping each other during the post-discharge period significantly decreased the likelihood of relapse, while negative activities such as family fights and drug use or criminal activity by friends increased the likelihood of relapse. Post-discharge alcohol and other drug abuse by spouses or significant others also significantly increased the likelihood of relapse.