Stable Homes
Stable Housing for Substance Abuse Treatment
Stable housing is highly important when it comes to treatment of substance abuse and mental illness. We at Ohio Women’s Network believe in and support the importance of stable housing.
Why Stable Housing Matters
The World Health Organization says stable housing is a basic determinant of health, with mental illness and substance abuse more common among individuals in unstable housing situations. As a result, individuals in unstable housing tend to consume more health care resources. Research shows the effectiveness and quality-of-life improvements of of long-term substance abuse treatment, but being in an unstable housing situation is associated with increased likelihood of exposure to drugs and decreased access to treatment.
Federal agencies and other authorities are increasingly recognizing the critical role of stable housing in recovery. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has promoted a “Housing First” philosophy, stating that individuals in need of substance abuse recovery services should have a stable housing environment before treatment begins.
The Effect of Unstable Housing on Women
Women are affected by unstable housing situations differently than are men. Differences include:
- Women are more likely to have custody of and be responsible for children
- Women may have little or no support in caring for children
- Women face more barriers to successful engagement in drug treatment services, especially residential and longer-term treatments
Important Components to Treatment
Many women who find themselves in need of substance abuse treatment have been alienated from their families, making it vital that programming incorporate a sense of community. This helps women develop their identities and skills as parents.
Stable housing should also include strategies to keep children unified with their mother during treatment. This way, mothers in need of treatment need not choose between it and staying with their children. Having to temporarily give up custody of children often results in intense guilt and shame, and the negative effects on self-worth complicate the recovery process.
Recovery Residences
Recovery residences are a particularly promising form of stable housing for women with substance abuse problems. These residential rehabilitation centers establish a stable and supportive environment, which can:
- Limit the impact of relapses
- Reduce barriers
- Link to wraparound services that increase the likelihood of long-term recovery
Relapse Policies
The most effective treatment programs include flexible, supportive relapse policies. Though many programs are focused on sobriety, relapse is a common part of the recovery process, and overly punitive zero-tolerance measures disrupt recovery.
Federal agencies and other authorities are increasingly recognizing the critical role of stable housing in recovery. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has promoted a “Housing First” philosophy, stating that individuals in need of substance abuse recovery services should have a stable housing environment before treatment begins.
Promoting These Important Services
Despite mounting evidence of their effectiveness, studies have shown that programs combining housing, treatment and gender-specific services in Ohio are unfortunately rare. OWN supports the use of these programs, as well as efforts statewide to encourage agencies to adopt them.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about stable housing treatment and the organizations that provide it, contact Ohio Women’s Network today.