Beneficial Characteristics of Social Networks

Once you embrace the power of social networks on recovery and wellness, you may wonder what characteristics have this greatest impact? With regards to social model recovery settings, most research has been done on Oxford House. The finds point to several beneficial characteristics:

• Size of networks – The size of an individual’s social network is predictive of their abstinence, even 24 months after moving out.
• Length of engagement – Residents who stayed in an Oxford House for six months had better and sustained outcomes, including abstinence, employment rates, and monthly income.
• Timing – “Newcomers”, especially in the 12 months, may need or benefit from having a more robust social network compared to “Ole timers.”