Vocational training and employment attainment among substance abuse recovering individuals within a communal living environment

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of length of stay in an Oxford House (a sober living environment) with the number of days attended school/vocational training and days worked in the past 90 days with 292 women and 604 men. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents quantitative data. Findings – Results indicated that number of days residing in these recovery homes was related to number of days attending school/vocational training and days worked. Originality/value – The present study suggested that in addition to staying abstinent from alcohol and drugs, Oxford House residents may improve gain useful life skills through vocational education, training, and employment. This is an area of further exploration for the substance abuse recovery community.