Personal Network Structure and Substance Use in Women by 12 Months Post Treatment Intake

• Study examined impact of women's personal networks on substance use by 12 months post treatment intake.
• Network structure as well as substance users in the network was found to be predictive of substance use.
• More densely connected networks were associated with an increased likelihood of substance use.
• Non using isolates in women's networks were associated with decreased odds of substance use.
• Isolates who are not substance users may be a particular strength to cultivate for women in recovery.

IntroductionWomen with substance use disorders enter treatment with limited personal network resources and reduced recovery support. This study examined the impact of personal networks on substance use by 12 months post treatment intake.MethodsData were collected from 284 women who received substance abuse treatment. At 6 month follow up, composition, support availability and structure of personal networks were examined. Substance use was measured by women's report of any use of alcohol or drugs. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine the contribution of personal network characteristics on substance use by 12 months post treatment intake.ResultsHigher numbers of substance using alters (network members) and more densely connected networks at 6 month follow-up were associated with an increased likelihood of substance use by 12 months post treatment intake. A greater number of isolates in women's networks was associated with decreased odds of substance use. Women who did not use substances by 12 months post treatment intake had more non-users among their isolates at 6 months compared to those who used substances. No association was found between support availability and likelihood of substance use.ConclusionsBoth network composition and structure could be relevant foci for network interventions e.g. helping women change network composition by reducing substance users as well as increasing network connections. Isolates who are not substance users may be a particular strength to help women cultivate within their network to promote sustained sobriety post treatment.