Helping each other in sober living houses to prevent relapse
Official title: Peer Helping, Retention, and Relapse in Sober Living Houses
Funded at Public Health Institute · NIH-10913530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how helping each other in sober living houses can make it easier for people to stay sober and avoid relapse, so if you're living in one of these houses, your support for others and their support for you could really make a difference in your recovery journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Public Health Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,344 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028252-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals residing in sober living houses who are committed to abstaining from alcohol and drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently in sober living environments or those who are not seeking recovery from substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how peer support in sober living houses can improve residents' chances of staying sober and avoiding relapse. By examining the effects of helping behaviors among residents, the study aims to understand how giving and receiving help influences retention in these supportive environments. The research will also explore the types of help that are most beneficial, such as emotional support versus practical assistance. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance recovery outcomes for individuals living in sober houses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting individuals in recovery, thereby reducing relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer support can significantly enhance recovery outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Public Health Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polcin, Douglas L — Public Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Polcin, Douglas L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.