Women, Opioid Use Disorder, and the Role of Recovery Housing: Exploring Challenges for Justice-Involved Women in Rural Sober Living Homes

The opioid crisis continues to impact millions across the United States, with women facing unique challenges in both the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the pursuit of recovery. This study explores justice-involved women's experiences in sober living homes (SLHs), examining the organizational, societal, individual, and behavioral health factors influencing their recovery journeys. Through in-depth interviews and focus groups, the study found that many women were first introduced to opioids through legitimate medical prescriptions and faced significant barriers to accessing and sustaining treatment. Challenges such as limited treatment availability, stigma, particularly for pregnant and parenting women, unstable housing, and unaddressed trauma were common themes. Despite these obstacles, participants emphasized the critical role of sober living homes in providing structure, support, and opportunities for rebuilding their lives. The findings underscore the need for expanded access to women-centered recovery housing for justice-involved women and the integration of trauma-informed care into treatment programs.