Housing is vital to well-being, which makes addressing the link between opioid use disorder (OUD) and homelessness all the more important. To identify housing solutions that support recovery from OUD, Abt conducted the first literature review on the subject, along with an environmental scan and interviews with experts and providers in four communities as part of the Opioid Use Disorder, Housing Instability and Housing Options for Recovery project.
Developed for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, the project describes housing models available for individuals with OUD who experience housing instability or homelessness. Abt’s research identified several promising strategies.
Findings
“While there’s still much to learn, there’s a lot we can do now to help house those with opioid use disorder,” said Abt researcher Brandy Wyant. “Our research finds that housing options supported by choice, empathy and conditions that enable medication-assisted treatment can encourage healthier behaviors and stabilize housing.”
###
About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is an engine for social impact, dedicated to moving people from vulnerability to security. Harnessing the power of data and our experts’ insights, we provide research, consulting and technical services globally in the areas of health, environmental and social policy, technology and international development. http://www.abtassociates.com
Eric Tischler Abt Associates eric_tischler@abtassoc.com