Date of Conferral

3-13-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Thomas McLaughlin

Abstract

In the United States, over 100,000 deaths were attributed to drug overdose in 2021. Relapse rates are higher in rural communities than in urban communities due to sociocultural barriers such as employment, limited entrainment activities, and peer pressure during social events. Previous research did not indicate whether the increase or decrease of Daily Living Assessment (DLA-20) scores have a correlation between community resource utilization and relapse. Using systems theory as the research lens, this study examined the correlation between use of community engagement resources and relapse as manifested by scores on the DLA-20. Data were collected from 100 individuals enrolled in an outpatient substance abuse program. A moderate, significant correlation was found between the paired scores, r = .54, p < .001. The most resources being used during their time in treatment who scored high on the pre- and post-evaluation assessment was the individuals who attended the intensive outpatient program along with seeing their therapist weekly while attending three NA/AA/SMART/Celebrate Recovery meetings. The findings could lead to positive social change through new opportunities for community resources in rural communities while creating an agenda to help those struggling with a substance use disorder to decrease their relapse potential and increase their success across daily living domains.

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