At Shawnee Counseling Center, we believe in measuring what matters and few things matter more than recovery capital when evaluating an individual’s capacity to sustain long-term recovery. Recovery capital refers to the internal and external resources that individuals can draw upon to initiate and maintain recovery from substance use disorders. These resources span physical, social, emotional, and community domains and are often predictive of long-term stability and health outcomes.
Measuring success in treating individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) can be especially challenging, as success looks different for each person. For some, it may be consistent sobriety; for others, it may be rebuilding family trust, finding employment, or feeling hopeful about the future. This survey aims to identify and measure tangible indicators that reflect what a successful and sustainable life in recovery can look like.
Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Recovery
To assess these factors, we administered a 20-question Recovery Capital Questionnaire to 41 clients enrolled in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). The survey included both Yes/No items and satisfaction ratings on a 1–7 scale, covering domains such as housing, employment, healthcare access, legal involvement, physical and emotional wellness, social support, and sense of meaning and hope.
This point-in-time survey highlights both the strengths and growth opportunities in our IOP program. High scores in housing stability, healthcare access, legal improvement, and social connection showcase the progress our clients are making in recovery. Meanwhile, employment, income stability, and physical health remain critical areas for targeted intervention and community partnership.
As we move forward, this data will guide both clinical decision-making and program development, helping ensure that every individual who walks through our doors leaves with a stronger foundation to support lifelong recovery. Who is Shawnee Counseling Center? A resource for life!
Survey Analysis: Findings and Interpretations
- 40 of 41 ( 98%) people have stable housing. This data demonstrates that treatment does not create homelessness but rather supports individuals in a safe living environment.
2. Satisfaction w/ Housing (5.9 average)
Max: 7
Min: 1
In this case there is only one 1 – which is great; the next lowest number is a 4. This tells us there is one person that has fallen through the cracks, that is not feeling the housing situation. We should be cognizant that we can’t make everyone happy, but we can try to accommodate wherever possible.
3. 34 of 41 (83%) have reliable transportation for work, appointments, and errands.
While we are meeting the target in most instances, data suggests that there are still areas that can be improved to further support transit in rural Ohio.
4. Basic needs are met (6.4 average)
Max: 7
Min: 4
Great news! All participants feel as if their basic needs are being met. No low scores. We are on the high end across the board here all the way.
5. 23 of 41 (56%) individuals are currently employed of in job training.
This marks an area for major improvement in engaging, supporting, and incentivizing getting back to work or getting training to pursue a career.
6. Job/Training Satisfaction (5.1 average)
Max: 7
Min: 0
There were 7 responses below a 2, multiple occurrences of no reported scores – accompanied by no reported involvement in work or job training. This is an indication that this is an area we stand to make improvementsand need to foster community connections to fill this gap.
7. 26 of 41 (63%) feel they have enough income to meet their basic needs.
No surprise here, with 56% of individuals engaging in the workforce or in job training, we would not expect to see a level of income that is satisfactory for being self-supporting.
8. 41 of 41 (100%) of responders have a primary care physician.
This is a demonstration of SCC’s commitment to linking clients to quality healthcare services.
9. 7 of 41 (17%) of participants report being admitted to the hospital or utilizing the emergency room in the last 90 days.
One criticism of individuals with substance use disorder is the strain they place on the primary health and medical system. At Shawnee Counseling Center, we have managed to keep 83% of the population surveyed out of this setting. While we still plan to make improvements with increased nursing services, we are still proud of our effort to be responsible consumers of healthcare.
10. Physical Health (5.6 average)
Max: 7
Min: 3
No 0, 1, or 2 scores reported. Multiple individuals in the 3 and 4 range. This demonstrates further opportunity to address physical health needs across the population.
11. Mental/Emotional Health (5.9 average)
Max: 7
Min: 2
Small cluster of low scoring numbers one 2, one 3, three 4’s. Although no one is “bottoming out” and have most likely improved since starting treatment, some individuals still have progress to make in this area.
12. 41 of 41 (100%) of individuals have not been arrested or have had new legal charges in the last 90 days.
Treatment for SUD does not create crime. This data point is an active representation of the direct benefit of treatment programs regarding lessening the burden on police and jails.
13. 22 of 41 (54%) of participants report being on probation or community control; meaning that 46% of our population surveyed are in treatment seeking help on their own.
There is an equalness and vastness in people that need help – not everyone is at rock bottom, or a burn out on skid row. Sometimes people get sick and tired of being sick and tired on their own – and decide to get help.
14. 41 of 41 (100%) feel they have at least one person they can rely on for emotional support.
Every individual surveyed reported having at least one person they can turn to for emotional support — a vital protective factor in recovery. This reflects the power of connection and reinforces that no one has to walk the recovery journey alone.
15. Relationship Satisfaction Family/Loved Ones (6.2 average)
Max: 7
Min: 1
Only one 1, only two 3’s; these seem to be outliers in the data set. Based on data in total, it seems most people are overall happy with their family and loved one relationships.
16. 41 of 41 (100%) participate in recovery support activities, including 12 step or faith based communities.
This level of involvement highlights the importance and emphasis placed for ongoing peer and spiritual connection in sustaining recovery.
17. Connected to Recovery (6 average)
Max: 7
Min: 1
Notable that there are only two 1’s; every other score is a 5 or above. This suggests that based on the data, we have two individuals who are struggling to connect for any number of reasons while every other responder is having a positive experience in their recovery.
18. Hopeful about the future (6.6 average)
Max: 7
Min: 4
Our highest average – by analyzing max and min numbers, our range is very small – with all numbers supporting a positive and hopeful view of a future in recovery. There was only one 4; every other response was above a 5.
19. Purpose/Meaning (6.1 average)
Max: 7
Min: 1
The data set contains one 1, one 3, and two 4’s – translating to 37 of the 41 responses being 5 or higher. Some outliers seem to be still searching for a greater meaning and purpose, but data shows that the vast majority ofindividuals feel they have found one.
20. 41 of 41 (100%) of individuals surveyed would recommend Shawnee to a friend or loved one needing treatment, with many individuals leaving additional notes of their adoration and appreciation for the quality of service they have received here.