Social Work Assistance and Stipends for Housing (SASH): 
Improving Outcomes for Homeless Patients Receiving Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder 

IRIS Pilot Project Findings 

SASH used a mixed methods design, tracking how many participants became housed, measuring opioid use disorder (OUD) outcomes using a checklist created from the DSM-5, and qualitative interviews examining participants’ experience with OUD treatment, housing assistance, and SASH.

Of seven participants unhoused at baseline, there were three housed at 12 months. Checklist scores remained indicative of severe OUD. Participants found SASH valuable and reported that the experience improved their methadone treatment and decreased desire to use substances. Case management supported access to city housing resources. Feedback indicated the need for longer-term stipends distributed more quickly, and that peer support may be the optimal form of service provision. Overall, the study showed the promise of intensive support to navigate housing systems and access housing available to patients receiving MOUD. To read more about this study, visit here. 

Engaging Family Members and Other Concerned Significant Others in Recovery Services 

Research Corner: Emerging research in opioid recovery support systems 

In this Research Corner, we summarize two articles that discussed strategies or interventions related to family involvement. The first described a conceptual framework and strategies for using telehealth to increase family engagement in OUD recovery for youth. Family-focused interventions through telehealth offer unique opportunities to engage family members who otherwise may not be able to participate due to lack of time, living apart, or other logistic barriers. The second study presents findings from an online peer-led support group for affected family members. This peer-led online support group, which used affected family members as facilitators and a telehealth approach, showed promising results.

An Exciting 5th Year of IRIS 

Originally planned as a four-year project, IRIS recently received funding for another year. Thanks to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the umbrella National Institutes of Health HEAL Initiative, for supporting us to continue our work. 

We are eager to build on our partnerships and continue developing effective recovery support strategies grounded in scientific inquiry. IRIS looks forward to this upcoming year of sharing and celebrating our many collective successes and thanks our partners who have contributed throughout. 

PEER Project Launches to Build Research Knowledge and Investment in Peer Recovery 

In May 2024, the Peer-Focused Education to Enhance Recovery (PEER) research project launched as an IRIS affiliated initiative, using university funds secured from UMB CARES. PEER builds on successes of IRIS’s Recovery Research Fellowship and a pilot research training module co-presented with 3c Recovery Support Training Institute and Appalachian Recovery Concepts. PEER will further develop and codify our Fellowship and other training models for future cohorts, resulting in three curricula focused on building knowledge about peer recovery research: for peer workers, health science graduate students, and professionals. PEER will use a modified Delphi method to integrate perspectives from a diverse set of leaders representing these constituencies and university faculty. Delphi is a method in which key stakeholders offer opinions to help researchers prioritize and build consensus, in this case around curriculum objectives, activities, and modalities. To learn more, visit PEER’s webpage, and to collaborate, contact co-investigator, Dr. Jon Gilgoff.

September is Recovery Month 

As September is Recovery Month, IRIS extends gratitude to all our partners who are helping those with substance use challenges and supporting those in recovery. We cannot thank you enough for the important work you do. 

Now, New, and Upcoming 

Announcements from IRIS and the community 

CSWE On-Demand Educational Modules Available on the CSWE Learning Academy 

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

“CSWE is facilitating a six-part webinar series funded by Providers Clinical Support System–Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD). This webinar series invites participants to merge results from cutting edge research and clinical experience to inform social work practice. Explore how social work practitioners have implemented research findings in their practice, how people with substance use disorders are experiencing services, and what are the pressing gaps that need to be addressed.” Click here to learn more. 

SAMHSA's Walk for Recovery

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

9/5 from 2 – 5 PM EST, Washington, D.C.

Join SAMHSA on September 5th at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and raise awareness for Recovery Month in a “Walk for Recovery.” Click here to register.

“Overdose Deaths Are Finally Starting to Decline. Here’s Why.” 

Scientific American

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provisional data shows that U.S. overdose deaths have decreased since last fall. However, overdose deaths are still at high rates, with more than 102,000 over the past 12 months. IRIS Principal Investigator, Dr. Jay Unick, and other experts hypothesize the reasonings behind this decline in deaths. Click here to read the article. 

Mobilize Recovery Day of Service Baltimore “Health. Access. Support and Service Baltimore” 

Mobilize Recovery Day of Service 

10/10 from 8 – 11:30 AM EST, Baltimore, MD

“The Mobilize Recovery event is an opportunity for individuals, families, community members, allies, academia, schools, universities, community leaders, providers, and supporters to celebrate recovery. All are welcome! Sign the Mobilize Recovery Bus with your message, recovery date, or remembrance." Click here to register. 

Substance Use Disorder Interventions Fellowship 

University of Maryland School of Social Work

“Substance Use Disorder Interventions Fellowship (SUDIF) is a two-year fellowship program for incoming MSW students at University of Maryland School of Social Work who desire specialized education and training to treat substance use disorders. SUDIF Fellows receive evidence-based training, specialized seminars, a focused plan of study, and a $28,000 stipend over two years ($12k/$16k) and commit to two years employment in Maryland in agencies serving persons with substance use disorders. Student must apply/be accepted to University of Maryland School of Social Work and complete an application for SUDIF to be considered for the training and associated stipend.” Click here to learn more.