Substance use recovery and social recovery capital among refugees (2023-2028)

Although little is known about the prevalence of substance use among refugees in Europe, studies point out that it increases over time after arrival in the EU. The EU Asylum agency (EUAA) recently reported that drug-related incidents are an increasing concern in asylum settings across Europe. Yet, evidence-based interventions targeting these populations are scarce and leading substance use recovery theories did not yet study recovery among refugees. Moreover, refugee voices remain unaccounted for in recovery capital research.

Considering that social capital is jeopardized among refugees while key in the recovery process, the objectives of this project are to identify and understand (1) the influence of post-migration factors on social recovery capital, (2) social capital external to the individual, (3) bounding and bridging social capital and (4) experiences with, barriers and facilitators in substance use interventions. Five case studies will be conducted in 5 reception centres in Flanders and 100 interviews with refugees will be conducted.

This is the first European study that focuses on the nature and influence of post-migration factors on social recovery capital, substance use and recovery among refugees, based on empirical data collection in the target group. This research will advance recovery capital theory and interventions by expanding the notions of bonding and bridging social recovery capital and by identifying social capital external to the individual.