The purpose of this study was to explore the sources and patterns of social support for alcohol and drug use as well as sobriety as experienced by women recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 female participants recruited through a snowball sampling procedure. Data collected from these interviews revealed that the common sources of support for alcohol or drug use came primarily from family members, as well as friends and peers, and included both tangible and emotional support. Support for sobriety included family, friends, and individuals in recovery. Sources of social support for sobriety were also categorized as tangible, informational, or emotional.

The results of this study revealed the significance of assessing a woman's social network as a source of risk and strength when developing and implementing effective interventions with women recovering from addictions.