The Big Picture
Romantic relationships aren't just a backdrop to mental health — they're a primary driver. New survey data from Oregon shows that people reporting high relationship conflict scored nearly 9 points lower on validated measures of recovery capital, the personal, social, and cultural resources that sustain well-being.
Why it matters: Oregon's behavioral health system often treats relationships as background information rather than intervention targets. This data suggests that such an oversight is costly, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ Oregonians navigating relationship forms that may lack social validation.
By the Numbers
The survey, commissioned by Northwest Treatment and conducted by Commonly Well from June through August 2025, reached 419 Oregon adults. Key findings:
8.9 points: The recovery capital gap between high-conflict and low-conflict respondents (62.0 vs. 70.9 on the 100-point RCI scale)
25%: Share of respondents living in rural areas or communities lacking meaningful 2SLGBTQIA+ presence
67%: Report moderate-to-high community belonging—but this drops notably in rural and low-2SLGBTQIA+ contexts
57%: Accessed behavioral health services in the past year
30%+: Report polyamorous or other non-monogamous relationship structures
High-conflict respondents showed increased behavioral-health service use and higher ER/acute-crisis utilization.
Why this Matters
"Relationship conflict is one of the strongest predictors of reduced recovery resources — the personal and social supports that protect against relapse, crisis episodes, and behavioral-health deterioration."
The Takeaway
For providers, policymakers, and community organizations:
1. Screen beyond "relationship status." Conflict intensity and partner influence on mood matter clinically.
2. Invest in belonging infrastructure. Rural Oregonians and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities need visible, recurring spaces for connection—not one-off events.
3. Normalize relationship diversity. Over 30% of respondents identified with non-monogamous structures. Intake processes, media, and training should reflect this reality.
Coming to ASAM 2026
This research has been accepted for poster presentation at the ASAM 57th Annual Conference in San Diego (April 23–26, 2026). Commonly Well and Northwest Treatment will present the full findings to addiction medicine professionals from across the country.
Download the Full Report
This report includes weighted population estimates, RCI subset analysis, frequency tables, and actionable recommendations for Oregon's behavioral health community.
Survey methodology: Regionally representative sample of 419 Oregon adults, weighted to state age–sex profile. Linked RCI subset (n=126) matched via phone number. Full methodology available in the report.
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Commonly Well partners with behavioral health providers, community organizations, and health systems to conduct rigorous, actionable research that drives real outcomes.
Interested in similar research for your organization?
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