Employment status is commonly used as a sign of stability in recovery by substance abuse treatment programs and as an outcome variable. While work has economic and non-economic benefits for individuals in recovery, there are numerous obstacles to stable employment for this population. This is even more true for clients who are dually-diagnosed (substance abuse and mental health disorder). This paper presents data on expressed interest in working and obstacles to employment in a sample of members of a dual recovery self-help fellowship (N=179). Most participants are members of ethnic minorities with histories of substance abuse and mental health disorders usually beginning in adolescence. Eighty-nine percent report disability benefits as their primary source of income, 7% from a job; 23% worked (full- or part-time) at least "some of the time" in the past year. While participants generally report high interest in working (Median=8.0, where 0="not at all" and 10="extremely), they cite multiple obstacles to attaining and maintaining employment, in particular, mental health and medication issues (29%), physical health and disability (22%), and scheduling conflicts between treatment program and work requirements (17%). The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to how some of the obstacles can be overcome and how realistic goals can be set that combine clients' interest in being employed and stated barriers to employment. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Funded by NIDA Grant R01 DA11240-01
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize the importance of employment to the recovery process 2. Identify clients' interest in working 3. Recognize clients' specific obstacles to obtaining/maintaining employment 4. Work collaboratively with clients to identify realistic work goals
Keywords: Co-morbid, Recovery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.