Propensity to work among detoxified opioid-dependent adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Adults with a history of opioid dependence may find it difficult to gain or maintain employment. Barriers to employment include a lack of education and skills, and relapse to drug use.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the rate of employment before, during, and after participation of detoxified opioid-dependent adults (n = 117) enrolled in a therapeutic workplace intervention and to identify predictors of post-intervention employment.

METHODS:

Analyses were conducted on self-reported employment information collected using the Addiction Severity Index-Lite and direct observation while enrolled in a model workplace intervention called the therapeutic workplace.

RESULTS:

Participants were more likely to work during the intervention (67% of days available) than before (1% of days available) or after (26% of days available) the intervention. Participants also reported working more after the intervention than before. Participants who reported working 6 months after the intervention had stronger work experience and attended the therapeutic workplace more frequently during the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

Given the opportunity in a model workplace, unemployed detoxified opioid-dependent adults are more likely to attend a model workplace than to work in a community job.