Impact of substance use disorders on employment for
                        veterans.

Sprong, Matthew E.; Hollender, Heaven; Paul, Erina; Gilbert, James; Weber, Kenneth A.; Garakani, Amir; Buono, Frank D.

doi:10.1037/ser0000690

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Prior research showing the Veterans with SUDs are less likely to be employed 10 , 17 , 20 was consistent with current study findings. The effectiveness that VR can have on a Veteran’s life is well documented, 11 - 14 and research is informative in that longer treatment duration, higher vocational functioning prior to admission (shorter period of last employed) and participation in the TW program is beneficial in improving employment outcomes.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…The current study will focus on evaluating the impact of VHA Policy Directive 1163 5 on VHA VR program acceptance rates for Veterans with and without SUDs/AUDs. Furthermore, 20 discussed the benefits of splitting SUD/AUD rather than combing both diagnoses, as findings have shown disparities in employment rates at closure for Veterans with SUD. Furthermore, 20 found differences in employment status at closure for Veterans with active SUDs compared to Veterans with inactive SUDs (in remission).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, 20 discussed the benefits of splitting SUD/AUD rather than combing both diagnoses, as findings have shown disparities in employment rates at closure for Veterans with SUD. Furthermore, 20 found differences in employment status at closure for Veterans with active SUDs compared to Veterans with inactive SUDs (in remission). Although many factors may contribute to these discrepancies, the current study focused on disparities in acceptance rates at program entry.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of VHA Policy Directive 1163 on Acceptance and Employment Rates for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation

et al. 2022

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Introduction: Research has shown that Veterans with Substance/Alcohol Use Disorders (SUDs/AUDs) are at a greater risk for employment-related issues (eg, lower labor force participation rates), and interventions such as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) have been used as a tool to reduce employment obtainment and maintenance. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate acceptance rates and employment rates at closure for Veterans with SUDs/AUDs prior to the implementation of VHA Policy Directive 1163 (mandated that Veterans are not refused services based on prior or current SUD/AUDs). SUD/AUDs were coded to reflect DSM 5-TR criteria of active use and in-remission. Methods: Data from a VHA Vocational Rehabilitation program in the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 network were obtained for the purpose of the current study. Results: Findings showed that Veterans with AUDs were less likely to be accepted for VR services prior and after implementation of VHA Policy Directive 1163. Conclusions: When examining active and inactive SUDs/AUDs, findings showed that implementation of VHA Policy Directive 1163 was not effective for Veterans with AUDs. One factor that was not explored but could explain disparities in program acceptance rates is duration of program entry. If a Veteran has a consult placed for VHA Vocational Rehabilitation services, and their program entry date (date accepted) is a significant duration, then perhaps Veterans with active AUDs start drinking again given that they are waiting for vocational assistance. Thus, it would be important to assist Veterans with active AUDs into services in a timely manner (perhaps prior them being discharged from SUD treatment).

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of VHA Policy Directive 1163 on Acceptance and Employment Rates for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation

et al. 2022

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“…There may be a paucity of research that specifically examines concurrent/integrated vocational rehabilitation and mental health/SUD services for veterans, but researcher and scholar recommendations for these integrated services abound, as such services can lead to outcomes such as higher employment rates 16 and completion of drug and alcohol treatment. 4 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Road to Reintegration: Evaluating the Effectiveness of VA Healthcare in Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Retention for Veterans with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Sprong,

Hollender,

Blankenberger

et al. 2024

SAR

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Introduction Veterans diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use disorders (SUD) often face significant barriers to employment and reintegration into civilian society. In the current study, we investigated whether how the VA healthcare system for mental health and/or SUD treatment predicted program enrollment into vocational rehabilitation, simultaneous mental health and/or SUD treatment while enrolled in vocational rehabilitation predicted employment at discharge, and mental health and/or SUD treatment continues and employment remain 60-days-post-vocational-rehabilitation discharge. Methods An outcome-based, summative program evaluation design to measure quality assurance of vocational rehabilitation services provided to 402 veteran patients enrolled in a VA healthcare located within the Great Lakes Health Care System – Veterans Integrated Services Network. Results Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed psychological empowerment (confidence in one’s ability to work or find work) is a significant factor determining whether a veteran is enrolled in the vocational rehabilitation program, prior mental health treatment (yes/no) and frequency of mental health treatment did not predict program enrollment, and frequency of SUD VA system treatment 60 days prior did not predict program enrollment. Other findings showed that simultaneous mental health and/or SUD treatment while enrolled in vocational rehabilitation did not predict employment at discharge, and employment at discharge did not predict continued mental health and/or SUD treatment post-discharge from vocational rehabilitation. However, veterans with both SUD and mental health and continued mental health treatment were less likely to be employed. Conclusion Utilization of real-world program evaluation data from an actual VHA vocational rehabilitation program enhances the study’s ecological validity, offering practical implications for policymakers and practitioners in the field. The findings support the importance of veterans enrolling in mental health and/or SUD treatment simultaneously while enrolled in vocational rehabilitation services, as integrating vocational rehabilitation with mental health and SUD treatment services can lead to improved vocational and health outcomes for veterans (eg, development of targeted interventions to support veterans’ successful reintegration into the workforce and society).

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“…For many veterans, the transition to civilian life involves issues related to mental health, psychological wellbeing, social isolation, and interpersonal connection (Adler, 2011;Taylor et al, 2020). Ongoing mental disorders and physical health problems after deployment have been welldocumented, with at least 5.2 million veterans reporting a behavioral health condition in 2020 (Sprong et al, 2023). According to the NESARC-IIII survey, nearly 7% of veterans reported a lifetime prevalence of PTSD, which increased the likelihood of comorbidities, indicating a greater need for mental health and wellness services (Schnurr et al, 2009).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Recreation-Based Programming for Veteran Families: Practitioners’ Perspective

Hicks,

Sharaievska,

Townsend

et al. 2024

Journal of Veterans Studies

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Reintegration presents many challenges for transitioning veterans and their families. Veterans return to civil life needing mental health and family services support. Recreationbased programs have been introduced to veterans and their families to help address their needs during and after reintegration. Few studies examine the perspectives of practitioners in veteran-serving organizations focusing on recreation-based programs. Interviews were conducted with eight practitioners and analyzed using qualitative coding. According to practitioners, veterans and their families experienced multiple benefits and learned new skills through the programs, including communication skills, better emotional response, reestablishment of family roles, and problem-solving skills. They also learned about mental health and had an opportunity to decompress and have fun with their families and other veterans. The practitioners also reported that the veterans expressed a desire to include family members in programs, learn more about mental health issues, and share their experiences with fellow veteran families. There were also several barriers experienced by the program providers, including limited funding and staff, and the ability to find housing suitable for the families.

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Impact of substance use disorders on employment for veterans.

Cited by 4 publications

References 32 publications

Effects of VHA Policy Directive 1163 on Acceptance and Employment Rates for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation

Effects of VHA Policy Directive 1163 on Acceptance and Employment Rates for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation

The Road to Reintegration: Evaluating the Effectiveness of VA Healthcare in Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Retention for Veterans with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Recreation-Based Programming for Veteran Families: Practitioners’ Perspective

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