Vocational Rehabilitation in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Machlan, Bonna; Brostrand, H. L.; Benshoff, John J.

doi:10.1300/j188v03n01_06

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 6 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%

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%

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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“…Research has indicated that individuals who undergo treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse largely have poor work histories and low employment rates, regardless of their education (Machlan et al, 2005), and vocational services might be an important component to treatment compliance (Melvin et al, 2012). Furthermore, veterans who engage in substance abuse treatment had improved in several areas of employment functioning, such as number of days employed (Siegal et al, 1996), and have a stronger likelihood of reintegrating into society (Shields et al, 2020).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of substance use disorders on employment for veterans.

Sprong¹,

Hollender²,

Paul³

et al. 2023

Psychological Services

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Approximately 1.1 million veterans meet criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) with 1 in 4 struggling with illicit drugs, 4 in 5 struggling with alcohol use, and 1 in 13 struggling with both. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of SUDs on closure status (exiting with employment, did not exit with employment) for veterans served in a Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. Data (N = 2,620) from a VHA VR program in the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 network were obtained for the purpose of the present study and consisted of veterans enrolled from 2012 to 2018. Findings showed that veterans without SUDs were more likely to exit with employment, and veterans enrolled in transitional work and community-based employment were more likely to exit with employment compared to those within supported employment (SE). Given that SE helps to serve veterans with the most severe psychological or medical conditions (e.g., active psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury), findings suggest veterans are more successful with less serious mental health conditions.

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“…Some of the most disconcerting reports are those reporting on the negative attitudes that persist throughout the health and rehabilitation profession. As an example of these negative attitudes, researchers such as West andMiller (1999, as cited in Machlan, Brostrand, &Benshoff, 2005) identified discrimination in services and eligibility for services in vocational rehabilitation counselors working with individuals with AOD abuse diagnoses.…”

Section: Psychosocial Aspects Of Coexisting Disabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%