title: Employed men and women substance abusers: job troubles and treatment outcomes.
abstract: The majority of U.S. adults with substance abuse or dependence are gainfully employed. However, little is known about outcomes among stably employed people in treatment for substance dependence. Participants (N = 212) entering a residential treatment program completed the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) at intake and 6 and 12 months follow-up. Significant improvements were seen in absenteeism, number of employment problem days, and whether their job was in jeopardy 12 months later. Overall, 65% were retained by their original employer. ASI composite alcohol, drug, legal, family, and psychiatric scores also improved significantly. Continuous abstinence was achieved by 65% and 51% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Although less likely to be referred to treatment by their employer, women responded to treatment as well as men, reporting similar abstinence rates and overall quality of life during the year following discharge from treatment.
authors.affiliation: Butler Center for Research, Hazelden Foundation, Center City, MN 55012, USA. vslaymaker@hazelden.org
authors.forename: Valerie J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Slaymaker
authors.forename: Patricia L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004647:Employee Discipline / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013695:Temperance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data