Defeating dependency: Work first

• Published in: American Enterprise Institute Research Papers
• Main Author: Wetzler, Scott
• Format: Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Washington American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research 26.09.2018
• Subjects: Employment

Key Points * Conventional wisdom in the treatment-provider community advocates for substance users to engage in treatment and avoid employment activities, which are viewed as potentially stressful and relapse-inducing. * Research shows employment is associated with positive outcomes among substance users in treatment and unemployment is associated with relapse. * My work at the University Behavioral Associates Comprehensive Services Model in Bronx, New York, has demonstrated that many substance users can engage in work-related activities, such as training or job-search sessions. * Substance users often hold multiple barriers to employment. Therefore, providing complementary social supports and coercive incentives is important to best engage individuals in treatment and successful work-related activities.