The Power of Employment

The pervasive use and abuse of both prescription and illicit drugs are becoming increasingly concerning, and when coupled with the burden of societal trauma and untreated mental illness, the nation’s economy bears a significant negative impact.  Addressing these complex issues demands a multifaceted approach, yet one approach that has proven notably effective but has faded from the forefront in recent years is the connection between successful treatment and the restoration of self-worth through meaningful employment.  

There is a compelling body of evidence demonstrating the success of programs that integrate employment into the recovery process.  Drawing from initiatives such as School-to-Work (STW). Welfare-to-Work (WTW), supported work within rehabilitation programs, On-the-Job-Training (OJT), internships, and community service, it is clear that tying treatment and recovery to employment opportunities yields remarkable results.  Many decades ago, when I worked with individuals grappling with severe substance abuse issues in inner cities, this approach played a pivotal role in helping these individuals break free from the cycle of crime and addiction, fostering sustainable success.  

The crisis of drug addiction, whether to prescribed medications of illicit substances, has reached alarming proportions.  The repercussions extend beyond personal health and safety to cast a dark shadow over the national economy.  Concurrently, a host of unresolved societal traumas and untreated mental health issues compound the problem.  It is a complex issue, and a comprehensive strategy is required to tackle it effectively.  

One of the most promising and empirically supported approaches, which seems to have been overlooked in recent years, involves integrating employment as a core component of the recovery process.  This approach resonates with a fundamental principle: that the restoration of self-worth and personal dignity is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of meaningful employment. 

Historically, a range of programs and initiatives have championed this concept.  These programs leverage employment opportunities to guide individuals towards recovery, self-sufficiency, and a fulfilling life.  Among these initiatives are School-to-Work (STW). Welfare-to-Work (WTW), supported work programs within the framework of rehabilitation, On-the-Job Training (OJT), internships, and community service programs.  Importantly, some of these programs are voluntary, while others are mandated, often as part of a court-ordered process.  

A significant chapter in my career was dedicated to working with individuals in inner-city environments struggling with severe substance abuse.  It was during this time that I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of employment-linked treatment programs.  These initiatives helped countless individuals break free from the relentless cycle of crime and addiction, offering them a chance at sustainable recovery and a brighter future.  

Economic Impact of Substance Abuse

The economic costs of substance abuse are far-reaching and affect all sectors of society. According to the National Drug Control Policy Office (ONDCP), the total economic cost of substance abuse in the United States was estimated at $740 billion in 2020. This includes the costs of lost productivity, healthcare, criminal justice, and other related expenses.

Substance abuse can lead to job loss, absenteeism, and reduced productivity, all of which can have a significant negative impact on the economy. Employees who are struggling with substance abuse are more likely to be involved in accidents, make mistakes, and have difficulty completing their work. This can lead to decreased productivity and lost profits for businesses.

Substance abuse also contributes to crime and violence, which can have a negative impact on the economy by deterring investment and tourism. Additionally, substance abuse can lead to healthcare problems, which can also be costly for businesses and individuals.

Social Justice Implications of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including people of color, people living in poverty, and people with mental illness. This is due to a variety of factors, including systemic racism, economic inequality, and lack of access to quality healthcare.

Substance abuse can lead to a number of social justice problems, including poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. It can also disrupt families and communities, and contribute to violence and crime.

The Connection Between Treatment, Employment, and Recovery

There is a compelling body of evidence demonstrating the success of programs that integrate employment into the recovery process. Employment can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, meaning, and self-worth. It can also help them to develop new skills, rebuild their social networks, and achieve financial stability.

One study found that individuals who participated in a supported employment program were more likely to be abstinent from drugs and alcohol, and less likely to be incarcerated, than those who did not participate in the program.

Another study found that employment was a significant predictor of long-term recovery for individuals with substance abuse disorders.

Successful Treatment Models that Integrate Employment

There are a variety of successful treatment models that integrate employment into the recovery process. Some of these models include:

• School-to-Work (STW) programs: STW programs prepare students for employment by providing them with work-based learning experiences. These programs can be particularly beneficial for youth who are struggling with substance abuse or other challenges.
• Welfare-to-Work (WTW) programs: WTW programs help individuals who are receiving welfare benefits to find and maintain employment. These programs can also provide supportive services, such as child care and transportation assistance.
• Supported work programs: Supported work programs provide individuals with disabilities with paid work experience in a supportive environment. These programs can help individuals to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in competitive employment.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT): OJT programs provide individuals with paid work experience while they are training for a specific job. These programs can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are transitioning from recovery into the workforce.
• Internships: Internships can provide individuals with valuable work experience and help them to make connections in their field. Internships can also be a stepping stone to permanent employment.
• Community service: Community service can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning, and help them to develop new skills. Community service can also be a good way for individuals to network with potential employers.

Conclusion

The connection between successful treatment and the restoration of self-worth through meaningful employment is a powerful one. Programs that integrate employment into the recovery process can help individuals to achieve long-term sobriety and build successful lives.

Recommendations

In light of the evidence presented above, the following recommendations are made:

• Policymakers should invest in programs that integrate employment into the recovery process. These programs can help to reduce the economic and social costs of substance abuse, and promote social justice.
• Employers should adopt inclusive hiring practices that give people with substance abuse histories a fair chance at employment.
• The public should be educated about the connection between employment and recovery. This can help to reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for people who are struggling with substance abuse.

By taking these steps, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I would also recommend that policymakers invest in programs that provide increased mental health attention and life skills training for people on an inpatient basis. These programs can help people with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders develop the skills and coping mechanisms they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Here are some specific recommendations:

• Provide increased funding for inpatient mental health treatment programs for people with substance abuse disorders. This would allow more people to access the care they need, and it would also help to reduce the burden on emergency rooms and other acute care settings.
• Hire more mental health professionals to work in inpatient substance abuse treatment programs. This would ensure that people have access to the specialized care they need.
• Develop and implement evidence-based curriculums for life skills training in inpatient substance abuse treatment programs. This training could teach people skills such as budgeting, time management, and problem-solving.
• Provide people with substance abuse disorders with access to job training and placement services while they are in inpatient treatment. This would help them to transition back into the workforce and become self-sufficient.

By investing in programs that provide increased mental health attention and life skills training for people on an inpatient basis, policymakers can help people with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders achieve long-term recovery and live fulfilling lives.

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Lee Webster

Lee Webster is a retired state administrator who served as the Chief of Rehabilitation.
Throughout his career, Lee played pivotal roles in shaping disability policy and promoting inclusive employment practices.He co-chaired the Olmstead Employment Sub-Committee for the state Department of Human Services, focusing on creating an inclusive work environment for people with disabilities.As Chairman of the Welfare To Work Committee within the Human Services Advisory Council, he contributed to creating initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in need.Earlier in his career, Lee served as a legislative analyst and was CEO of profit and nonprofit organizations.

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