Article Details

Research Database: Article Details

Citation:	Luchansky,B.,Brown,M., Longhi,D.,Stark,K., & Krupski, A. (2000). Chemical dependency treatment and employment outcomes: Results from the ‘ADATSA’ program in Washington State. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 60 (2), 151-159.
Title:	Chemical dependency treatment and employment outcomes: Results from the ‘ADATSA’ program in Washington State
Authors:	Luchansky,B.,Brown,M., Longhi,D.,Stark,K., & Krupski, A.
Year:	2000
Journal/Publication:	Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Publisher:	Elsevier
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-8716(99)00153-2
Full text:	http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=http://www.sciencedirect.com...
Peer-reviewed?	Yes
NIDILRR-funded?	Not reported
Research design:	Cross-sectional

Structured abstract:

Background:	In 1987, the Washington State legislature passed the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA), creating a program for indigent adults deemed unemployable and incapacitated as a result of their addiction. This legislation was designed to provide treatment instead of the traditional public assistance/cash grants available.
Purpose:	The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between chemical dependency treatment and subsequent earnings.
Setting:	The setting included multiple methadone treatment centers in Washington State.
Study sample:	2195 clients were referred to an ADATSA assessment center and determined to be financially eligible for assistance. Of those assessed, 1537 individuals were found to be clinically eligible for treatment and 1228 entered treatment.
Intervention:	There were three phases of treatment: primary, reintegration, and aftercare. In primary care, addiction was addressed and information and tools needed to recover were provided to patients. In the reintegration phase, patients were aided in moving from a structured treatment setting to independent living. In aftercare, they were provided continued support to maintain sobriety in an unstructured setting.
Control or comparison condition:	There was no comparison or control condition.
Data collection and analysis:	All data came for secondary sources, as there was no direct contact between researchers and clients. Data on earnings came from the wage and hour file collected by Washington State's Department of employment Security.
Findings:	Clients who completed their plan of treatment earned more than those who did not. Those clients who received vocational services, in addition to completing treatment, earned more than those who completed treatment only.
Conclusions:	This study shows that clients once deemed "unemployable" can become productive.

Disabilities served:	Alcohol and drug abuse
Populations served:	Gender: Female and Male
Interventions:	Job search and placement assistance Rehabilitation counseling
Outcomes:	Employment acquisition Full-time employment Part-time employment