The Addict and Ex-Addict in the World of Work: Job Finding Experiences and Performance in Employment. Final Report.

The purpose of the study was to investigate three separate aspects of the process by which ex-addicts-in-treatment are prepared for, enter into, and function in the world of work. These aspects were the actual labor market conditions in two different urban settings--New York City and the greater Boston area; the specific institutional supports available to ex-addicts and addicts-in-treatment as those supports are perceived by both clients and providers of service; and an analysis, by employers, of the performance and behavior of ex-addicts and addicts-in-treatment once they have secured employment. Surveys were taken to define the practices of drug treatment programs. In addition, a questionnaire was developed to isolate the key employment related issues and practices that comprise clients' and providers of service' perceptions of the rehabilitative situation. Finally, through the development of a specific relationship with PACT (Provide Addicts Care Today), the job-related behavior of ex-addicts and addicts-in-treatment was assessed. Results indicated that (1) the two urban labor markets examined offer only limited options for meaningful, remunerative, and stable employment, (2) drug treatment programs, despite stated priorities involving preparation for employment, are neither structured, funded, nor staffed to adequately provide concrete employment related services, (3) clients rely more on their own rather limited resources in order to gain employment, and (4) ex-addicts who are hired and retained are rated by employers as above average in performance, compared to non-addicts. (SH)