Vocational Rehabilitation of Participants with Severe Substance Use Disorders in a VA Veterans Industries Program

Abstract

There are approximately 100 Veterans Industries work therapy programs in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) throughout the U.S. The majority of participants are veterans with severe substance use disorders and their length of stay ranges from 3 to 12 months. This study examines the Veterans Industries work therapy model at one site where veterans are referred from an addictions partial hospitalization treatment program. The study period was from 1996–97 and includes 80 patients. The characteristics of the participants are described. Barriers to employment are identified including unemployment rates, homelessness, drug of choice, age, and disability status. Outcome rates are reported including employment, abstinence, and housing support.

• Vocational rehabilitation
• Veterans Industries
• Substance use
• Outcomes
• Work therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anthony J. Kerrigan

Anthony J. Kerrigan, Ph.D., is a Counseling Psychologist at Houston VA Medical Center. His clinical and research interests in rehabilitation psychology include vocational rehabilitation, substance use disorders, and treatment outcome.

Judith E. Kaough

Judith E. Kaough, Ph.D., LPC, is in research evaluation, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program, Houston VA Medical Center. Her research areas have been in multicultural studies, vocational assessment of homeless substance users as well as counseling interventions that may directly influence the individual's successful return to competitive employment.

Bill L. Wilson

Bill L. Wilson, B.S., is the lead Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at Houston VA Medical Center. His greatest area of interest is developing bridges between the VA work-for pay programs and private businesses in the community to further competitive employment options for veterans.

J. Vaughn Wilson

J. Vaughn Wilson, M.Ed., is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at Houston VA Medical Center. He is actively engaged in therapeutic counseling of substance users and his clinical interests focus on employment of veterans with disabilities.

Rosie Bostick

Rosie M. Bostick, Ph.D., a Clinical Psychologist, is the Program Director of the Specialized Evaluation and Rehabilitation Program. Her interests are in program management, rehabilitation, and provision of clinical services to special populations.