Ability to work and employability of patients in opioid substitution treatment programs in Slovenia

To assess the ability to work and employability of individuals taking part in opioid substitution treatment programs (OSTP).

The study was composed of two surveys. In the first survey, 237 of 480 patients enrolled in OSTP responded to the questionnaire about their employment status, opinion about employment, and perception of assignments before and during OSTP. In the second survey, 66 of 100 employers responded to the questionnaire on the occurrence, perception, and management of addiction problems in their companies.

Unemployment rate in individuals enrolled in OSTP was 43.5% and decreased during OSTP by 10.5% (P=0.027). Irregular use of OSTP medications was the most important factor for unemployment (odds ratio, 2.44; P=0.016). OSTP was highly effective in achieving a positive change in patients' perception of different kinds of assignments previously perceived as beyond their abilities. Thus, perception of mentally demanding assignments (P<0.001), working at unfavorable hours (P<0.001), and forced work pace (P<0.001) represented much lower burden after entering OSTP. Only 6.6% of employers reported illicit drugs as being a problem at their companies and 79.1% believed they would not recognize a person under the influence of illicit drugs. In 93.0% of the cases, applicants for a job would have had lower chances if they had been drug users; the percentage was slightly higher for those taking part in OSTP (94.7%).

OSTP in Slovenia was effective in increasing both employability and OSTP patients' ability to work. To facilitate complete rehabilitation, particularly in obtaining employment for the patients, the process must involve the society as a whole.