Enhancing substance abuse treatment with case management. Its impact on employment

This article examines the effectiveness of strengths-based case management in assisting persons with substance abuse problems improve employment-related functioning. In a study of 632 veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse problems, Wright State University's Enhanced Treatment Project found that veterans in substance abuse treatment had improved in several areas of employment functioning, including number of days employed. Among clients who expressed interest in receiving assistance with employment-related issues, those who received strengths-based case management demonstrated additional improvement in employment functioning including more days employed, fewer employment problems and being less troubled about their employment situation. Correlations between improved employment functioning and improved functioning in other life areas further support the value of case management. The implications of these findings for the inclusion of case management services in substance abuse treatment programs will be discussed.