The impact of employment counseling on substance user treatment participation and outcomes.

The nationally representative Alcohol and Drug Services Study (ADSS, 1996--1999) is used to examine employment counseling's impact on treatment participation and on postdischarge abstinence and employment. Employment counseling (EC) is among the more frequently received ancillary services in substance user treatment. The ADSS study sample showed it was received by 13% of all (N=988) nonmethadone outpatient clients, and 42% of the 297 clients with a need for it. Clients who received needed EC (met need) are compared to clients who did not receive needed EC (unmet need). Met-need clients had significantly longer treatment duration and greater likelihood of employment postdischarge than unmet-need clients. Both groups were as likely to complete treatment and be abstinent at follow-up. Implications are discussed. Future needed research and unresolved critical issues are also noted.