The Career Trajectories and Outcomes in Substance Use Recovery: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the reported trajectories and outcomes of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Database searches of PsycINFO, Medline, and ERIC were conducted, resulting in 33 relevant studies. Thematic analysis was used to identify the themes that emerged in the literature. The key themes that emerged from the studies fell under two main categories: trajectories (the role of work, characteristics of working in recovery, and education and aspirations) and outcomes (employment status and long-term recovery and career success). The results of this scoping review offer several suggestions for the career trajectories and outcomes implicated in substance use recovery and career development concepts and theory applicable to the needs of this population; this also includes the need to continuously support clients who are in recovery with their career development.