Learning from disappointing outcomes: An evaluation of prevocational interventions for methadone maintenance patients

Abstract

To increase rates of employment and improve overall rehabilitation in methadone maintenance treatment, three prevocational trainings, Vocational Problem Solving, Job Seekers Workshop, and the two combined, were evaluated as adjunctive services. Between March 1995 and April 1998, subjects in treatment were interviewed at baseline, randomly assigned to one of the trainings, and followed up at 6 and 12 months postbaseline. None of the three models produced significantly greater employment or better overall rehabilitation Experience from the study suggests that closer integration of prevocational training with treatment, individualizing efforts to meet training needs, and providing support during job-finding and early job-holding might improve program effectiveness.