Lesson 10: Vocational Factors Impacted by Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Attention

Over 8.3 million children (11.9%) lived with at least one parent who was dependent on or abused alcohol or an illicit drug during the past year.

In 2006, the average age at first alcohol use among recent initiates aged 12 to 49 was 16.6 years, similar to the corresponding 2005 estimate (16.4 years). The mean age at first use among recent initiates aged 12 or older who initiated use prior to the age of 21 was 15.8 years.

This is significantly higher than the 2005 estimate (15.6 years). http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/dependence.htm#Reports

These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg identifying the potential problem of Drug and Alcohol abuse.  In many cases this abuse is combined with a mental illness diagnosis. As community rehabilitation providers individuals with these concerns will make up a large number of the consumers you work with.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Understand the role of a MHRT/C in supporting an individual with a diagnosis of Drug and Alcohol abuse in pursuing a vocational goal. 
• Identify the specific factors in the vocational profile that will require accommodation and strategic service planning.
• Apply the use of the vocational profile of an individual diagnosed with substance abuse to develop and or facilitate a supported employment plan.

Teaching

Read: Chapter 32 & 33 Brodwin pgs. 431-457

Now we have reviewed a number of theoretical models for serving the vocational needs of individuals with disabilities.  We have discussed some tools and techniques for providing services.  The practical implementation of these theories is when we take action and apply this knowledge in a practical manner.  This involves motivation and engagement directly with the consumer in the development of the vocational profile and accommodations required to be successful in the workplace.   Motivation is best described as a client’s willingness to take the necessary action to develop and sustain a change strategy.  All people are motivated in some way. But not all are motivated to take the action required to obtain a job.  You can't motivate anyone, but what you can do is assist the consumer in developing this change strategy that will result in employment.  When you help them understand their own vocational profile, the impact of that profile on their access to competitive employment the clients develop hope and begin to work.  They first work at changing their own attitudes and then they work for an employer.

The focus that must be maintained when working in the vocational domain What do we do with this understanding?

Assessment

Lesson 10 Quiz

1. Review the Case Study on page 442 in Brodwin. Identify three vocational profile factors that impact her ability to obtain and maintain employment.  Support your answers with content from the reading.  
2. Review the Case Study on page 456-7 in Brodwin. What kind of employment support system would be most beneficial for Ms. Nguyen?Support your answers with content from the reading.