The following narratives
emphasize the employment success of individuals with
substance abuse disorders who simultaneously received
vocational and treatment services.
S.M. used a variety of substances since age 9. After
her parents had a party, she and her brothers would
wait and then drink the remaining beer and alcohol from
bottles and glasses around the house. When she was in
8th grade, she smoked marijuana and used some pills;
she continued to use these throughout her teens. She
starting used crack when she was 20 years old. With
the regular use of drugs, she had a need for money.
Her lifestyle at that point did not include responsible
work to obtain money, and other areas of her life were
damaged, dangerous and unhealthy.
SM stated she never had a handle on her health. If
she was feeling ill, she would “self-medicate”
with her drugs of choice, not with prescription drugs.
She never went to a Doctor and normal illnesses weren’t
legitimately treated. Her social life was characterized
by emotional distance; she was distant from her family
and had people who were friends in name only. She associated
with people who were using and who thought people who
were clean weren’t normal. Being around people
who were clean was threatening to her views and lifestyle.
She worked several jobs only to obtain money. There
was a pattern of short term jobs. She worked at schools,
supermarkets and did housekeeping; she would get paid
and not go back. Her hygiene was good, but superficial.
She would look into a mirror and believed the image
of “user” was obvious.
Her family life with her children was marked by absence
and neglect: she said she wasn’t there for them
in general, and when she obtained money, she would leave
and put them with her partner.
With the combination of children, substance use and
unstable work, SM became more involved with crime, especially
stealing to obtain needed money.
She became good at “clipping”, or picking
pockets. When a wallet or purse was obtained, she would
take the money, but also extensively use ATM and credit
cards with which to purchase drugs and other items.
She said on one or two occasions, she exchanged sex
for drugs
This lifestyle went on until 9-26-02, when she was
arrested in a supermarket with stolen credit cards and
had a warrant for violating probation. She had been
using marijuana, crack and alcohol. Although SM knew
this arrest meant big trouble, she remembered saying
to herself: “Thank God I’m caught.”
She was convicted and sent to prison where she spent
time in Bedford, Albion and Lakeview Shock. She was
paroled September 18th, 2003 with the thought of facing
life a very hard reality. She became linked with VESID,
the STAR program, Lake Shore DAASP, MAAT unit and Lake
Shore Vocational Services.
While continuing in counseling, SM also attended Lake
Shore Vocational Services, starting in July of ’04.
She displayed good motivation in attending and participating
in job club. A Vocational Specialist assisted her in
resume, reference and cover letter preparation. Direct
job search was done and interview techniques were emphasized,
practiced and role played. SM interviewed with Legacy
Health Care for the position of Activities Manager at
one of their multiple sites. While she didn’t
have direct experience in this field, the employer was
impressed with how she presented her acquired skills
and with what she could bring to the position. She was
also impressed with how SM was forthright about her
background.
SM received a job offer from Legacy for the position
of Activities Manager with a starting rate of $9.00
per hour. Based on her performance and growth, she was
promoted to Activities Director, reporting to upper
management, with a second increase in pay. SM has a
variety of managerial responsibilities including interviewing,
input in the hiring process, training, budgeting and
supervision. She has benefits and a bright future. She
firmly believes this is a career, not a job.
Her life has turned around, with her job and work some
of the main reasons. She believes now that ther areas
of her life are improving, and she is enthusiastic about
her future in “all” areas.
He was living in Brooklyn, and to obtain money, he
resorted to selling drugs. He was arrested, convicted
and incarcerated.
To obtain a fresh start and change his life, JF moved
to Buffalo in 2002. He was in detox at ECMC, where they
recommended he attend Lake Shore for continued treatment
at 951 Niagara (DAASP). At this time he was receiving
Public Assistance.
While treating at DAASP, JF also received Vocational
placement services at Lake Shore Vocational Services
on Franklin Street. During this period, JF was on public
assistance. With assistance from his job placement counselor,
JF obtained a position as a plastics machine operator,
earning close to $14k/ year
JF stated his job was many things to him. He felt that
it was a source of earnings, but also helped him avoid
temptation and triggers. He said if he felt anxious,
going to work helped those feelings subside. He stated
that he still has some problems in his life, but working
contributed to resolving many of them.
"Jay" had a long history of substance abuse,
from age 17 to age 40. He is 42 and a single father
of two children, who he sees fairly regularly. He is
bi-lingual and his native language is Spanish.
Prior to treatment, Jay described his lifestyle as
"really bad and unhealthy - I don't know what else
to call it. I was always trying to get away from the
street and from using.” At one point he was homeless.
Jay's vocational status was unsettled and he indicated
he couldn’t keep a job. He had many jobs that
were temporary and mostly in the area of farm labor
where his earnings were spent on drugs and alcohol “as
soon as he got it." He sometimes used substances
with family members.
Jay came to the vocational program with several other
barriers, in addition to those mentioned.
1) No transportation
2) Limited English skills
3) Poor financial status
4) Unsettled living arrangements
5) Staying drug and alcohol free during job search
It was determined that Jay could benefit from services
emphasizing the following:
1) Case management around daily living skills
2) Job readiness workshop
3) Adkins Life Skills Workshop
4) Linkage with services
5) Job development / job search assistance
Jay participated in Lake Shore Behavioral Health's
vocational program in May 2002 while he was in substance
abuse treatment. A Vocational Specialist assisted him
in resume preparation, job search and interview techniques.
Jay received a job offer in July 2003 in the area of
custodial/ maintenance, and with his new skills progressed
to a different position in the same field. He is currently
employed with a starting wage of $8.35 per hour and
has the potential to earn $10.00 er hour after one year,
based on performance. His estimated annual wages with
overtime could reach upper teens. Jay likes his job
and is acquiring more skills. He currently resides in
supported living and is in the process of looking for
a new residence.
Jay indicated the services he received assisted him
in his efforts to stop using drugs. He said if he were
to forget for “one second” what his prior
life was like while using, he might go back. He has
been clean for two years and prefers his current lifestyle
and work.
Jo is the mother of four children, has a history of
drug abuse and is an HIV survivor. She used ubstances
from age 18 to 31. During that time period, she was
arrested 21 times for possession, loitering and prostitution.
The last time Jo was arrested was in July 2001. Her
jail time for each of her offenses was approximately
90 days and she was regularly incarcerated in Erie County
Holding Center in downtown Buffalo. Her longest stretch
of imprisonment was for six months at Wende
Correctional Facility.
When
Jo was in high school she was expelled for poor attendance
and fighting. She returned to school and completed her
diploma in general education. She was very proud that
she actually finished one year early. After she graduated
from high school, she had her first child. She did not
work and received Public Assistance.
Jo’s experiences while using drugs were terrible.
She was homeless on a regular basis, walked the streets
and ate when she could. Jo attempted to stay clean but
without success. She was in and out of several different
Rehab facilities but went right back to “using,
loitering, and prostitution.” Jo was arrested
by two undercover officers on July 21, 2001, and said
that the “arrest may have saved my life.”
She was ordered to drug court where she was sent for
treatment services through Alcohol and Drug Dependency
Services (ADDS). She was in their inpatient facility,
Terrace House, for 30 days, at Casa de Vita, a structured
residence, for six months and is currently at their
Independent Living Program.
After treatment Jo attended a vocational program and
the placement counselor helped her with a job search.
Her motivation to get a job and stay out of trouble
was strong. She was anxious about going to work but
was happy, enthusiastic and focused on the opportunity.
Within six weeks Jo interviewed and accepted a retail
store trainee position at Goodwill Industries. She successfully
completed the training/orientation period, and was hired
full time in December 2002. Her employer was aware of
her substance abuse problem and said he was not worried
about it. He encouraged her not to look back. He told
her it would be easier to work than to return to her
previous lifestyle.
n April 2003, Jo was promoted to assistant manager.
Then in May she was promoted to store manager as a salaried
employee with benefits and a payroll savings program.
She has managed at several store locations and has been
nominated for awards.
Jo is proud of her accomplishments. She said the combination
of treatment and working has helped her in her personal
life, as well as her work life. She believes she is
a more positive role model for her children. She sees
them more regularly and is “there for them.”
She feels good that she can be trusted with store keys,
money, and banking responsibilities. Jo also believes
she is more responsible with life events, like attending
church, groups and event meetings. Jo has learned a
lot about herself and working has become a major part
of her identity.
HN started using crack on an experimental/recreational
basis. It evolved into a seven-year addiction from 1994-2001,
during which time she “lost everything.”
Prior to her substance abuse, HN considered her life
style as “middle class and decent.” She
married young, had five children and a husband who was
a good provider. She regularly saw her family members
and friends, was active socially and hosted parties
on a regular basis. HN had goals that included being
an entertainer and reaching people through music and
dancing, or in a humanitarian way.
HN was a casual user of marijuana when a guest at one
of her parties offered her cocaine. She found it “enjoyable”
and progressed to using on a regular basis. She got
high with a group of people who she felt was taking
advantage of her financial status. HN told herself it
wouldn’t get out of hand. She and the people she
associated with started a system of getting money for
drugs. Whoever had a payday was the “bank for
the week.” Drugs were purchased for those who
wanted them, and then the next person who was paid did
the buying.
At this time HN lost the good things in her life. She
divorced, lost custody of her children and had no money.
She packed a suitcase and left her home, which was eventually
foreclosed. She lived from house to house. HN hit “rock
bottom.”
HN went into treatment for seven years and has been
clean for two years. While in treatment for substance
abuse she was referred to a vocational program to receive
assistance in finding employment. The vocational program
emphasized self-discovery, goal setting, job search
techniques and time management.
HN learned other valuable skills in the group she attended
regarding the importance of a positive attitude and
effective communication. The curriculum emphasized the
value of commitment, staying focused, assignment completion
and responsibility.
HN has an Associates Degree in legal/secretarial and
is completing her Bachelors Degree in communications.
For almost two years HN has been employed. She has received
commendations for perfect attendance and punctuality.
She said her job as a housekeeper is not her ultimate
goal but is enjoying it. She would love to go on “STAR
SEARCH.”
HN gives thanks to her strong religious beliefs. She
also indicated that vocational services and substance
abuse treatment have been part of the reason her life
has improved and her future is optimistic.
Jon has six children ages 16-26 and two step-children.
He has been with his significant other for almost 14
years. Jon said he has a strong, loving relationship
with his older children who live in Florida and with
his step-children. Jon’s motivation for remaining
sober is his family relationships and his difficult
financial status. His relationships with his children
are important to him and he sees his substance abuse
as a negative impact on those relationships.
Jon describes his 33 years of substance abuse, since
age 17, as “far too long.” Although he briefly
experimented with drugs a long time ago, his primary
difficulty was excessive alcohol use. Jon indicated
that prior to his sobriety, many parts of his life were
“messed.” He completed the 10th grade of
high school, had little money, little savings and numerous
jobs. His work history included farm work, as well as
dishwashing, landscaping and stocking. He accepted these
jobs primarily to get money quickly, which he then immediately
spent on alcohol and mounting legal bills.
In May 2001, Jon was arrested for the fifth time for
DWI. He spent 11 months in jail, was fined $2000 and
subsequently received five years probation. His driver’s
license was revoked and he uses public transportation
with no immediate time frame to enable him to be licensed
again.
Since November 2002, Jon has been receiving treatment
for substance abuse. In January 2003, he enrolled in
a vocational program. He and his Vocational Specialist
developed a service plan to find employment, which became
an important part of his overall substance abuse treatment.
Jon was to maintain his treatment plan, emphasizing
abstinence, restraint and sobriety. He was to maintain
contact with the Employment Specialist and was to report
to his probation officer at assigned times as part of
his legal obligation.
Jon participated in the Adkins Life Skills classes
where he learned self-exploration skills, exploring
the world of work, application completion, interviewing
techniques and job retention skills. He said his Vocational
Specialist was “awesome,” and he regularly
repeated his intention of “not letting her down.”
As a result of Jon’s motivation and participation
in the vocational and chemical dependency treatment
programs, he secured a janitorial position at a local
university. He receives two forms of compensation: an
hourly wage and monies that are set aside for a retirement
plan. Jon likes his job, has health insurance and is
able to pay off his debts gradually through payroll
deductions.
“Pedro” is 38 and married with no children.
In 2002 he was incarcerated eight times, which he said
stemmed directly from his abuse of crack cocaine and
excessive drinking. While some family members live in
Buffalo, he saw them only occasionally.
Pedro’s vocational background was in the area
of farm labor and he worked “steady.” His
earnings were in the range of $200 per week but off
the books. Due to the nature of his work, he relocated
several times to go where the jobs were, such as Hartford,
Ct. and Long Island, NY. He returned to Buffalo upon
completion of each job. However, Pedro had no savings
and said he was broke the day after he was paid. Between
legal troubles, low earnings, moving, incarceration,
substance abuse and related health problems, he summed
up his lifestyle as “miserable and unsettled.”
As of April 15, 2003, Pedro has been “clean”
for almost two years. While receiving treatment for
substance abuse at Lake Shore Behavioral Health, he
was also enrolled in their vocational training program
that emphasized work as part of the recovery process.
The vocational program included training in job search
strategies, resume building, time management, and self-exploration,
as well as exploring the value and world of work.
Pedro received assistance with job search and interview
techniques. He was hired as a janitorial/maintenance
associate at a large local hospital, and is enjoying
a feeling of security. Now that he is off welfare and
has increased his skills, he is looking to obtain new
transportation. His goal is to trade in his bike for
a Corvette.
Pedro said that treatment and vocational services
have helped him in his efforts to be happier and more
productive. He feels he is more independent and motivated
to “never” go back to jail. Pedro doesn’t
look too far into the future but prefers to take one
day at a time.
P.D. was referred to Horizon Career Opportunity Center’s
Vocational Program by her Substance Abuse Counselor
after being diagnosed with alcohol and cocaine dependency.
She had maintained two and one half months clean time
at the time she was referred to our program and was
still actively involved in outpatient counseling. She
was linked with VESID and was approved for funding to
receive services through the Vocational Program. She
participated in VocationalTesting where her skills and
potential physical limitations were explored and discussed
with her. She successfully completed the Situational
Assessment to evaluate her job skills. The results of
these evaluations were discussed with her and a career
goal was determined after discussing and addressing
any concerns she had with returning to the medical profession.
She successfully completed the Job Preparation Program
and began Job Club. She obtained employment at a doctor’s
office as an LPN earning $11.50 / hr plus benefits.
P.D. also has been able to move from the halfway house
she was living in to an apartment of her own. She has
been employed over 90 days and has received a raise
within these 90 days. She is currently still actively
working with the Job Developer who offers Job Support
Services and tracks her employment to ensure successful
employment retention.
G.J. was referred by his Substance Abuse Counselor to
Horizon Career Opportunity Center’s Vocational
Program after being diagnosed with alcohol and cocaine
dependency. He also was diagnosed with a medical condition
concerning his heart. He completed the Situational Assessment
where his job skills were evaluated.
After successful completion, his career goal was discussed
and decided upon, ensuring the career path would be
realistic with his medical condition. G.J. successfully
completed the Job Preparation Program where he gained
valuable job search skills and he began Job Club. In
Job Club he actively pursued job leads with the Job
Developer. He attained employment at Ameripride Linen
and Apparel in January, 2003 earning $5.80 / hr. He
is working full time with benefits. He has retained
employment for over 180 days and has received a raise
within this time. His case was successfully closed.
S. S. was referred to the vocational program on July
3, 2001 and was diagnosed with cocaine dependence, alcohol
dependence and opiod dependence. He was also on federal
probation at the time. He was sponsored through VESID
to attend the vocational program. He completed testing
and the situational assessment. Unfortunately, his case
had to be placed on hold due to court proceedings preventing
him from attaining employment. He returned to the program
on October 15, 2002 after the court approved him to
seek employment. He completed the Job Preparation program
and entered Job Club. He attained full-time employment
on January 24, 2003. on July 28, 2003 he reported that
he was still employed and had received a raise. His
case was closed through the vocational program due to
successful completion of six months of employment.
F. B. was referred to a Job Training Specialist on February
14, 2003 and was diagnosed with opiod dependence. He
reported that he had completed part of the vocational
program five years ago and had quit upon relapsing.
On May 8, 2003 he completed an intake with the vocational
program after being referred by his Job Training Specialist.
He was sponsored by VESID and completed the Job Preparation
Program. He entered his job search through Job Club
and attained full time employment making over $10.00
per hour and receiving health benefits. On March 1,
2004 he attained over six months employment and his
case was successfully closed through the vocational
program.
B. B. was referred to a Job Training Specialist on April
3, 2003 and was diagnosed with alcohol and cocaine dependence.
He also was on County Probation at the time. He conducted
a job search with the Job Training Specialist’s
assistance. He attained full time employment. Job Support
services were offered and he accepted services. Job
Support was conducted every other week to discuss the
difficulties he was having balancing his life obligations
with returning to work and balancing his budget. The
issues were discussed and many were resolved to his
satisfaction. He maintained employment for over six
months and his case was successfully closed through
the vocational program.
Initially working was the one area of Sam’s life
that was going well. He valued work and indicated that
working and doing well influenced his outlook on life,
as well as his sense of responsibility and attitude.
Sam said work was a source of pride, a place for socialization
and establishing relationships. Work provided a salary,
which gave him a sense of control over his life. He
started working at 16 and said he always wanted to give
“150 %. He experienced success in the food service
industry and his work experience made him feel better.
He worked his way up from shift supervisor to assistant
manager to restaurant manager at a local steak house
chain.
However, Sam’s substance abuse eventually impacted
his employment. He was laid off and remained unemployed
for some time. Eventually his unemployment insurance
was running out, and he was court mandated to get treatment
at Lake Shore Behavioral Health. He attended both individual
and group counseling, and was referred to Lake Shore
Vocational Services for assistance in finding a job.
Sam was resistant to any job other than “management
positions” but eventually became more open to
other opportunities. With the assistance of Lake Shore
Vocational Services, Sam accepted a first shift production
job at $8.66 per hour. After several months, he experienced
difficulties at work and his attendance suffered. Sam
stated that lifestyle changes “caught up to him.”
He indicated that the combination of full time work,
a very early shift and a new baby affected his attendance.
He was close to being terminated, but his supervisor
recognized his work ethic and the value of his work.
He kept Sam on board with a warning. His Vocational
Case Manager from Lake Shore assisted Sam. She counseled
him on job retention strategies and assisted him in
successfully bidding for a new shift. This opened Sam’s
schedule, allowed for more home time in the morning,
and helped his schedule become less pressing. Sam progressed
in various positions and currently is a first shift
operator earning $13.50 per hour.
Sam has two children, a three year old girl and a one
year old boy. Sam attributes his family, substance abuse
treatment, and work as the stabilizing influences in
his life. He has been clean since 2003.
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