Research & Data > Reports > 4 > 34

Net Impact Analysis of Substance Abuse Treatment

Question: Does substance abuse treatment in Washington have an impact on clients' employment and earnings?

Summary: This study finds that substance abusers appear to regain their productivity very effectively in labor market after receiving treatment. Clients are followed for follows six quarters post-treatment and—compared to their pre-treatment status—are more likely to find a job, earn more, and work longer hours. While the effects in all three areas seem to diminish over time, the effect of treatment on earnings and hours of work remain statistically significant for five and seven quarters respectively. Employed are found to be more likely to receive treatment than the unemployed, and clients in the treatment group are shown to have lower pre-treatment earnings and hours of work than those on the detoxification-only group who were employed.

For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster. Copyright 2004 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.