Harm minimization outcomes for methadone recipients: The role of employment

Eighty-six recipients of methadone equally divided into currently employed and currently unemployed groups were investigated to determine what features associated with the programme might predict employment. Employment is regarded as a desirable prosocial outcome for drug addicts and forms part of the overall aims of the harm minimization ideology. Results suggest that minimizing poly-drug abuse and identifying a client's needs for additional psychological treatment may increase the probability of clients gaining employment. Prior employment was negatively associated with current employment, and some confusion was found regarding the impact that the level of methadone dose might play in promoting prosocial behaviour. Results are discussed with a view to methadone programme improvements.