Matching services to needs. Vocational services for substance abusers.

Problems with employment are common among individuals with substance use disorders, yet comprehensive vocational services are not generally available to them, and vocational interventions are often not matched to their specific needs. This article describes the wide range of vocational problems found among individuals with substance use disorders and the elements of a recently funded vocational program for patients in outpatient and residential drug and alcohol treatment programs. Data are presented describing program activity and documenting program effectiveness for the first 2 years of operation of the program. Three case histories are presented to illustrate the types of services delivered and the matching of services delivered to specific, identified client needs (see Case Histories).