TITLE:
Work and activity in rehabilitation of persons with co-occurring severe mental health difficulties and substance use problems
AUTHORS:
Sissel Steihaug, Anne Werner, Tonje Lossius
KEYWORDS:
Rehabilitation; Work; Co-Occurring Mental Health Illness and Substance Abuse; Collaboration; Qualitative Research
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.6B,
June
27,
2013
ABSTRACT: Background: Participating
in working life is important for most peoples’ economy, self-confidence,
independence, social life, and feeling of belonging. Persons with co-occurring
severe mental health difficulties and substance use problems have challenges in
entering working life. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the
importance of work and activity for the recovery of persons with co-occurring
severe mental health difficulties and substance use problems and to determine
the significant elements that aid them in getting into work and/or meaningful
activities. Methods: A professional development program was conducted to
explore how following-up on these persons could lead to participation in
working life. The data were collected through qualitative interviews with 24
participants, and with 25 of those carrying out the follow-up. Results: The
participants described the benefit from the follow-up as well. They expressed
enthusiasm for work and vocational training, although they all did not obtain
work. Many had a better life, with more daily structure and less substance
abuse. The personal encounter between the helper and the participant was
ascribed crucial importance— being respected and valued, being relied on, and being able to be honest were
considered significant. Conclusions: The participants valued work and regular
activities, a more structured life, decreased drug abuse, and altogether a
better life. The helpers’ respect, recognition and their ability to see dignity
through wretchednessand broken
agreements were important. The participants emphasized the importance of getting
help for different problems from different helpers at the same time, and the
providers’ interdisciplinary collaboration in teams was essential. It seems that
the supported employment philosophy on speedy job seeking ought to be adapted
to this target group and that prior social training may be necessary.