Employment among chronic drug users at baseline and 6-month follow-up

Most studies of unemployment among chronic drug users (CDUs) are drug-user treatment-based and there is little information on employment/unemployment among CDUs not in treatment. Between June 2003 and September 2004, 492 CDUs in Miami-Dade, Florida, were administered a quantitative survey at baseline and 6 months later; employment status was measured. Descriptive statistics showed that only 15% were employed at both periods, an equal percentage becoming employed and unemployed at 6 months. The majority of CDUs were unemployed at both time periods. Men were more likely than women to exhibit consistent employment over the two time periods. The study's limitations are noted and future research is suggested. This study was IRB-approved and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.