The Role of Employment in Preventing Continued Drug Use Among Welfare Recipients

摘要

This article utilized a panel design to analyze the relationship between employment and drug use among low-income women over a 2-year period. Five hundred and thirty four (N = 534) female welfare recipients were recruited as part of a 5-year study designed to examine the effects of chronic drug use on the transition from welfare to work. The prototypical study participant was female, single, African American, had less than a 12th grade education, and was about 30 years of age. At intake, less than 10% of the sample was employed. By the end of year 1, more than 40% of sample participants had attained employment. By the end of year 2, nearly 50% were employed. Results indicate that a welfare recipient working more hours during year 1 was a significant predictor of decreased drug use during year 2. Results are discussed in the context of using employment as a central element in tertiary prevention methods geared toward unemployed, chronic drug-using female Temporary Assistance to Needy Family (TANF) recipients.