Enhancing Employment Recovery Capital (ERC) for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: Practical Lessons from Taiwan

Purpose: Employment Recovery Capital (ERC) has emerged as a critical factor in the recovery process for individuals with substance use disorders. To optimize recovery outcomes, it is essential to assess the strengths and limitations within key domains such as job seekers, employment services, workplaces, and policy frameworks. However, current research in Asia lacks sufficient analysis of barriers related to personal circumstances, labor market conditions, and employment services. This study aims to explore the experiences of case managers and assess the role of formal employment services within a comprehensive recovery strategy.

Method: A qualitative thematic analysis was employed to investigate the experiences of 19 case managers providing employment services to individuals with substance use disorders. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine how case managers assessed ERC, the challenges they encountered, their coping strategies, and recommendations for improving employment services at official Employment Service Stations and Centers.

Results: Case managers reported that individuals with lower ERC, resulting of higher life vulnerabilities, faced substantial barriers to stable employment. These included limited formal work experience, unemployment exacerbated by multiple stigmas, and restrictive labor policies. Particularly vulnerable groups, such as women, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and those with co-occurring mental health disorders, faced heightened difficulties in building ERC. For individuals with fewer vulnerabilities and higher ERC, positive employment experiences—fostered by supportive employers and targeted employment services—were critical in mitigating self-stigma. For individuals with higher vulnerabilities and lower ERC, detoxification shouldn’t be required for service access. Instead, case managers should prioritize basic needs, vocational training, and self-image improvement over immediate income generation as a harm reduction strategy.

Conclusions: Accumulating ERC is essential for continuous care, with case managers playing a crucial role. Tailored interventions and inclusive employment policies are necessary to address the complex labor dynamics affecting these individuals.