Community Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Roles and Values of an Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder: An Interpretive Descriptive Study

Purpose: This study examined community stakeholders’ perceptions of the roles and values of an integrated vocational rehabilitation center for individuals with alcohol use disorder.Methods: An interpretive descriptive study was conducted through focus group interviews. Ten stakeholders from mental health and community addiction-related agencies, all with experience collaborating with an integrated vocational rehabilitation center, participated. Data collection occurred between June 15 and July 20, 2025, and the analysis performed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.Results: A total of 112 significant statements were identified and categorized into 39 codes, 9 subthemes, and 3 overarching themes. The themes included: (1) “Witnessing the expansion of recovery possibilities through work,” which underscores the recovery value of vocational rehabilitation; (2) “Experiencing barriers that hinder vocational rehabilitation,” which highlights individual, social, and structural challenges to employment; and (3) “Realizing that change requires working together,” emphasizing the necessity of interagency collaboration, integrated case management, and ongoing support for sustained recovery and employment.Conclusion: The integrated vocational rehabilitation center was viewed as a recovery-oriented support system that effectively combines treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and community resources. Future services should focus not only on employment outcomes but also on enhancing sustained recovery and community integration.