Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Somerset Public Health
Clients who are employed while in treatment for substance use disorder are significantly more likely to successfully complete treatment than unemployed clients. Regardless of whether work is paid or volunteer, individuals who work are more likely to reduce their substance use and better able to maintain sobriety.
However, a number of potential barriers to employment may exist for persons with SUD such as:
• Poor work history
• Lack of transportation
• Lack of child care
• Criminal history
• Employer lack of understanding about SUD
• Scheduling conflicts with treatment requirements
As more individuals in recovery enter or re-enter the workforce, employers need to review and consider policies for dealing with employee substance use, misuse, recovery, recurrence, and reintegration. Some employers may be inclined to immediately terminate employees who return to use or show early signs of potential recurrence in order to manage risk for their business. However, many other employers recognize the financial benefit to retaining quality staff and have opted to create recovery-friendly employment policies.
Think about your own policies. Do they…
• Create a corporate culture that acknowledges the reality of employee use and misuse of alcohol and drugs and offers a vision of recovery support and wellness.
• Provide policies and resources that support prevention.
• Provide supportive intervention policies such as allowing employees to take a leave of absence to seek treatment, use sick leave to attend recovery groups, receive support through a strong Employee Assistance Program, and access to health insurance with SUD treatment benefits.
Sign the Words Matter Pledge and help us create a stigma-free environment at your workplace and in our community. Visit SomersetPublicHealth.org for your pledge. Interested in learning more about becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace in Somerset County? Reach out to Linda MacKenzie at lmackenzie@rfgh.net.
Find Somerset Public Health Online:
Website: somersetpublichealth.org
Facebook: facebook.com/SomersetPublicHealth
Instagram: @SomersetPublicHealth
About Somerset Public Health:
Somerset Public Health is a coalition of staff members, community members, organizations, and businesses working together to improve health in Somerset County.
Our goal is to make Somerset County a healthier place to live and work for the families we serve. We strive to make this happen by:
• Improving nutrition
• Increasing physical activity
• Stopping tobacco use
• Preventing substance misuse
• Promoting the responsible use of alcohol
To do all of this, we need your help. We work with community members, schools, workplaces, child-care centers, service groups, and other community groups to make the places we visit every day healthier.
