According to SAMHSA, destigmatizing addiction, treatment and recovery is the first step in creating a workplace culture that is supportive of those affected by drug and alcohol addiction and

co-occuring mental health conditions and disorders.

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After you've completed your organizational assessment, developed and implemented new recovery policies and programs, worked to destigmatize addiction in the workplace, you can begin to create a recovery inclusive culture for your employees.

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Since the recovery community is diverse, and since addiction doesn't discriminate based on job title or status, it’s highly likely that one of your employees has experienced addiction and recovery and thus has a valuable story to share. One of the most important elements of creating a recovery inclusive culture is by having bold leaders willing to set an example from the top-down. If you have a leader who’s in long-term addiction recovery and is willing to tell his/her story, this sets the example and will empower others to start important conversations, which will, in turn, create a culture of support throughout your entire company.

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Recovery is a transformative process for those who experience it, and often, these individuals bring a wealth of skills, talents and character to the workplace that has the potential to benefit your entire company culture for the better. Being an employer supportive of the recovery community will not only ensure that those struggling are offered understanding and support, but will empower those living in long-term recovery to be able to offer their talents and skills at work without the fear of shame or stigma.

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Diversity in the workplace is one of the greatest assets of a good company, and bringing in people with recovery experiences is no different. In fact, research suggests that people in recovery are often highly motivated to work because employment grants the opportunity to get their lives back. Plus, since most people in recovery take an abstinence-based approach, employees in recovery won’t be partying on weeknights or binge drinking on the weekend, which has proven greater productivity at work and fewer “sick” days spent nursing a hangover or other problems.