RESOURCES

Below are several resources to learn more about RRW.

What is Substance Use Disorder?

What is Recovery?

Business Benefits of RRW

RRW Employee FAQS

RRW Employer Guide

Request More Information

RECOVERY: IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Over 70% of people with SUD are employed. That’s about 15 million Americans!

Work is one of the best predictors of positive outcomes for people with SUD. People in recovery who are able to work have:

  • Lower rates of recurrence of SUD
  • Higher rates of abstinence from drugs and alcohol
  • Less criminal justice involvement
  • Fewer parole violations (for those with involvement with the criminal justice system)
  • Improvements in quality of life
  • More successful transitions from treatment back into the community

Nearly every business in America is affected by SUD. Yet only 17% of employers feel well-prepared to deal with it. But putting in the work is well worth the effort! Recovery Ready Workplaces enjoy many financial and professional benefits.

The MA Department of Public Health (DPH) named accidental drug overdose as the leading cause of injury-related death at work in Massachusetts. SUD should be part of any employer’s workplace safety plan. A Recovery Ready Workplace culture is focused on emotional and physical wellness and safety.

People in recovery have fewer missed workdays than even people who have never had an SUD. Workers in recovery miss 13.7 fewer days of work than workers with untreated SUD. Workers in recovery save their employers an average of $4,088 in turnover and replacement costs.

Substance misuse and addiction are among the most expensive issues for employers. Each dollar spent on SUD treatment and early intervention saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in law enforcement and criminal justice costs. On average, each employee who recovers from an SUD saves a company over $8,500 in health care, absenteeism, lost productivity, and other costs.

Nearly everyone knows someone impacted by addiction. Proactively addressing substance use and supporting recovery shows your community and your customers that you care. Employer-initiated treatment is more successful than treatment initiated by friends or family members.

The RRW initiative gives employers non-judgement and non-punitive strategies for dealing with addiction in the workplace. Most of these strategies have been implemented across large organizations statewide in some of neighboring states, including New Hampshire and Connecticut.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Recovery Ready Workplace?

Complete Our Interest Form

Questions?
Contact Ramona
413-427-3498
rreno@masshireholyoke.org