Employers and employees across the nation are encouraged to recognize National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month during September 2008.  Now in its 19^th year, this public awareness campaign educates that substance abuse is treatable and that many people in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction lead successful, productive lives and contribute positively to their communities.

This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Real People, Real Recovery,” emphasizes that most people know someone—whether a family member, friend or coworker—who has struggled with substance abuse.  For many of these people, a supportive work environment plays a critical role in achieving and maintaining sobriety.  Recovery Month presents an opportune time for employers and unions to educate workers about the importance of being drug free to their health and wellness and sources of help for alcohol and drug problems. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) offers a free Recovery Month toolkit to assist organizations to support and plan activities.  Included is a fact sheet for employers addressing workplace practices—such as drug-free workplaces and employee assistance programs (EAPs)—that improve access to treatment for workers with substance use disorders and contribute to safer, more productive workplaces. 

For further information, visit DOL’s Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Web site, which provides information about these practices as well as a number of other steps employers can take to ensure their workplace is recovery friendly—during Recovery Month and throughout the year.