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Employers may be reluctant to hire people in recovery because they
have preconceived notions that doing so will adversely affect their
business; however, research indicates otherwise. In fact, hiring individuals
in recovery actually presents a fairly low risk. Often, employers’
reservations stem from a lack of understanding about the nature of
addiction, treatment and recovery.
Employers also may fear that a recovering employee who relapses will
create catastrophic workplace problems, such as stealing or damaging
property, behaving inappropriately or causing accidents that jeopardize
safety. Although relapse is always a possibility in the chronic disorder
of addiction, it is not an absolute. Countless thousands remain “clean
and sober” after treatment, and, even if a relapse occurs, it
does not necessarily result in problems on the job. In fact, individuals
committed to recovery have strategies and resources for averting serious
consequences and quickly getting back on track. A closer examination
of the misconceptions and realities regarding people in recovery reveals
that a history of substance abuse need not be a hiring deterrent.
Misconception: Addiction to alcohol and other drugs
is a voluntary behavior and a character flaw.
Reality: No one chooses addiction, nor is it a character
flaw. Since most people can use alcohol or drugs without becoming
addicted, some may believe that it is simply a matter of choice. But
for some, use is biologically destined to spiral into addiction. Unfortunately,
it’s impossible to predict who will become addicted and who
will not. For those predisposed to addiction, continued use of addictive
substances over time alters the brain in ways that result in uncontrollable
drug use. Continued use, despite the consequences it brings to individuals
and their families, is evidence of the power of addiction. At this
point, an individual is no longer in control of his or her life—drugs
are in control.
Misconception: Alcoholics and drug addicts are
morally deficient and lack willpower.
Reality: Addiction to alcohol and other drugs has
nothing to do with morals or willpower. Rather, it is a bio-psycho-social
disease that alters how the brain and body function. Individuals become
dependent and cannot stop using substances without suffering withdrawal
symptoms. The struggle with addiction is characterized by repeated
failures to control use, an increase in the number and severity of
problems caused by use and the need for greater amounts of the substance
to achieve the desired effect. For a more comprehensive picture of
addiction, see Substance Abuse Basics.
Misconception: Addiction is shameful and embarrassing.
Reality: Although individuals addicted to alcohol
and other drugs may exhibit behavior that is at times inappropriate,
the very fact that they do so in spite of negative repercussions serves
as evidence that they are not in control of their lives. Research
indicates that the problem of addiction is too easily swept under
the carpet due to embarrassment and shame—feelings that stem
from a belief that they should be able to stop using alcohol and other
drugs at any time.
Misconception: If addiction is a disease, then
there must be a cure.
Reality: Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is
a complex disease with a number of physical and psychological effects.
Similar to other chronic conditions, addiction requires some form
of treatment or intervention in order to halt the disorder’s
progression. Addiction produces significant, lasting changes in brain
chemistry and processes, but research demonstrates that treatment
for addiction produces long-term benefits. In fact, overall, treatment
of addiction is as successful as treatment of other chronic diseases,
such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma.
Misconception: Alcoholism may be a disease, but
illegal use of drugs is just a crime.
Reality: Addiction to alcohol and other drugs can
be equally devastating, regardless of the legality of a particular
substance. Because addiction is a disease, all of those afflicted
can benefit from treatment. It is certainly true that illegal drug
use may create compounded problems, which treatment can enable individuals
to deal with better.
Misconception: Treatment of alcoholism and other
drug addictions has no long-term effect. In other words, treatment
doesn’t work.
Reality: It is estimated that every dollar spent
on treatment returns $4 to $7 in savings to society. A range of studies
have shown that treatment for addiction reduces drug use by more than
50 percent and arrests for crimes by 40 percent or more. Treatment
also reduces the risk of HIV infection, translating into less money
spent on treating people with AIDS. Furthermore, treatment tied to
vocational services significantly improves people’s employment
prospects.
Misconception: Only those who want drug treatment
will benefit from it.
Reality: Virtually no one spontaneously decides
to seek treatment, and very few want to go through the rigors of treatment.
Two of the primary reasons people seek help are because the court
ordered them to or because loved ones urged them to seek it out. Many
studies have shown convincingly that people who enter drug treatment
programs in which they face “high pressure” to confront
and attempt to surmount their addiction do comparatively better, regardless
of what prompted them to seek treatment in the first place. Treatment
availability is a critical component in preventing abuse of alcohol
and other drugs. Its importance cannot be disregarded. For a more
comprehensive picture of treatment, see Substance
Abuse Basics.
Misconception: There is only one form of treatment
for alcoholism and other drug addictions, and if it didn’t work
for one person, it won’t work for anybody.
Reality: Similar to other chronic conditions, individuals
may have to undergo several courses of treatment before they achieve
recovery. While some individuals can stop using alcohol and other
drugs “cold turkey,” most require treatment that is ongoing
and includes long-term supportive services, and for some, repeated
interventions and treatment episodes may be necessary. Different people
have different substance abuse disorders, and their response to treatment
may vary, even if they are addicted to the same drug. As a result,
individuals addicted to alcohol and other drugs need an array of treatment
services tailored to address their specific needs. It is important
to note that although there are different types of treatment, those
that are effective share certain common characteristics. Careful assessment
and matching of individuals’ needs to available services, combined
with follow-up and support, help to decrease the number of times treatment
is needed.
Misconception: People in recovery from addiction
are at a higher risk for workplace accidents, injuries and errors
than others.
Reality: People in recovery enter the workforce
ready to face challenges. Whereas current employees with undetected
substance use problems may contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism
and workers’ compensation claims, without acknowledging or recognizing
the root of their problems, people in recovery have acknowledged and
faced their problems with substance use and overcome them by integrating
coping strategies into their daily lives. Such strategies and a commitment
to recovery help protect individuals in recovery and their employers
against costly mishaps.
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