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At the recent Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention (CCPDAP) annual meeting, a “lived experience panel” offered employers valuable insights into supporting employees in recovery from substance use disorders. Held at the Anschutz Health Sciences Building on October 31, the event showcased real stories and data-driven guidance, underscoring the positive impact of recovery-friendly workplace policies.
Grayson Long, an assistant superintendent at JHL Constructors, shared his journey with addiction, recovery, and the support he received from his employer. After struggling with addiction from a young age, Long had experienced multiple treatment attempts and setbacks. When he joined JHL, he faced an immediate challenge: a relapse within his first week on the job. However, instead of losing his position, he received support from his supervisors. They provided him with flexible scheduling and insurance support, which allowed him to focus on recovery while working. This support, he said, was transformative. “They let me do whatever I needed to succeed,” he explained, emphasizing that open communication allowed his employer to support his needs effectively.
The panel, led by David Shapiro of the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health, also included individuals like James Schuler, a physician-turned-addiction counselor, and Al Secunda, who shared his experience transitioning from the performing arts to corporate finance to pursue recovery. Schuler, who now helps others navigate recovery, encouraged employers to “get curious, not furious,” stressing the importance of empathy over judgment in the workplace.
The University of Colorado noted that this event coincides with Colorado’s new Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, designed to reduce the economic and social impact of substance use disorders by fostering supportive work environments for those in recovery. Led by the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and the Centers for Health, Work & Environment, the initiative provides employers with tools, training, and resources to establish certified recovery-friendly workplaces across the state. Shapiro noted that these workplaces are vital, as about one in twelve American adults face substance use disorders, which impact not only the individuals but also their families, friends, and colleagues.
Panelists highlighted common workplace challenges that individuals in recovery face, such as long hours, high-stress environments, and workplace cultures where substance use can be normalized. Secunda, who changed careers due to the lack of recovery support in his previous field, discussed the importance of advocates within companies who understand the pressures of recovery and work culture. The participants shared that having policies that allow open conversations about mental health and addiction could significantly reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.
For Long, the benefits of JHL’s recovery-friendly support have extended beyond his own recovery journey. With the support he received, Long found he wanted to “give back” as a stronger and more dedicated employee. “People need to understand that we’re not bad people trying to be good; we’re sick people trying to get well,” he said, emphasizing that an understanding workplace can be instrumental in turning lives around.
The Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative aims to create more success stories like Long’s by certifying workplaces across Colorado as recovery-friendly and ensuring that support, empathy, and practical resources are available to help those in recovery thrive professionally and personally.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and would like to turn your life around, reach out to Avenues Recovery. Our expert staff have helped thousands of people reach sobriety, and can help you too! Contact us today if you would like to begin your journey to recovery in a supportive and caring environment.