Resources and Links
Brett Lovins is committed to sharing practical, credible resources about Recovery Friendly Workplaces as widely as possible. Whether or not you ever work together, these resources are here to help you learn, explore, and take next steps at your own pace.
What sets this work apart is lived and execution experience. Brett helped spark a Recovery Friendly Workplace effort inside Cisco Systems, a company of more than 80,000 employees, and understands what it takes to move organizations from intent to real action.
If these resources are useful and you apply them on your own, that’s a win. The work comes first.
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Recovery Friendly Workplace Video (11 min) - This is the best single summary of the why, what, and how of Recovery Friendly Workplaces we’ve seen. Every HR and safety professional should watch it. It’s clear, engaging, and yes, it includes puppets. Created by Sean Daniels.
Washington Recovery Alliance - Washington Recovery Alliance works to build the capacity of the recovery community by advancing public understanding and shaping public policy related to substance use recovery and mental health. Brett serves as a Recovery Friendly Workplace subject matter expert for the organization.
Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit - A comprehensive toolkit providing information, tools, and guidance to help employers across all sectors prevent and respond to substance misuse in the workforce and reduce its impact on organizations and communities. Developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Domestic Policy Council, and 12 federal departments and independent agencies.
SAMHSA (Find Support) - A national resource for individuals and families seeking help with mental health, substance use, or crisis support, including a confidential treatment locator.
(2024) Data on SUD in the US - The latest national data from SAMHSA on substance use disorders, treatment access, and recovery. Useful for employers looking to understand scope and impact.
Addiction 101 - Addiction is not a moral failing. It is a treatable medical condition. This overview from Shatterproof explains the science of addiction and helps correct common misconceptions.
Understand Substance Use Disorders and Stigma (1 hour video) - A clinical and practical overview of the brain science behind substance use disorders and how stigma affects care and recovery. Presented by Dr. Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Room at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.
Employer Cost Calculator - A data-driven tool from the National Safety Council, developed with NORC at the University of Chicago, estimating the real cost of substance use to employers. Updated from the original 2017 model created with Shatterproof. On average, each employee in recovery saves employers approximately $8,500 per year.