Education, training and employment support (ETE) is a vital part of enabling people to start and maintain the process of recovery from substance misuse or dependency. Employment is central to the concept of ‘recovery capital’, not just through providing an income, a structured life and greater independence, but also through more indirect benefits such as improved self-esteem and new, positive social networks.
This research has a focus on pathways into paid employment and draws on the experiences, expectations and attitudes of people recovering from drug and/or alcohol dependency, as well as some of the barriers they may face. It also includes the views of employers who already have some experience of knowingly recruiting and retaining staff with histories of drug and/or alcohol problems.
The report is primarily based on a series of surveys and interviews conducted with people currently in treatment for drug and/or alcohol use, people who have recently left treatment, and employers.
01 March 2014