Recovery‑Friendly Skills & Resources
Resources and guidance for individuals in recovery and employers committed to second‑chance hiring. Learn about life skills, job readiness, recovery‑ready workplaces and support networks.
Life Skills & Wellness
Managing stress
Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling and regular exercise. Maintain healthy sleep patterns and balanced nutrition. Build a plan for triggers and ask for help when needed.
Building routines
Create a daily schedule for sleep, meals, work and recovery activities. Use planners or phone calendars. Review weekly and adjust.
Accountability & support
Use peer support (AA/NA, recovery groups), find a sponsor or mentor and leverage recovery apps or accountability partners.
Job Readiness in Recovery
Frame your recovery positively
Emphasise resilience, responsibility and reliability. Share what you’ve learned and how those lessons translate to the workplace. Highlight training, volunteer work and measurable achievements.
Know your rights & accommodations
Workers in recovery may qualify for reasonable accommodations under relevant laws. Ask HR or a counselor about options if you need schedule flexibility for appointments or support meetings.
Prepare for stigma
Practice concise, honest explanations and redirect to your skills and accomplishments. Line up references from sponsors, counselors or supervisors who can vouch for your reliability and growth.
Peer Stories
How to share your story
- What happened: Briefly describe your past and challenges.
- What changed: Explain the turning point and how recovery began.
- What you bring today: Skills, accomplishments, stability and dedication.
Submit your story
Addiction‑Informed Employer Resources
What employers can do
- Adopt recovery‑ready policies and educate staff to reduce stigma.
- Offer schedule flexibility for treatment and recovery support.
- Leverage incentives like the federal bonding program and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).
- Collaborate with treatment/recovery organizations and consider peer mentor programs.
Why recovery‑ready workplaces matter
Recovery‑ready workplaces can expand the labor pool, improve well‑being and retention, and reduce costs related to turnover and absenteeism.
Helpful Links & Programs
- Recovery‑Ready Workplace (U.S. DOL)
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (IRS)
- American Job Centers
- ReEntry Program Finder
- Local recovery centers, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and mental health services.