The event also presented world-renowned experts from the fields of substance use recovery, workforce development, and community colleges, and included experts from AHP’s Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR) program discussing the concepts that have allowed ATR to successfully serve 30,000 individuals since its inception in 2010.

Addiction is more prevalent among unemployed individuals. In addition, substance misuse increases the likelihood of unemployment and decreases the chance of finding and keeping a job. Add to that the fact that the vast majority of working-age adults with substance use disorder continue to face structural and attitudinal barriers that block their access to steady employment and economic security, and you’ve got an untenable situation. This symposium focused on best practices that can be put into place to make positive changes in this cycle.

The program featured a series of panel discussions that highlighted a range of voices and experiences from all areas of the employment and recovery continuum, including workforce development specialists; individuals in recovery; and international, national, and regional leaders.

Participants left the symposium with concrete ideas, resources and examples to help them begin the work of using employment as a recovery tool and building a high-quality, recovery-oriented workforce development program.