Good job, bad job: The employment experiences of women in recovery from substance abuse.

BACKGROUND

Women in metropolitan areas have lower employment participation and employment rates than men. Although women face multiple challenges in the labor market, those who have a history of substance use and are abstinent may have a greater disadvantage in obtaining viable employment opportunities due to factors associated with substance use. No research to date has examined employment experiences among women in recovery from substance use.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined employment characteristics and experiences of women who had a history of substance use and lived in sober-living environments in urban areas.

METHOD

Data were collected through telephone interviews to sober living homes that were located in 20 urban areas.

RESULTS

Themes identified through thematic analysis included employment challenges, the importance of work to substance abuse recovery, job satisfaction, employment aspirations, and employment support in the sober living home.

CONCLUSION

Employment is important to women in substance abuse recovery, not only as a means for financial support, but also as a life priority. The results highlight how employer scheduling practices, low-level positions, and lack of employment supports impact recovery. Findings provide insight into the need for employment support services, including employer education and flexible policies for women in recovery.