Affiliations: [a] Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| [b]
University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Bronwyn A. Hunter, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA. Tel.: +1 410 455 8151; Fax: +1 410 455 1055; E-mail: bhunter@umbc.edu.
Abstract: 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.
