Addiction & Recovery Conversations with Brett Lovins

Karen Duggan, a friend and former co-worker from Cisco Systems, joins me to share some of her journey of achieving and maintaining sobriety. Together, we explore the impact of finding solidarity with another sober colleague in a large corporation, and how important this connection has been for Brett. In Recovery Friendly Workplaces, this will become commonplace.

Creating Recovery Friendly Workplace environments is no easy task, especially when considering diverse cultural contexts and the unique challenges of international corporations like Cisco where we worked together. Karen and I dive into practical strategies, such as framing abstinence from alcohol as an "allergy," to navigate social situations.

Inclusivity is key to fostering belonging in the workplace. From offering non-alcoholic options at events to small acts of consideration can make a big difference. Through personal anecdotes, including a mishap with accidentally drinking Scotch, we emphasize the importance of vigilance and support in maintaining sobriety. By sharing our journeys and encouraging open discussions of personal challenges and observations, we aim to create a more human and understanding work environment that supports everyone.

Links from the session:
Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute
Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit
brettlovins.com

• Sober Curious Consulting - Brett and Nell's Recovery Friendly Workplace consulting business.
• Dry January Program for Individuals Sign Up Page - discount coupon for $20 off through Dec 18th: startsober25
• Washington Recovery Alliance - building the capacity of the recovery community to advance substance use recovery and mental health wellness by catalyzing public understanding and shaping public policy in Washington State.
• Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit - providing information, tools, and resources to help employers from all sectors—government, for-profit, non-profit, and not-for-profit—effectively prevent and respond to substance misuse in the workforce from the Department of Labor.
• Latest (2022) Data on SUD in the US - from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Link to my favorite PDF for statistics.
• Addiction 101 - it’s not a moral failing—it’s a treatable illness. Get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition from my friends at Shatterproof.