343: Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction and Recovery in the Workplace with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether

343: Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction and Recovery in the Workplace with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether

In today's episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind speaks with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery in the workplace. Cheryl, who is the co-founder, vice president, and executive director of the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (iCare), brings over two decades of experience in corporate HR management and addiction recovery awareness. Cheryl shares that about 70% of individuals using illicit drugs are employed, highlighting how prevalent addiction is within the workforce.

Despite its prevalence, addiction remains a taboo subject due to the stigma associated with it. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of creating psychological safety in workplaces, a concept championed by high-performing organizations like Google, where employees can share their experiences without fear of judgment. The conversation delves into how workplaces can become supportive environments for addiction recovery by fostering open dialogues about mental health and addiction.

Cheryl explains that it is not solely the responsibility of the HR department to drive these initiatives; rather, it requires a collaborative effort from individuals who act as champions and allies. These individuals can help integrate community service providers and educational programs into the workplace, circumventing traditional barriers and supporting employees proactively. Cheryl also discusses the role of iCare, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in providing addiction recovery education and support.

Through Strategic Sobriety Workforce Solutions and the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches, iCare aims to save lives by making impactful changes in workplaces and communities. The episode concludes with Cheryl expressing her passion for her work and her commitment to community-driven recovery. She underscores the importance of working together to achieve recovery, highlighting how iCare's programs are designed to meet people where they are and support them in reaching their goals.

Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation online and share the episode to help raise awareness about workplace addiction and recovery. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the need for open discussions and supportive environments to help individuals navigate their recovery journey.