Cultivating Change Together

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Cultivating Change Together

At Recovery Friendly Leader, we empower leaders to integrate recovery friendly practices into the workplace. Our research-based training equips you with practical tools and strategies to recognize early warning signs of substance use, support employees in recovery, and cultivate an inclusive, thriving culture. Whether you’re looking to join a scheduled training group, invest in comprehensive organizational training, or access personalized coaching, our program is designed to help you protect your bottom line, algin with best practices, and create a supportive environment where every team member can excel.

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Recognized by The Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™ and United States Department of Labor’s Recovery Ready Resource Hub as a trusted partner for leadership training, RFL helps you strengthen your recovery-friendly workplace.

Why Recovery-Friendly Practices Matter

The Pervasive Reality

Approximately 1 in 10 full-time and 1 in 12 part-time U.S. workers reported having problems with substances (including alcohol and other drugs).

The Bottom Line Burden

Problematic substance use costs U.S. employers and taxpayers $696 billion in absenteeism, low productivity, and healthcare.

The Preparedness Gap

75% of employers report that substance use impacts their workforce, yet only 17% feel prepared to handle it.

The Power of Recovery

Each employee in recovery is absent 13.7 fewer days from work each year than workers with an untreated SUD, and 3.6 less days than the general workforce.

The Smart Investment

Each employee in recovery saves a company more than $8,500 in health care, absenteeism, and turnover costs.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014

Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, 2022

National Safety Council, 2020

NORC at the University of Chicago, 2020

National Safety Council, n.d.

Get Started Today

Start with a Free Consultation

Book a complimentary session to discuss your goals, clarify which training option best fits your needs, and explore how RFL can help your team thrive.

Schedule Training

Gain practical tools and strategies rooted in research and lived experience, enabling you to effectively address substance-use challenges, support employee recovery within your team, and protect your bottom-line. A customized training package is available for organizations.

Book a Coaching Session

Receive personal guidance from RFL’s Executive Director, Dr. John Narine, CEAP, in this in-depth one-on-one session to discuss your unique needs. One-on-one coaching is available as an optional add-on or included with our organizational training package.

“Leaders who prioritize a supportive culture give their employees the foundation and opportunity to be successful.”

— Dr. John Narine, Founder and Executive Director of RFL

Why Leaders Choose Us:
The Advantages of Our Training

Enhanced Leadership Skills

Become equipped to recognize early warning signs of problematic substance use, offer constructive guidance, and build strong relationships that demonstrate inclusion and exemplary leadership.

Supportive Workplace Culture

Influence a climate of understanding, respect, and open communication, leading to better collaboration, higher morale, and a more engaged workforce.

Improved Employee Well-being

Gain practical tools and strategies to proactively support employees and connect them with the resources they need to thrive.

Protect Your Bottom Line

Support employee recovery to help reduce turnover, minimize absenteeism, and decrease healthcare costs—all while maintaining organizational productivity.

Boost Compliance and Credibility

Align with best practices and demonstrate your commitment to a Recovery Friendly Workplace, reinforcing trust among employees and the border community.

Hear From Our Community

Dr. John Narine’s Recovery Friendly Leader training is exactly what our industry needs—urgent, practical, and transformational. If we’re serious about ending the overdose crisis in construction, it has to start with leaders willing to show up, be vulnerable, and drive real change. I’m deeply grateful for this training and the path it lays forward.

Nick Williams

CEO, American Subcontractors Association of Colorado

As an Employment Specialist, the RFL Training gave me essential tools for supporting clients in recovery as they navigate workplace challenges. Various strategies for having difficult conversations while maintaining professional boundaries were exactly what I needed. I now feel more equipped to help my clients communicate effectively with employers and colleagues about their recovery journey. The real-world scenarios perfectly matched situations I encounter daily. This training enhanced my ability to advocate for and support my clients’ long-term employment success.

Ashleigh Williams

Employment Specialist, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Learning about how to have tough conversations in the workplace- especially around recovery – was a powerful and eye-opening experience. I appreciated the safe space to explore not only the challenges but also the opportunities that come from addressing sensitive topics with empathy and clarity. This training helped me build confidence, improved my communication skills, and reminded me of the importance of compassion in professional environments. I now feel better equipped to support both myself and others through recovery-related conversations with respect and understanding.

Betty Salgado

HR Coordinator, Heggem-Lundquist

This was my first educational session that I attended through Recovery Friendly Leader and it was awesome! The topic of Navigating Difficult Conversations to Support Employee Recovery is so important! I am in recovery myself, and have seen firsthand how people get treated when they are vulnerable enough to share the need for support. Seeing the passion in the room from folks through multiple lines of workforce and sectors to learn and become more comfortable having these conversations, just makes me want to become more of an advocate! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Brandi Drtina

Center of Excellence Project Supervisor, North Colorado Health Alliance

Memberships and Affiliations

We are a mission-driven organization empowering leaders with recovery based solutions for businesses to thrive. A Project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, operating as a 501(c)(3).

Find out what we can do for you today:

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Recovery Friendly Leader is proudly certified as a Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace™ and has been officially recognized for demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting employees affected by substance use disorders, including individuals in recovery. This designation was awarded by the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™, a program administered by the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health.