The Research

We Create Valuable and Inclusive Leadership Solutions

Background & Motivation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of problematic substance use rose significantly, creating new challenges for employees in recovery, the leaders who support them, and the organizations that employ them. After navigating his own difficulties in balancing sobriety and work, RFL’s founder, Dr. John Narine, CEAP, CPFS, recognized a critical need for effective leadership strategies to address these workplace issues. In 2021, he conducted a qualitative phenomenological study to explore how leaders can help employees experiencing a “relapse” or recurrence of substance use while maintaining a productive, viable business.

Purpose of the Study

Titled Leadership Strategies to Prevent Employee Substance Abuse Relapse and Optimize Business Viability, this research aimed to:

Understand the needs of employees struggling with addiction during a crisis
Develop strategies to reduce the recurrence of use rates amongst employees in the workplace
Ensure ongoing business viability and productivity

Conceptual Framework

The research was grounded in two key concepts:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – to understand and address the needs of employees and individuals in recovery
Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence – to ensure capable, effective leadership

Methods and Findings

Literature Review

A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted, assessing the scope of substance use challenges not only in Colorado, but across the United States.

Leader Interviews

Leaders who supervised at least one employee experiencing a recurrence of use were selected. Through in-depth interviews, these leaders shared real-world strategies they implemented—successful or otherwise.

Analysis & Results

By coding and analyzing the interview data, four major themes and four subthemes were identified as particularly effective in supporting employees and protecting the organization’s bottom line.

Leading Workplace Addiction

These findings form the basis of Dr. Narine’s book, Leading Workplace Addiction, which now serves as the core foundation for the RFL Training Program. You can purchase a copy on Amazon here. All proceeds from book sales are donated directly to the RFL Program.

Ongoing Collaboration

Building on this research, we have partnered closely with:

The Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™
Several local, state, and nationwide organizations

Together, we continuously assess what organizational leaders need and what employees in recovery experience day-to-day. Their lived experience and insights shape the approach and delivery of our program, ensuring it remains practical, relevant, and impactful for today’s workplaces.