Working for Recovery: How the Americans With Disabilities Act and State Human Rights Laws Can Facilitate Successful Rehabilitation for Alcoholics and Drug Addicts

Abstract

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and West Virginia Human Rights Act (WVHRA) protect addicts’ rights by providing that no covered employers may discriminate against addicted workers or job applicants because of their addiction. These laws recognize that recovering drug addicts, and society at large, are harmed by exclusion, discrimination, and unaccommodating workplace conditions. By better utilizing these laws to ensure access to gainful employment for recovering addicts, the labor and employment bar can make an important contribution to resolving the vexing opioid epidemic.