SUD and Mental Illness in Construction: BTEA Recovery Week
Some of our MLM team members had the honor of attending the BTEA’s Recovery Week opening night and women’s wellness event, two incredible outings with powerful speakers like Martin J. Walsh, Maia Szalavitz, Marian Ryan, Nick Collins, and Theo Flurry.
Hosted by the Building Trades’ Employers’ Association, Recovery Week is an initiative that focuses on raising awareness and providing resources for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges, specifically within the construction industry. The opening night set the time for what Recovery Week is all about learning from experts, building solutions, and driving change.
It was deeply moving to hear stories of addiction and recovery, especially those form within the building trades, a field too often overlooked when it comes to mental health. These raw, unfiltered testimonies of struggle, recovery, and resilience remind us how important it is to foster a safe and supportive environment on and off the job site, for all employees.
Martin J. Walsh - Executive Director, NHLPA
Tom Gunning - Executive Director, BTEA Northeast
Maia Szalavitz - Neuroscience Journalist
Substance use disorder and mental illness are alarmingly present in construction:
Construction workers have nearly twice the national average rate of substance use disorder (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, SAMHSA)
The industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, about four times the natioanl average (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC)
Over 80% of construction workers report experiencing some level on mental distress, but many go untreated due to stigma (Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, CIRP)
These ar enot just numbers, they represent friends, family members, and co-workers who may be silently suffering. The stigma around SUD and mental health is real, and it’s time we change the conversation.
But there is hope. Events like this show that change is happening, people are speaking out, resources are expanding, and the community is growing stronger. BTEA Recovery Week is a necessary step in the right direction and thank you to the BTEA for opening the conversation and showing that people care, not just about productivity and performance, but about human lives
MLM Team Members at Women’s Wellness Event
To anyone struggling: you are not alone, recovery is possible, support is out there. Whether you are just starting your journey or supporting someone on theirs, know that help is out there.
If you or someone you know needs help:
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-622-HELP (4357) - Free, confidential help 24/7 for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 - immediate mental health support, 24/7
BTEA Recovery Resources: Recovery Week Resources | BTEA Northeast
For more information about Recovery Week or ways to get involved, visit Building Trades Recovery Week | BTEA Northeast
Let’s continue to show up for one another and keep the conversation going!