Year of Publication

2025

College

Undergraduate Education

First Advisor

Zada Komara

Second Advisor

Claire Renzetti

Abstract

The Women Living in Recovery Ready Fayette County Oral History Project is an initiative that documents the lived experiences of women in substance use disorder recovery. Through oral histories, this project aims to highlight the unique challenges, successes, and needs of women navigating sustained recovery. Specifically, this project investigates barriers to gaining employment while in substance use disorder recovery. By amplifying their voices, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, public officials, and the Recovery Ready Communities Council, helping to refine resources and ensure that recovery support systems are both equitable and effective. The findings of the Women Living in Recovery Ready Fayette County Oral History Project reveal both the strengths and gaps within the community’s recovery infrastructure, as well as the gendered challenges women face both during active substance use and in recovery. Participants shared experiences of gender-specific struggles while using substances, including domestic abuse, pregnancy, and prostitution, which often shaped their pathways to recovery. Moreover, participants highlighted persistent challenges in sustaining key social determinants of health, such as stable housing, reliable transportation, and affordable childcare—factors that significantly impact long-term recovery and employment prospects. Many women also reported difficulties securing stable jobs due to gaps in work history and their felony records, with some noting that men in recovery often face fewer obstacles in finding employment.

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Available for download on Friday, May 21, 2027

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