The Employment Programme for the Rehabilitation of Alcoholics and other Addicts, founded in New York in 1977, is a not-for- profit vocational rehabilitation service for men and women who are recovering from alcoholism and other addictions. Now established in the United Kingdom by EPRA (UK), the first training course was run in July 2000 at the Guildford Institute of the University of Surrey. 

EPRA grew out of the recognition that recovering alcoholics and addicts frequently have unclear ideas of how their addiction affected their working lives. While they sincerely want to look for work, they are often immobilised by fear about their abilities to perform in a working environment. They frequently have fragmented employment histories, low self esteem and have internalised social stereotyping of alcoholics or addicts, all of which hinders their employment opportunities. 

For these people, EPRA is a bridge back to work. With positive attitudes and well developed skills they are strongly motivated, conscientious and eager to make a contribution to society. Their success in dealing with a major life crisis, conquering their addiction, gives them a stability and personal insight commonly found only in the exceptional employee.

The original classroom programme was structured for both alcoholics and drug addicts and open to men and women of all ages and from any background. The selection process was rigorous and only those considered to have a reasonable chance of success were accepted. Once they had joined, if they were late or missed out on sessions without good reason, they were out on the spot. The strictness of the regime ensured that we kept high standards and commitment. 

Experience has proved that the length of time candidates had been free from alcohol or drugs did not matter. The genuine desire to remain free is the main criterion. They must demonstrate that they have a willingness and determination to abstain from all alcohol and drugs. 

Increasing difficulties with public transport in the daily travelling to the classes and arriving on time has led to the development of EPRA ONLINE,  delivering the course by Computer Supported Collaborative Learning.  

The charity is subsidising these courses, which are hosted on the Abacus Virtual College server, so as to greatly reduce the costs to participants. For further details  take this link to:

THE EPRA (UK) COMMITTEE 
EPRA (UK) SPONSORS
EPRA NEW YORK, USA