Employment is crucial for people with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) to support sobriety, yet the stigma against people with SUDs makes it challenging for them to secure employment. The present research sought to create opportunities for people with SUDs to help themselves, by focusing on a cost-effective intervention to improve employability. Consequently, the current research applied costly signal theory (CST). CST suggests that individuals can enhance credibility by engaging in actions that could incur significant costs, effectively signalling their commitment to a certain behaviour, in this instance sobriety.

In study 1, 2 potential employees were detailed to participants (N = 196), one candidate used a costly signal, and the other did not. Participants were tasked with evaluating how problematic potential employees could be, as well as selecting one for employment. Results indicated that a costly signal had an influence on the perception of how problematic an employee would be, particularly when the candidate was presented first. Most importantly, participants employed candidates who used costly signals at a significantly higher rate.

Study 2 attempted to investigate the practical implementation of costly signals of sobriety, however, was unable to recruit sufficient participants as the majority of interested participants were excluded due to having to disclose violent criminal convictions. Future research should consider the impact of disclosure timing and if costly signals could influence additional aspects of the lives of people with SUDs, such as in housing, education, and healthcare.