Stronger than the Silence:
The Road to Recovery Begins with a Voice
Four tradespeople. Real stories of addiction, family crisis, and the road back. No scripts.
Produced by CIASP · Turner Foundation
In cooperation with SAFE Project
Where there is Breath, There is Hope
Sharing lived experiences with addiction isn’t about spotlighting struggle — it’s about opening a door for someone else who might be fighting the same battle in silence. In the construction industry, where long hours, physical strain, and a “tough-it-out” culture can make it hard to ask for help, these brave voices cut through the noise. Hearing a story from someone who understands the work, the pressure, and the environment they’re in, it hits differently. It feels real. It feels possible.
Stronger Than the Silence
Chris's Story
Julia's Story
Mike's Story
Santiago's Story
Just Watched? Here's What to Do Next.
For your leadership team and job sites, a helpful guide to using these videos.
Find recovery help
Substance use resources and recovery pathways, including the list from the end of the video.
Take the STAND Up Pledge.
Commit your company to suicide prevention as a safety priority.
If you're in crisis or worried about someone who is:
Call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7. Text HELLO to 741741 to talk to a counselor.
For YOU
For checking in on yourself, finding help, and understanding what's happening in the trades. Open to anyone who's worked a day in it, knows someone who has, or cares about the people in this industry.
- Free 5-Minute Screening: Private and confidential. A quick self-check you can take on your own or share with someone you're worried about. Take it here.
- Recovery Resources: Substance use, recovery pathways, and the support list from the end of the video. Curated with SAFE Project. View them here
- Know the Facts: The construction industry's suicide rate, risk factors, and warning signs worth knowing. Learn more here.
- Above & Below Podcast: Real conversations with people in the industry on mental health, recovery, and what's working. Listen Now.
For Your Crew or Team
For foremen, supervisors, safety leads, and anyone who wants to bring this back to their workplace.
- Stronger than the Silence Poster: Print it. Hang it in the break room, the trailer, the job box, or the office. QR code takes people straight to the video. [English and Spanish] View Here
- Toolbox Talks: Short, structured conversation starters for pre-shift meetings. Keep the dialogue open without making it weird. Click Here
- CIASP Video Library: More shareable videos for stand-downs, safety meetings, and on-site viewing. Watch them here.
- Safe Messaging Guide: Language matters, learn how to talk about suicide in the construction industry. Click Here
- Warm Hand Off: Plan for a person in crisis. Click Here
- Hardhat Stickers, 988 Coins, and Wallet Cards: Free printed supplies for your site or office. Bulk order only, 25-unit minimum. Ordered by a job site leader, safety manager, or front office contact, then distributed to the team. Order them here
For Your Company
For owners, executives, safety leaders, and HR. Tools to evaluate and build a program.
- Needs Analysis: Evaluate where your company stands on suicide prevention readiness. Click Here
- The Pathway Model: CIASP's framework for moving from awareness to real practice. Click Here
- Prevention: Build protective factors into the workplace. Click Here
- Intervention: Recognize warning signs and respond safely. Click Here
- Postvention: Crisis response, safe communication, and reducing suicide contagion after a loss. Click Here
- EAP Guidance: Build, audit, and roll out an Employee Assistance Program that actually gets used. Click Here
- Request a Speaker: Bring CIASP to your company meeting, conference, or event. Click Here
Get Involved
Take the STAND Up Pledge
Commit your company to suicide prevention as a safety priority, alongside hard hats and harnesses
Donate
CIASP is a 501(c)(3). Any amount funds resources, training, and outreach.
Request Free Supplies
Hardhat stickers, 988 coins, wallet cards. Free. Bulk order only, 25-unit minimum
Join Our Email List
Stay looped in on new resources, events, and industry news. The easiest way to stay connected if the company pledge doesn't apply to you.
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