Addiction is a complex problem that affects many individuals, families, and communities across America. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (an agency within the US Department of Health) reports that 46 million Americans struggle with addiction.
While most people can use some substances without problems, others are prone to becoming addicted. These addictions can be incredibly harmful to the individual's health and relationships - and to their careers.
On average, workers with untreated substance abuse disorders cost employees $8,255 per worker each year, reaching $14,374 for executives, administrators, managers and financial workers.
~ National Safety Council
Understanding how to help employees with substance abuse disorder is important for organizations not only from a financial perspective but because it demonstrates a real commitment to employee well-being in general.
Addictions have likely been around since the beginning of time, and they can be substance-based (e.g., alcohol or stimulants) or behavior-based (e.g., gambling). In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes a range of addictive disorders in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
The terminology for addiction has evolved over time, and different terms have been used to describe it. In 2013, with the publication of the DSM-5, the APA replaced the term "Substance Abuse and Dependence" with "Substance Use Disorder." This change was intended to provide a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of addiction while also promoting the importance of treatment and recovery.
Rates of alcohol and drug use and abuse vary by industry, but the problem impacts all types of workforces, from blue-collar to white-collar professions. According to the National Safety Council, approximately one out of every 11 U.S. workers – nearly 9% – had a substance use disorder in the last 12 months.
The impacts of SUD can be wide-ranging in the workplace.
Productivity - Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can have a significant impact on employees and their productivity. People with SUD are more likely to miss work or be late, have lower work performance, and be involved in workplace accidents. These negative consequences can lead to additional stress and strain on both the employee and the employer.
SUD can also create a challenging work environment for colleagues and supervisors. Coworkers may be uncomfortable or uncertain about how to respond to an employee who is struggling with addiction. Supervisors may have to manage employees with unpredictable behavior, absenteeism, or conflicts with other employees.
The cost of addiction in the workforce is usually measured financially, but it can also refer to more subjective losses, which can change the entire nature of an office.
Employers play an important role in helping employees who are struggling with addiction by providing resources, education, and a supportive culture that values employee well-being.
Identifying addiction can be challenging, but there are some signs that employers and colleagues can look for. Here are some signs that an employee may be struggling with addiction:
It is important to note that these signs do not automatically indicate addiction, but they can be a cause for concern. If an employee does display these symptoms, it may be appropriate to have a conversation with them to determine if they need help or support. Overall, addiction is a complex issue that requires a thoughtful, compassionate response from the workplace culture.
The good news is that with the right support, individuals with SUDs can make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. Leaders have an important role to play in helping employees who are struggling with addiction recover and return to work as productive members of their team.
Leaders should take a proactive approach when it comes to employee health and well-being – both in terms of prevention and treatment.
Leaders can also create a supportive environment by fostering team cohesion, providing feedback on successes, and encouraging open communication channels. By making sure that every employee is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, leaders will demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace where everyone feels valued.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 is a federal law that requires certain employers to maintain a drug-free workplace. This includes establishing and implementing policies that prohibit the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs in the workplace.
In addition to providing clear guidelines for employees, the Drug-Free Workplace Act also outlines specific steps that employers must take in order to be compliant with the law. These include conducting drug tests, providing employee education on substance abuse, and taking appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.
The Act provides significant incentives for companies who comply with its requirements and protects them from legal liability should an employee become injured as a result of their own drug use.
Companies should be aware of the legal issues that may arise when dealing with an employee who has a Substance Use Disorder.
Addiction is a serious and complex issue, but it is also treatable. Studies have shown that addiction treatment can be successful in helping individuals regain their lives and become productive members of society.
Each employee who recovers from a SUD saves a company over $8,500 on average.
~ National Safety Council
When employers take steps to help employees with addictions, they can reap a number of benefits:
Of course, a big benefit is demonstrating care for the well-being of employees, which leads to a more supportive work environment for all.
By taking a proactive and compassionate approach to helping employees who are struggling with addiction, leaders can create a more supportive work environment that is conducive to recovery and success. Not only will this benefit the individual employee, but it will also help the organization as a whole to reach its goals.
When you partner with Ulliance, our Life Advisor Consultants are always just a phone call away to teach ways to enhance your work/life balance and increase your happiness. The Ulliance Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program can help employees and employers come closer to a state of total well-being.
Investing in the right EAP or Wellness Program to support your employees will help them and help you. Visit https://ulliance.com/ or call 866-648-8326.
The Ulliance Employee Assistance Program can address the
following issues:
• Stress about work or job performance
• Crisis in the workplace
• Conflict resolution at work or in one’s personal life
• Marital or relationship problems
• Child or elder care concerns
• Financial worries
• Mental health problems
• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Grief
• Interpersonal conflicts
• AND MORE!
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References:
Addiction In The Workplace: How Leaders Can Help Create A Path To Recovery; Kelsey Moreira, Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/10/12/addiction-in-the-workplace-how-leaders-can-help-create-a-path-to-recovery/?sh=6774da1f2194
Employing and Managing People with Substance Use Addictions; Society for Human Resource Management, https://login.shrm.org/?request_id=idCCDECF447DCB27&relay_state=id-f99d3b85-a8bf-405a-86a0-3a0b50df0599&issuer=aHR0cHM6Ly9zc28uc2hybS5vcmcvSURCVVMvU0hSTS9JRFAvU0FNTDIvTUQ=&target=aHR0cHM6Ly9zc28uc2hybS5vcmcvSURCVVMvU0hSTS9QT1JUQUwtU1AvU0FNTDIvTUQ=
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
New Analysis: Employers Can Save Average of $8,500 for Supporting Each Employee in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder; https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/new-analysis-employers-stand-to-save-an-average-of
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, https://www.samhsa.gov/
The Effects of Substance Abuse In the Workplace; American Addiction Centers
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/workforce
What Is a Substance Use Disorder?, American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder