Many of us know substance abuse is something to take seriously, but how many think about the fact that the vast majority of people addicted to drugs or alcohol are employed? When put into perspective, substance use disorder (SUD) is a work-related issue that must be resolved. While professional treatment and detox for drug addiction should not be replaced with risky or dangerous do-it-yourself methods, there are some key ways that businesses can help address the problem of substance abuse. Here are some big ideas from small businesses that support addiction recovery.
The Growing Problem
Many employees with SUDs are afraid to say anything to management because they fear getting fired because of their workplace’s drug-free policy or being subject to a drug test in retaliation. However, most companies offer reasonable accommodations for their employees to get treatment help. The law requires that employer-sponsored health insurance includes coverage for substance abuse. Anyone part of a company that offers this kind of health insurance should look into their coverage and review the available options. However, not everyone has employer health insurance. Some of the reasoning for this has to do with the cost for companies to provide this, especially for smaller businesses.
Fortunately, trends are opening the eyes of business owners to see the provision of substance abuse treatment as a way to combat the growing drug problem in America. Lost time from work, production issues, absenteeism, job turnover, short staffing, and so many more examples are part of what businesses are already experiencing (and having to pay) because of substance abuse. Companies taking notice of this are considering going above and beyond to provide help for substance abuse treatment, and the reasoning has to do with viewing substance abuse treatment as part of a long-term investment in their employees.
Financially speaking, these people have already been trained, vetted, and established within the company. The potential to help people in their abuse struggles and retain them for the long term is a far better investment than having to start from scratch again and again. Further, employees who find no help in their workplace are more prone to take their chances with substance abuse, often leading to losing their job or being part of a tragic accident.
Big Ideas
However, the issue of providing coverage for treatment is only one piece of the puzzle. Developing an addiction or recovering from one has a lot to do with the kind of social environment people are in. Making changes and improvements to support people in recovery and protect employees from the path of addiction is a tall task, but the restaurant industry is one example of positivity. Responding to the large percentage of abuse that comes from the food and hospitality industry means getting creative and thinking widely about how to care for one another.
Ben’s Friends, formed in 2016, is a support community for people in the restaurant industry who suffer or once suffered from substance abuse. This community has grown in reach across the United States since its founding. Some companies are replacing free shift drinks with things like season tickets to sporting events to build community in the workplace instead.
Delaware has taken a hands-on approach to the problem of opioid addiction and fatalities, providing training in the restaurant industry to help workers administer Narcan, a life-saving opioid reversal drug if they recognize an overdose. New Hampshire has promoted the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative (RFW) in an effort to change the stigma of abuse and the isolation employees often feel from their workplace while living with an SUD. RFW is designed to make the workplace a friendly and supportive environment for recovery. This is done by providing information, education, and training for substance abuse that can be tailored to the needs of each company.
Improving the Culture
These examples each tell a story of the big ideas that are developing across the country in order to change the trend of substance abuse. Ultimately, these are designed to help educate and reassure people of the dangers of substance abuse, as well as empower them to get the professional treatment they need for recovery. In the big picture, these approaches can help companies maintain a positive work culture and retain their employees, helping them reach their long-term goals and potential.
If you’re interested to find out more about addiction treatment visit The Hader Clinic.