Substance Abusing at Work

                70% of people with Substance Abuse Disorders are employed

Effects in the workplace 

            Injury, accident

                        65% of on the job accidents caused by someone under the influence

            loss of productivity

            Negative morale amongst coworkers

Encouraging drinking in the workplace

            Vendor lunches, dinners, parties, events. 

            Company sponsored after hours dinners, parties, events

            Grabbing a drink after work to "unwind" from the stresses of the day

Would you know a high functioning alcoholic or addict?

Signs of a coworker struggling with Substance abuse disorder:

            Decrease in personal hygiene and other physical indicators

            Sudden absenteeism

            Signs of intoxication

How an employer can provide treatment options

                       Recovering addicts can More often recover and be highly productive and valued employees

                        Provide company wellness programs to educate employees

                       Provide health benefits with Substance Abuse Disorder treatment coverage

                        Support leads to encouragement to seek treatment

Hiring a recovering addict

Recovering addicts/no longer using, miss less days for medical problems than those w/o addictions

Government involvement

      Expanding employment opportunities for recovering addicts by implementing       recovery ready workplace policies Recovery Supportive Workplace Culture

      Creates safe and healthy work environment, helps reduce the stigma around SUD       and addicts, breaks employment barriers, promotes recovery services.  

       Employment essential to maintaining recovery

      Possibility of tax credit and stipend for employers that are certified as recovery       ready workplaces.  

      Possibility of state based funding and grant programs for recovery ready workplaces. 

 Google

“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed at work, regardless of their past.  That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where people in recovery feel supported and respected” ---Google Chief Health Officer Dr. Karen DeSalvo.