Break the Stigma to Overcome Addiction in the Workplace

Over 6% of the US population struggles with an alcohol use disorder, roughly one out of 12 men and one out of 25 women. 11% of Americans over the age of 12 use illegal drugs. Those figures point to the growing alcohol and drug abuse epidemic in America, so it should come as little surprise that drug and alcohol abuse can spill over into the workplace. DOT-mandated employees, however, have to submit to regular testing to ensure that they are not misusing drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace. This can help employees struggling with addiction find proper help via a Substance Abuse Professional.

How Can An Employer Break the Stigma of Addiction and Mental Health Struggles?

Employers can help break the stigma of addiction and mental health struggles by approaching them the same way that they would approach any other health issue. Being open and willing to talk with employees about these issues can help an employee feel safe to ask for help. Employers can also provide employees with health and wellness resources to ensure their staff feels supported.

Misusing drugs and/or alcohol greatly affects an employee’s productivity, overall mental health, and, when the employee is a DOT-mandated safety-sensitive employee, it puts the public at risk. If an employer has reasonable suspicion that the employee is misusing drugs and/or alcohol, they should refer the employee for a drug and/or alcohol test.

What Can Employees Do If They Are Struggling? Can Substance Abuse Professionals Help?

If an employee is struggling with drugs and/or alcohol they should discuss options with their employer. Safety-sensitive employees should not perform their safety-sensitive duties under the impairment of drugs and/or alcohol, so if an employee fails to remain sober in the workplace they will need to step down from their safety-sensitive duties.

Substance Abuse Professionals are trained to evaluate employees and recommend tailored treatment and/or educational programs based on the employees specific needs. Everyone has their own story and struggles, and a Substance Abuse Professional listens to the employee’s unique situation in order to truly understand what the employee needs in order to recover.

What Happens If an Employee Fails a Drug and/or Alcohol Test?

If an employee fails a drug and/or alcohol test with a DOT-mandated safety-sensitive employer, they must complete the SAP process before returning to safety-sensitive work. This process involves an evaluation with Substance Abuse Professionals who will evaluate the employee, recommend treatment and/or education, and re-evaluate to determine if they have successfully complied so that they may submit to a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test in order to return to the workplace.

If you suspect that an employee needs help, or if you are an employee who failed a drug and/or alcohol test, SRS can help you find a Substance Abuse Professional. Contact us today to access our fast referral services.