We’ve Got to Talk About It: Substance Use at Work

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The Silent Struggle with Substance Use Disorder at Work

Due to the stigmas associated with mental health and the lack of disease control and prevention policies at the workplace, a lot of individuals may suffer in silence. The silent struggle can be reflected in the following ways:

• Increased conflicts with colleagues
• Lack of productivity at work
• Unable to balance work and personal life
• Increase absenteeism at work
• Increased accidents at the workplace

The Hidden Cost of Substance Use in the Workplace

The cost of an employee having substance use disorder is not just paid by that particular employee but by the organization as a whole due to increased risk of fatal accidents, delay in work, decreased quality of work, etc. Workplace safety decreases not just for that employee but also for the colleagues as well due to risky behaviour.

The Numbers Employers Can’t Ignore

• Absenteeism: According to researches, those who consume alcohol and drugs have a higher rate of absenteeism in comparison to nonusers.
• Accidents: The transportation industry is one of the many fields in which employees with substance use disorder can lead to catastrophic events.
• Job Satisfaction: Job satisfaction is often also associated with job quitting, turnover and performance quality. Research shows that employees having lower job satisfaction are more likely to use alcohol and drugs in comparison to those with higher job satisfaction.

Why Stigma Distorts Reality

Stigma related to mental health concerns becomes a huge barrier in seeking professional support. Stigma can create a sense of fear amongst employees struggling with substance use disorder, thereby preventing them from opening up about their concerns. Due to a lack of conversation around mental health, a false picture can be painted behind with a lot of individuals who are suffering may remain in silence! Workplace stigma needs to be addressed to accept reality and improve the wellness of employees.

Why Talking About It Matters

Talking about mental health concerns becomes the first step towards a healthier mental health and a reduction in workplace stigma. Gradually, we can normalise conversations around mental health, train leaders to support employees with empathy and offer confidential support at the workplace.

Breaking the Cycle of Silence

• Normalise conversations about mental health at the workplace
• Offering confidential mental health support
• Acknowledge the mental health recovery journeys

Recognizing Substance Use Problems Without Judgment

Acknowledging and accepting the substance use disorder as a serious mental health concern can allow one to become more aware of the disorder as a whole and explore possible treatment. A non-judgmental space makes it easier for the individual who is seeking support to discuss the issues with openness and honesty.

What Employees Need to Know About Recovery

As an employee embarks on the recovery journey, it is possible that there can be a lot of questions that they are trying to find answers to. Given below, we have tried answering such common topics, and if you further have any questions regarding substance use disorder, you can connect with the team of Athena Behavioral Health for individualised support.

1. Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous

Withdrawal from alcohol after being addicted to it can bring a lot of bodily changes. A professional team can help one navigate through these changes successfully and prevent relapse. Some of the experiences that make the withdrawal process difficult can include:

• Sleep disturbance
• Feeling nauseous
• Feeling anxious
• Hallucinations
• Hand tremors

2. Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean Time Away from Work

Substance Use Disorder treatment plan can vary from individual to individual based on the symptoms’ presentation, intensity of concern, support available, etc. The treatment process does not necessarily mean stepping away from work. Some of how both work and treatment plans can be managed effectively include:

• Flexible working hours
• Part-time work
• Outpatient support
• Partial hospitalisation
• Support from employer

3. Medications for SUD Treatment Are Available

Pharmacological treatment is a crucial part of the comprehensive plan developed for supporting substance use disorder. Medications are prescribed by psychiatrists after a thorough evaluation of the symptoms. Medications can also be a part of withdrawal management.

4. Health Plans Cover SUD Treatment

There are a lot of health plans for employees to seek mental health support that cover the financial strain for the individual. A transparent and honest conversation with the employer and health insurance companies can be useful in such scenarios.

5. Overdose Reversal Medication Saves Lives

Overdose of alcohol and drugs can be life-threatening. Timely seeking support from the medications can allow one to safeguard their life and prevent a tragic loss.

6. People Do Recover—and Thrive

Recovery from substance use disorder is achievable. One needs to stay consistent and seek professional support for recovery as well as relapse prevention. This can allow the individual to improve the overall quality of life and live life to the fullest!

Creating a Recovery-Ready Workplace

The workplace is often like a second home to many, thereby indicating the need for safety and support for one’s health at the workplace. Workplace stigmas related to mental health disorders need to be minimised for a healthier work environment.

Policies: Balancing Protection and Support

• Having an honest conversation about expectations from the employee and the resources that would be offered to the employee.
• Ensuring the confidentiality of employees is maintained by preventing workplace gossip.
• Job protection during the course of treatment can be offered as an indication of trust in the employee’s work.

Practices: Making Inclusion Visible

• Awareness campaigns regarding substance use disorder
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) for mental health support
• Celebrating awareness months to encourage conversations

People: Changing Workplace Culture

While change may begin with a single person, if the entire organisation actively plays a role in reducing workplace stigma and promoting disease control and prevention, then it can itself be a huge success! Here are some of the many individuals who can act as changemakers in an organisation:

• HR Managers
• Team leaders
• Senior Leaders
• EAP Coordinators

Learning from Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness is a way to improve our quality of life and overall well-being. A lot of people struggle in silence because of substance use disorders, and if we can successfully reduce workplace stigma, those people would get an opportunity to voice their concerns and feel better!

Conclusion: Normalizing Recovery in the Workplace

At Athena Behavioral Health, we actively strive to engage in conversations about mental wellness and offer individualised treatment plans for substance use disorder.

If you or a loved one even suspects the signs of alcohol and drug dependence, then reach out to our supportive team of professionals today by calling us at +91 9289086193, and we will make every possible effort to support you!