Supporting Employees with Substance Use Disorder

As a small business owner, you play a key role in supporting your employees’ well-being, including those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). With millions affected by SUD worldwide, it's important to create a workplace culture that encourages support and understanding for those facing this challenge.

Substance use disorder is often intertwined with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, making it difficult for employees to seek help. However, by offering flexible, personalized support, you can help them take meaningful steps toward recovery.

The first step is recognizing that everyone’s journey is different. Some employees may be ready to make changes, while others might need more time. By offering tailored resources, such as counseling, therapy, and peer support, you can meet employees where they are in their recovery process.

Many employees don’t seek help due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of awareness about available resources. To combat this, create a work environment where mental health discussions are encouraged and seeking help is confidential. Make sure employees know what resources are available and are reminded regularly about those programs, whether through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or community-based programs.

Check out Drug Free America Foundation’s Guide on Stigma in the Workplace here for more guidance on how to avoid stigma and support your employees in recovery.

Goal-setting is another important aspect of recovery. Encourage employees to set clear, achievable goals, such as finding and supporting healthier ways to cope with stress. Providing incentives to encourage employees to try out things like yoga classes, or walking challenges is an easy way for employers to boost these activities. These goals should be approached with curiosity, allowing employees to experiment and reflect on what works best for them.

A supportive work environment is also crucial. Studies1 indicate that employees who have faced depression or anxiety appreciate when managers initiate conversations about mental health and are willing to adjust workloads as needed. To foster a supportive and healthy workplace culture, encourage managers to talk openly about mental health and recognize substance use disorder as a condition that may require empathy and assistance.

By creating a supportive, stigma-free environment, you can help your employees manage substance use disorder and foster a healthier, more productive workplace. Providing access to the right resources and being proactive about support can make a lasting impact on your team’s well-being.

Citations: Bailey, K., Scheutzow, J., Cooke, E., Taylor, K., Silvestrin, F., Naumenko, A., Hadley, R., Huxley, A., & Ponzo, S. (2023). Employees’ support strategies for mental wellbeing during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Recommendations for employers in the UK workforce. PLoS ONE, 18(5), e0285275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285275

Source: McConnell, Kim. “The Challenge of Change: How Employers Can Modernize Workplace Substance Use Support.” How Employers Can Modernize Workplace Substance Use Support | Spring Health, Spring Health, 1 Apr. 2024, www.springhealth.com/blog/how-employers-can-modernize-workplace-substance-use-support