What role can the workplace play in addressing substance abuse? Outside of their own homes, full-time employees spend more time at work than anywhere else. As such, the workplace environment can be fairly influential in a person’s overall well-being.

Addiction is a serious problems that affect millions of people. While there are numerous factors that can influence a person’s struggles, the work environment is one of them. So, what can be done in the workplace to promote wellness and curb substance abuse?

What is Substance Abuse?

First, let’s clarify what “substance abuse” means. It is defined as the excessive use of an addictive substance like opiates or alcohol. In some cases, it is not easy to know when the line is crossed between “casual use” and abuse for a legal substance like alcohol. But the effects, regardless of the substance’s legality, can be detrimental to anyone’s well-being.

How to Promote Substance Abuse Treatment in the Workplace

Substance abuse in the workplace can affect everybody, not just the individual who is struggling with addiction. As such, companies should prioritize a sober, drug-free work environment for everybody. But policing addiction with purely punitive measures can cause more problems than it solves.

Addiction is a disease that should be treated, and not merely a behavior to be penalized. If you were to ask a counselor, they would likely recommend a more compassionate approach to addressing substance abuse at work. Many companies today have begun to follow this overall wellness approach to address these issues.

What exactly does that look like? Here are a few of the most important points to keep in mind when addressing substance abuse treatment at work.

Workplace Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness programs are unique, multifaceted initiatives that companies can institute to promote health and wellness for all employees. This can involve things like promoting healthy activities, nutritional guidance and support, and physical examinations.

Wellness programs are not a condition of employment but are offered to employees as a means to promote happier and healthier living. It’s common for companies to include resources for substance abuse education in their wellness programs. This provides resources to help employees tackle addiction, while also destigmatizing it.

Substance Abuse Counseling Coverage

Another big step that companies can take to promote better overall wellness is providing coverage for counseling. Regularly scheduled sessions with a substance abuse counselor, for instance, can be crucial to helping someone overcome addiction.

However, counseling can be a financial burden that some individuals are not equipped to handle. Employers can lessen that burden simply by covering counseling as part of their employee healthcare plan.

Drug Testing

In many cases, drug testing remains the most effective method to verify whether or not somebody is maintaining their sobriety. Whether as a condition of employment or simply as part of a wellness or treatment plan, drug testing can provide clarity and transparency in the workplace.

In industries where it is forbidden as a condition of employment, accurate drug testing is an absolute necessity.

Soteria Can Help

To learn more about the effectiveness and benefits of workplace drug testing, read about Soteria Screening Labs’ variety of services. Or consider ordering a test today if you require timely and reliable drug testing of any sort. Soteria Labs offers a wide range of drug tests including 5 and 10-panel drug tests as well as specialty exams. When it comes to workplace wellness, accurate and trustworthy testing is critically important. Get started today!