When Employees Struggle with Opioid Addiction

New research shows 75% of employers have workers affected by struggles with opioids, 30% of workers have family members with opioid misuse and addiction problems, 30% of employers have employees who have missed work due to opioids, 22% of employees experience impaired performance due to opioids, 18% of employers say they have had employees arrested, and 8% claim to have employees who have overdosed.

Given these impacts, it is unlikely coworkers aren’t the first to know. Can coworkers help? Know how you could save a life. In a caring manner, let your coworker know that you are concerned for their health and well-being. Then recommend use of the Employee Assistance Program or another source of help like a counseling hotline. They are easily found online. Expect your offer of help to be declined at first. But stay tuned—a crisis or drug-related incident in the future or some related mishap will provide you with another chance.

Source: www.nsc.org/in-the-newsroom (see story posted 3-17-19)

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Keith Stein | 5/23/2019