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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace: A Guide to Recovery for Employees
www.samhsa.gov

[image: Smiling female worker in hardhat.]

What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder refers to misuse, dependence or addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. It may be surprising to learn just how many people with a substance use disorder are in the workplace. Seventy-six percent of illegal drug users are employed either full- or part-time. And alcohol is the most widely abused substance among working adults, especially men.

[image: Female employee with telephone headset.]

Alcohol- and drug-related problems can alter job performance, resulting in decreased job security, financial ruin and, in the worst cases, accidental death. The good news
is that today's employers realize there is much to gain by helping employees who are dealing with addiction. Many companies have recognized the need for Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace initiatives that provide substance abuse treatment, employee assistance and wellness programs for employees and their A families. In fact, if you or someone you care about has a substance use disorder and is employed, the workplace could be your greatest support for getting the help you need.

How do I know if a substance use disorder is the problem?
The only way to be certain if you or someone you care about has a substance use disorder, and to know if treatment could be beneficial, is through proper screening and
assessment by a qualified professional.

[image: Male employee wearing a hardhat.]

However, certain signs may indicate a problem exists. Work quality may not be consistent or up to its usual standards. Carelessness and mistakes may occur. productivity may fall due to poor concentration and errors in judgment. And work safety procedures may be disregarded, which can result in needless risk-taking and accidents. Other signs that may signify a substance use disorder include increased absenteeism, unexplained disappearances from work, extended lunch breaks, late arrivals and early departures.

Can employees in recovery lose their jobs?
Legally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities are protected from being discriminated against because of their condition. Individuals in treatment or recovery are included in this act, under certain circumstances. Most companies have a written policy about substance use, misuse and dependence, and how it relates to their employees and the workplace. You have the right to ask for a copy.

[image: Male employee using a celluar phone.]

Where can I go to find help?
Reading a company's policy on substance use can give you a better idea of where to start. You can also ask the human resources department for assistance. Human resources is usually in charge of company Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and employee wellness programs, which can help you find treatment programs and services in your area. You can also contact any of the national resources listed in this brochure, at no cost to you. Make the first step toward recovery by asking for help. You will soon find that on the road to a life of health and well-being, you will not travel alone.

[image: Collage of photos of employees and workplaces.]

Where there's help, there's hope.

Federal Resources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Suite 13C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
www.samhsa.gov • www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's National Helpline
800-662-HELP (Toll-Free)
800-487-4889 (TDD) (Toll-Free)
877-767-8432 (Spanish) (Toll-Free)

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-5052 • www.csat.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Division of Workplace Programs
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-6780 (Office)
800-WORKPLACE (Workplace Helpline) (Toll-Free) www.drugfreeworkplace.gov

U.S. Department of Labor
Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-2312
Washington, DC 20210
www.dol.gov

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Office of Work/Life Programs
Theodore Roosevelt Building
1900 E Street, NW, Room 7425
Washington, DC 20415-2000
202-606-5520 • www.opm.gov/ehs/Emphlth.asp

Non-Federal Resources:
This is just a sampling of available resources. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement.

Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace
1225 I Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
202-842-7400 • www.drugfreeworkplace.org

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Center for Workforce Preparation
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062
202-463-5525 • www.uschamber.com

DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 04-3944
NCADI Publication No. PHD1081

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and mental health Services Administration
Center for Substance Abuse treatment
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857

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