The Danger of Addiction in the Workplace

Everyone wants to believe that employees report to work completely sober, and they also like to think that addiction is not an issue for their employees. Unfortunately, even if an employee doesn’t show up for work impaired by drugs or alcohol, their substance abuse and alcoholism can create issues within the workplace. Employees who are addicts or alcoholics are more likely to take excessive sick days and get injured in the workplace.

Something important to consider is that although a person may not start using to come to work under the influence, these substances can lower their inhibitions. That means that after using, they likely won’t consider consequences in the same way that they would while sober. This can lead a person to use more than they should or may even come to work thinking they are in a stable position to do so.

Depending on the job in question, this mistake can have a grave price. It is why certain professions employ the use of drug testing to help avoid any serious accidents or errors on the job. Even so, addiction is a powerful disease, and not everyone has the immediate ability to overcome it on their own.

Choosing a Drug Rehab Affiliate Program

Partnering with a drug addiction affiliate program allows businesses to ensure that their employees have access to industry-specific treatment support. At the Stuart, Florida, Banyan Treatment Center, we offer opiate detox programs, alcohol detox, and other treatment programs customized to individual patient needs. We can tailor our treatment opportunities to meet the needs of your employees, giving them access to drug treatment and mental health affiliate programs that support recovery.

Certain industries carry higher risks of addiction, and professionals in these industries need customized support for their recovery. Partnering with our team allows your employees to get the care they need when they need it.

Blue-Collar Jobs Have Higher Rates of Substance Abuse

Certain professions are linked with higher rates of addiction and alcoholism. Blue-collar jobs, specifically construction and mining jobs, have high rates of alcoholism and substance abuse. 14.3% of construction workers and 11.8% of mining workers reported a substance use disorder.¹ This is considerably higher than many other professions, leaving blue-collar workers especially susceptible to substance abuse, including addiction and alcoholism. There are many theories as to why blue-collar workers have higher occurrences of addiction. These theories include:

• Geography. Most mining and similar blue-collar jobs are in areas already embroiled in the addiction epidemic. West Virginia and Kentucky are popular for blue-collar mining jobs, and they are also the epicenter of the opioid epidemics. Our industry-focused opiate detox programs can help blue-collar employees get sober from opioid addiction.
• Workplace injuries. Workplace injuries are another cause of substance abuse. An employee gets injured on the job, and they may be prescribed opioids to treat their pain. Due to the highly addictive nature of opioids, addiction can quickly form.

Blue-collar jobs bring higher rates of substance abuse, but companies can help employees find sobriety by choosing affiliate detox programs in Stuart. With a treatment facility of choice, businesses can link employees with custom-tailored treatment programs, giving each employee individualized support for their recovery.

The Impact of Workplace Injuries on Substance Abuse

Workplace injuries pose a significant risk for the development of substance abuse issues among employees. When individuals sustain injuries on the job, they may be prescribed pain medications, often opioids, to manage their pain. Unfortunately, the highly addictive nature of opioids can lead to dependency and, subsequently, addiction. This creates a challenging scenario where individuals, initially seeking relief from pain, find themselves grappling with a substance use disorder. Employers need to be acutely aware of this risk and take proactive measures to address both the physical and mental aspects of recovery following a workplace injury.

In many instances, the correlation between workplace injury and substance abuse is exacerbated by a lack of awareness and support. Employees may face challenges in navigating their recovery journey, and employers can play a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages open communication about mental health and addiction struggles. Implementing comprehensive support systems, including counseling services and alternative pain management strategies, can contribute to breaking the cycle of injury-related substance abuse within the workforce.

Businesses that recognize the link between workplace injuries and substance abuse can benefit from implementing preventative measures. This involves not only focusing on the physical rehabilitation of injured employees but also addressing the psychological aspects of pain management. By doing so, employers can contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce, minimizing the risk of addiction stemming from workplace injuries and promoting overall employee well-being.

Preventing Relapse and Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Maintaining the effectiveness of addiction treatment programs requires taking every precaution to prevent staff from relapsing. For those in recovery, the shift from an organized treatment setting to the daily demands of the job can be particularly risky. Employers can address the psychological and emotional aspects of healing by taking proactive steps, such as offering continuous counseling services and mental health assistance. Businesses play a major role in creating an atmosphere that lessens triggers and supports long-term recovery by promoting a workplace culture that prioritizes employees' overall well-being.

Apart from providing psychological assistance, companies can create a comprehensive aftercare plan that goes beyond the prescribed treatment duration. These programs could consist of ongoing access to support groups, wellness campaigns, and recurring check-ins to track developments and handle any new issues. Acknowledging the distinct requirements of workers who have completed addiction treatment, these aftercare programs strengthen the dedication to their continuous healing process by developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan. In the end, companies that engage in comprehensive relapse prevention and long-term support programs help their employees grow personally and become more resilient, and they also help to create a compassionate and understanding work environment.

Industry-Specific Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs in Stuart

At Banyan Treatment Centers Stuart, we believe in helping employees from all sectors find a sober tomorrow. We know that sobriety can change an employee’s life, giving them control over their future. Sober employees are happier, healthier, and more productive. We are changing lives every day with the detox, intensive inpatient treatment, and mental health programs offered by our Florida rehabs.

Our treatment curriculum is designed for the industry-specific needs of blue-collar workers, giving each patient individualized support to help them get sober for the last time. Patients can resume working once they have completed our treatment program.

Contact our Florida addiction treatment center today to learn more about our affiliate program opportunities.

Source

1. SAMHSA - Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder by Industry